Hi Dr. Sher. I was about to start IVF and I was told I only have 5 follicles this cycle and that IVF will most likely fail. I was advised to do blood work again for AmH, FSH, TSH, vitamin D, CBC, estradiol and do ultrasound next cycle again. I’m 39. Healthy. AMH below 1 ( 9 months ago). FSH 24 ( 9 months ago) and follicle count 8 ( 9 months ago). Are my chances really low as the doctor says? Should I still try ? Thank you
Ask Our Doctors
Supporting Your Journey
Our Medical Directors are outstanding physicians that you will find to be very personable and compassionate, who take care to ensure that you have the most cutting-edge fertility treatments at your disposal. This is your outlet to ask your questions to the doctors.
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Dear Patients,
I created this forum to welcome any questions you have on the topic of infertility, IVF, conception, testing, evaluation, or any related topics. I do my best to answer all questions in less than 24 hours. I know your question is important and, in many cases, I will answer within just a few hours. Thank you for taking the time to trust me with your concern.– Geoffrey Sher, MD
Fill in the following information and we’ll get back to you.
Ivf
Name: Valentina W
Hi Dr. Sher. I was about to start IVF and I was told I only have 5 follicles this cycle and that IVF will most likely fail. I was advised to do blood work again for AmH, FSH, TSH, vitamin D, CBC, estradiol and do ultrasound next cycle again. I’m 39. Healthy. AMH below 1 ( 9 months ago). FSH 24 ( 9 months ago) and follicle count 8 ( 9 months ago). Are my chances really low as the doctor says? Should I still try ? Thank you
Answer:
I would need much more information to provide a response. I suggest you call Patti Converse at 702-533-2691 and set up an online consultation with me to discuss.
Geoff Sher
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PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH OTHERS AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!
Herewith are online links to 2 E-books recently co-authored with my partner at SFS-NY (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:
- From In Vitro Fertilization to Family: A Journey with Sher Fertility Solutions (SFS) ; https://sherfertilitysolutions.com/sher-fertility-solutions-ebook.pdf
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link ;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view
I invite you to visit my very recently launched “Podcast”, “HAVE A BABY” on RUMBLE; https://rumble.com/c/c-3304480
If you are interested in having an online consultation with me, please contact my assistant, Patti Converse at 702-533-2691 or email her at concierge@sherivf.com\
Sclerotherapy
Name: Lindsey W
Hello,
I have multiple ovarian Endometriomas. I was wondering if you offer sclerotherapy? How far are you booking out? I already have diminished ovarian reserve. Would having this done hurt my reserve more?
Author
Answer:
I am no longer offering this because the ideal sclerosant (tetracycline hydrochloride) is no longer accessible.
So,sorry.
GS
Pregnancy and embryo
Name: Jaylin W
I was sexually active march 4th and had unprotected sex… no seman got inside of me.i tested myself on the 18 got a negative and than got my embryo transfer on the 18 tested myself on the 19,20,21
Got a negative tests and than got a faint positive 4 days after transfer on the 22nd is this pregnancy from me or from the embryo transfer. I also had an ultrasound on my belly while they did the embryo transfer of that matters
Author
Answer:
You tested too early! I suggest you test again now. That will give a more definitive result!
Geoff Sher
Donar mis óvulo
Name: Rossyel L
Quisiera saber si obtendré un pago por donarlo
Author
Answer:
Please re-post in English!
Geoff Sher
egg donor
Name: jelsy r
i want to know if i qualify to be donor im 33 where i have to go and how much you pay for it?
Author
Answer:
Yes you do!
I suggest you call Rozanne Sher at “Footsteps to Family” for more information. Her # is 702-860-0097.
Geoff Sher
I need help with ivf
Name: Ikhlas d
Hi . I try ivf I don’t get pregnant 🙁 I want baby but I can’t pay a lot money I don’t have 🙁 I need help plz
Author
Answer:
If you’ve undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) and didn’t achieve a successful pregnancy, you may be wondering why. It’s important to know that IVF outcomes can be unpredictable, but there are factors that can affect your chances. Let’s explore some common reasons for IVF failure in simpler terms.
- Age: A woman’s age is a significant factor in IVF success. Generally, women under 35 have a higher chance of getting pregnant through IVF, around 35-40% per embryo transfer. However, this success rate decreases as women get older. For women in their mid-forties, the success rate drops to under 5%. This decline is mainly because the quality of eggs decreases as women age, affecting their ability to develop normally.
- Egg/Embryo Competency: Apart from age, the quality and competency of embryos also affect IVF success. The quality of eggs and embryos is influenced by a woman’s age. However, for older women or those with fewer eggs, the specific IVF protocol used to stimulate the ovaries becomes crucial. A more aggressive approach may be needed to maximize the chances of success. Previously, it was thought that the uterus was better for embryo development than the lab environment. So, early-stage embryos were transferred to the uterus based on their appearance. However, we now know that embryos that have progressed further in development are more likely to be successful. Embryos that don’t reach the blastocyst stage within 5-6 days after fertilization are considered less competent and not suitable for transfer. Additionally, Preimplantation Genetic Sampling / Testing (PGS/T) allows us to check the chromosomes of embryos. This technique helps select the most competent embryos for transfer, especially for older women, those with fewer eggs, repeated IVF failures, and recurrent pregnancy loss.
- Number of Embryos Transferred: Some people believe that transferring more embryos increases the chances of success. While this may have some truth, it’s essential to know that if the problem lies with the ovarian stimulation protocol, transferring more embryos won’t solve it. Also, transferring more embryos doesn’t fix issues related to embryo implantation dysfunction, such as anatomical or immunologic problems. Moreover, multiple embryos can lead to higher-order multiple pregnancies, which pose risks. To minimize these risks, it’s generally recommended to transfer a maximum of two embryos, or even just one, especially when using eggs from young women.
- Implantation Dysfunction (ID): Implantation dysfunction is often overlooked as a cause of unexplained IVF failure, especially in young women with normal ovarian reserve and fertile partners. Failure to identify and address these issues can result in repeated IVF failures. If transferring competent embryos repeatedly fails to result in a viable pregnancy, implantation dysfunction should be considered. The most common causes include:
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- Thin Uterine Lining: When the lining of the uterus is too thin, it can affect the embryo’s ability to implant and grow.
- Surface Lesions in the Uterus: Polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue in the uterus can interfere with embryo implantation.
- Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID): Sometimes, the immune system can mistakenly attack the embryo, preventing successful implantation.
- Endocrine/Molecular Endometrial Receptivity Issues: Hormonal or molecular issues in the uterine lining can impact the embryo’s ability to attach and develop.
- Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU) Infection: This infection in the cervical mucous and uterine lining can lead to unexplained early pregnancy loss or IVF failure. Both partners should be tested and treated if positive to prevent transmission.
Certain causes of infertility are difficult or impossible to reverse, e.g.; advanced age of the woman, severe male infertility, and immunologic implantation dysfunction associated with certain specific genetic factors.
Understanding the common factors contributing to IVF failure can help you have informed discussions with your doctor and make decisions for future attempts. Factors like the number of embryos transferred and implantation dysfunction play significant roles. While success cannot be guaranteed, knowing these factors can guide you in maximizing your chances and addressing potential issues.