[ebb73]

This is my first IVF, first of any treatments. I started my stimulation on Monday and had my first ultrasound today to see the progress. The doctor said she saw only 2, possibly 3 follicles but that they were small and maybe I'm a "slow starter." I'm unfortunately on the highest amount of stims they prescribe so she couldn't ramp anything up. She said they would wait a few days now until my next US instead of coming back tomorrow to see if it's any better -- apparently they are looking for at least 5 healthy looking follicles to even do ER. Has anyone been in this position? I have to admit that the doctor didn't seem overly positive but I'm really trying to stay positive.....

Thanks - this forum has been so helpful.

[Brooklyn]

Stay positive Ebb!! I have told my story a thousand times here but I was on aggressive meds as well - 225IU Bravelle and 75IU Menopur and only had five follies. I got five eggs, four fertilized, and I did a 5 day ET with a beautiful blast and a morula - it's NOT over yet sweetie - but I know how you feel. I bawled in the doctors office when they only found five follies.

Are you on an antagonist protocol? My doctor said that on that protocol it is quality over quantity.

[missthuyn]

I don't know what your diagnosis is, but if 4 or 5 follies is what you're going to get, you could change it to an IUI. Or you can continue and hope that these 4 or 5 follies create great embries! Afterall, it only takes 1!!!! Goodluck!

[Brooklyn]

Missthuyn is right - if they don't want to move ahead with IVF than they will probably swap you to an IUI. I've read success stories of people that got cancelled on their IVF - did an IUI and got knocked up!

Good luck!

[ebb73]

Thanks - my doctor had said that was a possibility (abandoning IVF in favor of IUI). I know based on my history that we were going to have to be aggressive but also patient. I just will keep my fingers crossed that I get some amazing growth over the weekend.... Getting any growth is the big concern going in so maybe I should be happy that at least there are a few follicles

Thanks!

[mss2069]

Originally Posted by ebb73

This is my first IVF, first of any treatments. I started my stimulation on Monday and had my first ultrasound today to see the progress. The doctor said she saw only 2, possibly 3 follicles but that they were small and maybe I'm a "slow starter." I'm unfortunately on the highest amount of stims they prescribe so she couldn't ramp anything up. She said they would wait a few days now until my next US instead of coming back tomorrow to see if it's any better -- apparently they are looking for at least 5 healthy looking follicles to even do ER. Has anyone been in this position? I have to admit that the doctor didn't seem overly positive but I'm really trying to stay positive.....

Thanks - this forum has been so helpful.

I was a slow starter too. My RE was not happy but i finally came around. I'm praying for ya.

[daisy2006]

I know exactly how you feel. I was a veeerrrry slow started too. I got discouraged everytime I went in for an ultrasound. I didn't thing I was ever going to get there. I finally did and they only retreived 9 follies, but all of them fertilized. Hang in there. I know it is such a stressfull process. Especially when u feel like you are not making any progress.

[alfowler]

You are not alone! I hate to be the downer but I just had a cycle cancelled due to only 3 follies. My 3 did not grow any from stim day 5 to stim day 9 so we cancelled.

I am going to start estrogen priming protocol once AF comes and then do the lupron Flare protocol with it.

What was you antral follicle count and what is you E2 count. My AFC was only 1 and my E2 never got over 23 after 9 days of stims. I was going no where.

Stay positive! Someone else on this thread was in the same situation and she just kept stimming. She finally was able to go to ER after 18 days of stims! I would think as long as you are making some progress they will let you continue.

Good luck!

[ebb73]

Thanks for all of the posts -- I really am feeling quite low about all of this so I'm trying to hold onto some hope. I just got a call from my nurse and my estrogen was at 25 which obviously wasn't a positive sign. She said to keep moving forward with my meds, though, and we'll see what happens on Monday (stim day 8).

[Jami]

Hi Ebb. My first cycle was canceled on day 9. I was bumming about it but I knew that I didn't want to con't if the doctor strongly felt that I can do better. During my second cycle on day 5 I had 4 follies. And my e levels were low. I was sure that my second cycle would be canceled. On day 12 I had 5 follies ready to go and 7 follies not the size my RE wanted them but he gave me the go ahead anyway to trigger. Today was my ER and to my surprise 8 were eggs. So I too was a slow starter and slow responder. Hang in there. I know it's easier said than done.

[VegasGirl]

I'm a slow responder to meds also. After 4 days of stims, I had 5 follicles. My RE thinks more will occur-either 1 or 2 more. I go for a 2nd US on Tues and I hope to see a few more. Hang in there. Don't give up hope. Remember, it only takes 1 good quality egg!!

[mak27]

you guys are making me feel much better. I'm on IVF#1 and my baseline US showed only 6 follies. But they are going to be super active and GROW

[luckyday]

I don't remember my exact numbers, but I can tell you that I only had 7 eggs retrieved, 5 fertilized, and only 2 made it to transfer ( a blast and morula). Just remember it only takes one. You don't need a ton of eggs to get pregnant. Wishing you all the best.

Grow follies GROW!