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I am 37yrs old and am doing IVF for the 3rd time. The first time I produced 37eggs (19 fertilized) and we did a 5 day transfer of 2 embryos and had 4 to freeze. I did get pregnant, but it ended in an ectopic. The 2nd time I produced 36 eggs (24 fertilized) and we did a 5 day transfer of 2 embryos and had 4 left over. I did get pregnant, but it ended in mc. This time the MD reduced the medications again and I produced 19 eggs (9 fertilzed) and my MD just called and said that there are 7 embryos today and that we will do a 5 day transfer on Monday. I am just concerned that we will have an embryo to transfer. Do we have a chance? Is this a good fertilization report?
Thank you,
Chloe
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When a large number of eggs are retrieved (>20), it gives a false sense of security. Out of every "crop" of eggs, only a small number have the capacity to reach the blastocyst stage (6 each time, in your case). This last cycle they retrieved fewer eggs, but that doesn't necessarily mean fewer blastocyst stage embryos in the end. If fact, it has been my expereince that when fewer that 20 eggs are retrieved, a higher percentage of the total number of embryos reach the blastocyst stage. This is because, although fewer eggs were retrieved, they were of better quality (due to improved cytoplasmic maturation during the stimulation phase).
Patients who produce large numbers of eggs often have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Poor egg quality is associated with these "over-the-top" stimulations that result in 30, 40 or even 50 eggs. In this case, more is not better. In addition, the exceptionally high estrogen levels associated with these "over-the-top" stimulations may also interfer with the implantation process (although no one is exactly sure how that works).
I agree with your REs approach to "tame" the stimulation and try to improve the egg quality. You may have fewer eggs, but the quality of the those eggs is probably better this time and the endometrium may be in better shape to recieve the embryos.
Good luck.
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Thank you so much for answering my questions.
I went today for my embryo transfer and we had 3 embryos to transfer. I am praying that they will implant.
We did not have any to freeze.
Do you think that we have a good chance?
Thank you
Chloe
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Did they tell you the stage (i.e. blastocyst) and grade of the embryos transferred?
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All I know is that they were blastocysts. My Re is optimistic.
Thank you!!
Chloe
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Depending on the grade (quality) of the blastocysts, your chances range from "reasonable" to "very good".
Best of luck.
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