What is Inflammation of uterus
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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
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Anatomy
Name: Ali-abbas M
What is Inflammation of uterus
Answer:
Endometritis where the endometrial lining becomes infected and inflamed, raising the possibility of an implantation dysfunction.
Geoff Sher
_________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently co-authored with my partner at SFS-NY (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:
1.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
………………………………………………………………..
IVF – Friend of Ivan Sher
Name: Mash P
Hello, I am 41 years old. I am a friend of Ivan Sher’s for many years and he mentioned I could get some help from Dr. Sher on here. My AMH levels are 2.87. We started IVF when I was 40, in July 2022. Mainly because of reasons not for me. In July we retrieved 27 eggs, 25 mature, 17 fertilized, 7 embryos, after PGT 1 normal and 1 low level +19 mosaic. We used fresh sperm. CoQ10 and prenatal vitamins only supplements. Second retrieval in September 2022. 27 retrieved, 25 mature, 22 fertilized, 9 embryos, 2 normal after PGT and 1 inconclusive. We used fresh sperm again and same supplements. Did a transfer in October and I was pregnant. Mis carried at 9 weeks, end of November. Did a second transfer in January and that transfer failed. switched doctors. Did a mock trial. Doctor said I have a little bit of andemyosis on one part of my lining that we will supress for 3 months with Lupron Depot then we can do a 3rd transfer in June. I said I will do a 3rd retrieval to try and bank more embryos for the future. I asked if we should supress before retrieval and they told me no that my ovaries don’t have anything to do with my uterus and the andemyosis is only on my uterus. March 2023 i do my 3rd retrieval. We received 32 eggs, 21 mature, 15 fertilized and ONLY 1 EMBRYO THIS TIME which is currently out for PGT. I was in complete shock with the difference in my results. We used Frozen Sperm this time and an entire list of supplements the doc gave me. I asked my Doctor WHY this happened ? He said either the frozen sperm didn’t work well or my andemyosis progressed and stimulated during stim. I told him I had asked to supress prior to the retrieval and they told me I don’t need to and he said that we didn’t know It progressed and obviously they still don’t know. It is just a guess either that happened or it’s the frozen sperm. I’m incredibly frustrated. Last Friday I took my first shot of Lupron. I have one normal and one embryo left and one out for PGT … God knows if that one will come back normal. I’m 41.5 now and I just want to have our baby. I really don’t want to do a 4th retrieval and want to just transfer in June. My question is, why do you feel my results this time came back with almost no embryos ? Doc said most arrested around day 4 and 5. I wish they had called me at Day 3 to update me. Any advice on what I should do next after I am on this Lupron for 3 months ? I’m worried if i do a 4th retrieval and then a frozen transfer 5 days after in June, I risk my embryo implanting due to my andemyosis being triggered again from stims, even after Lupron. I was thinking either to do a 4th retrieval in June and transfer 3 day 3 fresh embryos from that retrieval as to not risk losing embryos again and then if there are more embryos, freeze them and send out for PGT testing. That way I still have one normal and one mosaic frozen and if June transfer fails, i can do another transfer in July with a frozen. I am trying to not waste time. Luckily I have a high egg count but this process has been very frustrating and disheartening. a lot of trial and error. I don’t believe i ever had endometriosis or andeymosis before starting IVF. I have been pregnant naturally before. I would love to hopefully hear back from you. I really appreciate your advice. Ivan speaks so incredibly highly of you !!! I wish I could meet you ! you have helped some friends of mine as well.
Author
Answer:
I am flattered that Ivan referred you to me and will do my best to advise. The response will be lengthy but please read it carefully:
There are several issues that apply here
1, AGE: It is primarily the egg (rather than the sperm) that determines the chromosomal integrity (karyotype) of the embryo, the most important determinant of egg/embryo competency”. A “competent” egg is therefore one that has a normal karyotype and has the best potential to propagate a “competent” embryo. In turn, a “competent embryo is one that possesses the highest potential to implant and develop into a normal, healthy, baby.
When it comes to reproductive performance, humans are the least efficient of all mammals. Even in young women under 35y, at best only 2 out of 3 eggs are chromosomally numerically normal (euploid). The remainder will have an irregular number of chromosomes (aneuploid) and are thus “incompetent”. The incidence of egg aneuploidy increases with age such by age 39 years, 3 in 4 are “competent”, and by the mid-forties, at best one in 10 are likely to be aneuploid. The fertilization of an aneuploid egg will inevitably lead to embryo aneuploidy (“incompetence”). As previously stated, an aneuploid embryo cannot propagate a normal pregnancy s. For the embryo to have exactly 46 chromosomes (the euploid number), both the mature egg and mature spermatozoon must contain exactly 23 chromosomes. Only such euploid embryos are “competent” (capable of developing into healthy babies). Those with an irregular number of chromosomes (aneuploid embryos) are “incompetent” and are incapable of propagating healthy babies. While embryo “incompetence” can result from either egg or sperm aneuploidy, it usually stems from egg aneuploidy. However, in cases of moderate or severe male factor infertility, the sperm’s contribution to aneuploidy of the embryo can be significantly greater.
While embryo ploidy (numerical chromosomal integrity) is not the only determinant of its “competency, it is by far the most important and in fact is a rate-limiting factor in human reproduction. It is causal in the vast majority of cases of “failed nidation which in turn is responsible for most cases of a failed pregnancy (natural or assisted) and causes most sporadic early pregnancy losses (both chemical gestations and miscarriages) as well as many chromosomal birth defects such as Turner syndrome (X-monosomy ) Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and Edward syndrome (trisomy 18) . In most cases, embryos that develop too slowly as well as those that grow too fast (i.e. ones that by day 3 post-fertilization comprise fewer than 6 cells or more than 9 cells) and/or embryos that contain cell debris or “fragments” are usually aneuploid and are thus unable to propagate a healthy pregnancy (i.e. they are “incompetent”). Additionally, embryos that fail to survive in culture to the blastocyst stage are also almost always aneuploid/”incompetent”. .Advancing chronologic age ais almost invariably associated increased incidence of egg/embryo “incompetence” due to aneuploidy
The ovaries and developing eggs of older women are highly susceptible to the adverse effect of excessive Luteinizing Hormone (LH)-induced, ovarian overproduction of male hormones (e,g. testosterone and androstenedione). While a little testosterone produced by the ovaries is essential because for normal and orderly egg development excessive testosterone has a converse effect. That is an important reason why older women who almost invariably have excessive LH bioavailability and thus, increased ovarian testosterone production are at greater risk of propagating aneuploid eggs/embryos. Especially in such women, the use of individualized stimulation protocols that down- regulate LH production and so regulate ovarian testosterone will help to improve egg yield, development and chromosomal integrityl and thereby also embryo competency. Conversely, in such women, the use of ovarian stimulation protocols that fail to down-regulate LH activity prior to initiating ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins, often prejudices egg/embryo yield, quality and IVF outcome. This can manifest as an inordinately high yield of aneuploid embryos and/or low blastocyst propagation (bear in mind that egg which upon fertilization fail to propagate blastocysts are almost always aneuploid and “incompetent”. The only way to try to minimize this effect is by using indidualizing protocols of ovarian stimulation, that down-regulate the LH-nduced effect.
- The conventional long pituitary down regulation protocol: BCP are commenced early in the cycle and continued for at least 10 days. Starting 3 days before the BCP is to be discontinued, it is overlapped with an agonist such as Lupron 10U daily for three (3) days and continued until menstruation begins (which should ensue within 5-7 days of stopping the BCP). At that point an US examination is done along with a baseline measurement of blood estradiol to exclude a functional ovarian cyst. Daily Lupron (10U) is continued and an FSH-dominant gonadotropin such as Follistim, Puregon or Gonal-f daily is administered daily falong with 37.5U of Menopur (an FSH/LH combination) for 2 days. On the 3rd day the gonadotropin dosage is reduced by about one half and the dosage of Menopur is increased to 75U daily. Daily ultrasound and blood estradiol measurements are conducted starting on the 7th or 8th day of gonadotropin administration and continued until daily ultrasound follicle assessments indicate that most follicles have fully developed. At this point egg maturation is “triggered” using an intramuscular injection of a recombinant hCGr (Ovidrel) 500mcg or urinary derived hCGu (Pregnyl/Profasi/Novarel) 10,000U. And an egg retrieval is scheduled for 36h later.
- The agonist/antagonist conversion protocol (A/ACP): This is essentially the same as the conventional long down regulation protocol (see “a”-as above), except that with the onset of post-BCP menstruation, the agonist is supplanted by daily administration of a GnRH antagonist (e.g. Ganirelix, Cetrotide or Orgalutron) at a dosage of 250mcg daily until the day of the “trigger”. When it comes to women who have DOR I favor the use of the A/ACP, adding supplementary human growth hormone (HGH). In cases where the DOR is regarded as severe (AMH=<0.2), I often augment the AACP protocol by using estrogen priming for 7-9 days prior to or with the commencement of gonadotropin therapy; For this I prescribe E2 skin patches or intramuscular estradiol valerate (Delestrogen), prior to or sometimes concurrent with, the commencement of the GnRH antagonist administration
- The following Ovarian stimulation protocols are in my opinion best avoided in stimulating olderf women and /or thosed who regardless of age , have DOR :
- Agonist (e.g. Lupron/Superfact/Buserelin) “flare” protocols which result in an out-pouring of pituitary-LH at the critical time that ovarian follicles and eggs start developing/growing.
- High dosages of LH -containing fertility drugs (e.g. Menopur) can also prejudice egg development and “competency”. Similarly, augmentation of the stimulation with LH0analogues such as hCG is in my opinon, likewise best avoided.
- Supplementation with preparations that are testosterone-based such as Androgel are also, in my opinion, ill advised.
- Supplementation with DHEA (which is converted to testosterone in the ovaries.
- Clomiphene citrate or Letrozole which cause increased release of LH and thus increase ovarian male hormone (testosterone and androstenedione output are in my opinion, best avoided.
- “Triggering” egg maturation using too low a dosage of hCG (e.g. 5,000U rather than 10,000U) or Ovidrel (e.g. 250mcg of Ovidrel rather than 500mcg)
- “Triggering” with an agonist (alone) such as Lupron Superfact/ Buserelin/Aminopeptidyl/Decapeptyl will result in the expunging of LH from the pituitary gland with resultant increased production of ovarian testosterone.
B. ADENOMYOSIS: This condition cannot be disanosed by ultrasound or hysteroscopy. It required performance of pelvic MRI. And, in my opinion, prolonged down-regulation with Lupron has little , if any benefit when it comes to procuring pregnancy. Adenomyosis is a condition where endometrial glands develop outside the uterine lining (endometrium), within the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). Definitive diagnosis of adenomyosis is difficult to make. The condition should be suspected when a premenopausal woman (usually>25 years of age) presents with pelvic pain, heavy painful periods, pain with deep penetration during intercourse, “unexplained infertility” or repeated miscarriages and thereupon, when on digital pelvic examination she is found to have an often smoothly enlarged (bulky) soft tender uterus. Previously, a definitive diagnosis was only possible after a woman had her uterus removed (hysterectomy) and it this was inspected under a microscope. However the use of uterine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now permits reliable diagnosis. Ultrasound examination of the uterus on the other hand , while not permitting definitive diagnosis, is a very helpful tool in raising a suspicion of the existence of adenomyosis. Criteria used to make a diagnosis of adenomyosis on transvaginal ultrasound:
- Smooth generalized enlargement of the uterus.
- Asymmetrical thickening of one side of the (myometrium) as compared to another side.
- Thickening (>12mm) of the junctional zone between the endometrium and myometrium with increased blood flow.
- Absence of a clear line of demarcation between the endometrium and the myometrium
- Cysts in the myometrium
- One or more non discrete (not encapsulated) tumors (adenomyomas) in the myometrium.
Since there is no proven independent relationship between adenomyosis and egg/embryo quality any associated reproductive dysfunction (infertility/miscarriages) might be attributable to an implantation dysfunction. It is tempting to postulate that this is brought about by adenomyosis-related anatomical pathology at the endometrial-myometrial junction. However, many women with adenomyosis, do go on to have children without difficulty. Given that 30%-70% of women who have adenomyosis also have endometriosis…. a known cause of infertility, it is my opinion that infertility caused by adenomyosis is likely linked to endometriosis where infertility is at least in part due to a toxic pelvic environment that compromises egg fertilization potential and/or due to an immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) linked to activation of uterine natural killer cells (NKa). Thus, in my opinion all women who are suspected of having adenomyosis-related reproductive dysfunction (infertility/miscarriages) should be investigated for endometriosis and for IID. The latter, if confirmed would make them candidates for selective immunotherapy (using intralipid/steroid/heparin) in combination with IVF.
Surgery: Conservative surgery to address adenomyosis-related infertility involves excision of portions of the uterus with focal or nodular adenomyosis and/or excision of uterine adenomyomas. It is very challenging and difficult to perform because adenomyosis does not have distinct borders that distinguish normal uterine tissue from the lesions. In addition, surgical treatment for adenomyosis-related reproductive dysfunction is of questionable value and of course is not an option for diffuse adenomyosis.
Medical treatment: There are three approaches.
- GnRH agonists (Buserelin/Lupron) which is thought to work by lowering estrogen levels.
- Aromatase inhibitors such as Letrozole have also been tried with limited success
- Inhibitors of angiogenesis: The junctional zone in women with adenomyosis may grow blood vessels more readily that other women (i.e. angiogenesis). A hormone known as VEGF can drive this process. It is against this background that it has been postulated that use of drugs that reduce the action of VEGF and thereby counter blood vessel proliferation in the uterus could have a therapeutic benefit. While worth trying in some cases, thus far such treatment has been rather disappointing
- Immunotherapy to counter IID: The use of therapies such as Intralipid (or IVIG)/steroids/heparin in combination with IVF might well hold promise in those women with adenomyosis who have NKa.
Fortunately, not all women with adenomyosis are infertile. For those who are, treatment presents a real problem. Even when IVF is used and the woman conceives, there is still a significant risk of miscarriage. Since the condition does not compromise egg/embryo quality, women with adenomyosis-related intractable reproductive dysfunction who fail to benefit from all options referred to above…(including IVF) might as a last resort consider Gestational surro resort consider Gestational surrogacy.
C: GENETIC/CHROMOSOMAL EMBRYO TESTING:
Adenomyosis is a condition where endometrial glands develop outside the uterine lining (endometrium), within the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). Definitive diagnosis of adenomyosis is difficult to make. The condition should be suspected when a premenopausal woman (usually>25 years of age) presents with pelvic pain, heavy painful periods, pain with deep penetration during intercourse, “unexplained infertility” or repeated miscarriages and thereupon, when on digital pelvic examination she is found to have an often smoothly enlarged (bulky) soft tender uterus. Previously, a definitive diagnosis was only possible after a woman had her uterus removed (hysterectomy) and it this was inspected under a microscope. However the use of uterine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now permits reliable diagnosis. Ultrasound examination of the uterus on the other hand , while not permitting definitive diagnosis, is a very helpful tool in raising a suspicion of the existence of adenomyosis.
I would mbe happy to have an online consultation with you. Feel free to set this up by contacting my assistant, Patti Concerse (702-522-2691)
Geoff Sher
____________________________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently co-authored with my partner at SFS-NY (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:
1.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
………………………………………………………………..
IVF
Name: Iris J D G
Hello, Im 41 . I had to have a myomectomy in 2021 which made me wait 6 months from consult to surgery then 7 months recovery. Long story short Dr did not tell me I had low ovarian reserve till later when I went in for recheck after surgery. I did 2 IUI then went to IVF. I had 3 IVF cycles cancelled one to not having enough antra follicles second cyst. The last time checked if cyst was gone it was so took me off bc and put me Omnitrop when I went in for baseline cyst was back in 1 week and I was ready to ovulate so IVF cancelled again and said i could try another IUI so I did. unsuccessful. I just feel they keep doing the same thing an expecting a different result and nothing. I feel hopeless. I have been going since 2022 June .They do batch cycles I’m always waiting and waiting. I have contacted other facilities but they all are hrs ways from me and still have not gotten anywhere so far. I don’t think I should be put on birth control having low amh but they say it will stop the cyst but it has not. Also I have been doing the proove test and I do ovulate and have low progesterone. This last cycyle I did the complete which should I have low FSH as well. I have another cycle planned for April 7th. Can you advise and speak to the my clinic. If I get advise how can I get them to hear me. Any clinic near me you recommend. I am in Moweaqua il going to clinic in Springfield Il. Dr. Loret De Mola. Egg whispers advises Therilogix Co-q10 but it only has like 100mg so you take 5 a day to get 500mg? I am taking Jarrows formula QH-PQQ absorb (ubiquinol, pyrroloquinoline quinone Disodium from the book starts with an egg. and many other supplements.
Kind regards, Iris
Author
Answer:
Perhaps we should talk. I suggest you contact my assistant, Patti at 702-533-2691 and set up an online consultation with me to discuss.
Geoff Sher
_____________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently co-authored with my partner at SFS-NY (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:
1.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
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Thick uterine lining
Name: Rennae F
I usually have a thick lining and went in for US and it’s already at 11 after 6 days of estrogen (one 0.10mg patch March 15 and changed the patch on Saturday to a new 0.10mg patch).. When I went in on CD2 my lining was still thick (9mm~) and my doc wanted me to bleed some more so I came back on CD4 and started one patch of estrogen 0.10mg. My doc has me coming back Friday for US but doubling my patches tomorrow. Worried my lining will get too thick. Anyone had a thick lining (13+) and had a success FET? My first FET failed. This FET we are doing medicated to see if we can control the thickness. I just read a study that showed between 7-15mm is good. But I’d like to see what you guys think. Anyone had a success medicated FET With a thick lining?
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(21)01432-1/fulltext this is the study btw
Author
Answer:
As long as there is no endometrial pathology there is no such thing as a “too thick” endometrium.
Geoff Sher
________________________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently co-authored with my partner at SFS-NY (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:
1.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
………………………………………………………………..
Should I continue to do egg retrievals or transfer?
Name: Danielle B
Hi Dr Sher,
I listened to you on The Egg Whisperer podcast. I found your way of explaining and just the overall wealth of knowledge you proved in just a couple of podcasts so incredibly helpful. Thank you for everting that you have done in this field. I recently visited your website as I was curious if I was able to book an appt with you. I saw this option to ask a question, so here we are and here is my question. I will try my best to keep it short.
I am 41 years old. I have a 21 year old daughter. I concisely decided to wait until later in life to have more children. I regularly got my levels checked until the last time which was 2019 (I was 37). Right before COVID. At that time I was considering freezing my eggs. No-one seemed to think I was in a “dangerous” spot and did not overly encourage me but of course COVID came and so it kind of died off.
We decided in July of last year (2022) we wanted to start trying. We started trying on our own by just planned intercourse but we were not able to get the timing right. We wanted to have 2 children so in an effort to not waste time thought it best to contact a clinic as we were aware what we were dealing with regarding my age. So, in September we had a meeting with a doctor at a local Fertility clinic that a colleague had highly recommended. Prior to that meeting I had my blood drawn and an ultrasound. Chris had a sperm check which came back very good. We also did the genetic testing which came back good. And based on all of this combined info the doctor recommended IUI. Although it was brought to my attention after this that I had low ovarian reserve but it wasn’t quite explained to me what this meant and there did not seem to be any urgency. So, the next cycle (October) we did our first IUI and I got pregnant. Sadly, in December at about 8 w 6d our baby stopped growing and there was no heartbeat when I went in for the ultrasound. Obviously we were completely devastated. We did the D&C so we could get testing but they were unable to get any conclusive answers so we will never have a definite confirmation but my Ob said she could say with a very high certainly it was a genetic defect. I decided I did not want to do take any more chances so we went straight to IVF.
On 2/6 I started my first round of IVF with the intention to do a duo stim cycle. I was a slow responder and we ended up getting only 2 eggs. We did discuss canceling but thankfully our insurance covers lifetime cycles so we were able to proceed. I was so shocked as I thought I would get so many more eggs. This was my protocol:
Letrozole 5 mg PO
Gonal 150 iu SQ
Menopur 75 iu SQ
Omnitrope 8 units
The 1 egg made it to blast and was Pgs testing and came back normal!! I was told it was a “good grade”.
On 2/27 I started the duo stim cycle. I ended up getting 5 eggs, 4 normal, 2 made it to blast and 1 is normal and currently being pgs tested.
This was my protocol:
Follistim 225 iu SQ
Menopur 75 iu SQ
Omnitrope 8 units
My question is, should I do another cycle or move ahead with transfer or our normal embryo. I am praying for this 2nd embryo and if I find out it is normal I will likely move ahead with transfer but if I have to make the decision before we find out what do we do?
If I could choose I would transfer as this road has been incredibly difficult and I also do not want to keep getting older and older. I want to have a baby! But I don’t want to not be able to give that baby a sibling as if we transfer in April I will be 42 when the baby is born. Of course that is if all goes well. And I could potentially start IVF again if needed and almost feel like I would feel better about it after having my healthy baby. But I don’t want to not be successful if I wait a year to start again. Please if you can give me your opinion I would so appreciate it.
Thank you so much for your time. And thank you for everything you have done in this field. I had no idea what I was in for with IVF. I think that there definitely needs to be more information out there for women who wait on it thinking it is a cure all. I definitely wish I froze a bunch of eggs in my late 30s and tell anyone who will listen to do just that.
Author
Answer:
Thank you for your communication. First , let me say that IUI in a woman over 40Y bis usually not a good idea. The baby rate is about 2-3% per cycle . And with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), you do not have the time to waste on an ineffectual treatment. So, going to IVF was a good idea. ve
As for IVF in an “older” woman a;the success rate is reduced. At age 41y, only about 1:8 eggs harvested are chromosomally normal and capable of propagating euploid blastocysts. To make matters worse, the fact that you have DOR, means that you will propagate fewer eggs and ntrhus the chance of coming up with even 1 euploid embryo is significantly reduced. This reduction in egg yield at a time that egg quality is declining due to age, means that you should try to “make hay while the sun still shines”. Therefore I would recommend doing one or more additional ER cycles to try and propagate more euploid blastocysts for banking before your egg production dries up altogether.
Finally, While I am NOT a fan of duo cycles, the protocol used the last time round was better than the 1st attempt. In my opinion, Letrozole should best be avoided in the mix. At your age, the protocol used for ovarian stimulation is pivotal.
Good luck!
Geoff Sher
P.S: If you wish to consult with me online, please call my assistant, Patti Converse at 702-533-2691 and set up aconsultation with me.
___________________________________________________________
It is primarily the egg (rather than the sperm) that determines the chromosomal integrity (karyotype) of the embryo, the most important determinant of egg/embryo competency”. A “competent” egg is therefore one that has a normal karyotype and has the best potential to propagate a “competent” embryo. In turn, a “competent embryo is one that possesses the highest potential to implant and develop into a normal, healthy, baby.
When it comes to reproductive performance, humans are the least efficient of all mammals. Even in young women under 35y, at best only 2 out of 3 eggs are chromosomally numerically normal (euploid). The remainder will have an irregular number of chromosomes (aneuploid) and are thus “incompetent”. The incidence of egg aneuploidy increases with age such by age 39 years, 3 in 4 are “competent”, and by the mid-forties, at best one in 10 are likely to be aneuploid. The fertilization of an aneuploid egg will inevitably lead to embryo aneuploidy (“incompetence”). As previously stated, an aneuploid embryo cannot propagate a normal pregnancy
Within 38-42 hours of the initiation of the spontaneous pre-ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge (and also following administration of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) “trigger” shot, given to induce egg maturation after ovarian stimulation with fertility drugs), the egg embarks on a rapid maturational process that involves halving of its 46 chromosomes to 23. During this process, (known as meiosis) 23 chromosomes are retained within the nucleus of the egg while the remaining 23 chromosomes are expelled in a membrane envelopment, from the egg nucleus. This small structure known as the polar body, comes to lie immediately below the “shell” of the egg (the zona pellucida) and is known as the 1st polar body or PB-1. The sperm, in the process of its maturation also undergoes meiosis divides into two separate functional gametes, each containing 23 chromosomes (half its original number of 46 chromosomes). With subsequent fertilization, the 23 chromosomes of the egg now fuse with the 23 chromosomes of the mature sperm resulting in the development of an embryo with 46 chromosomes (the normal human genome) comprising a combination of the genetic material from both partners. For the embryo to have exactly 46 chromosomes (the euploid number), both the mature egg and mature spermatozoon must contain exactly 23 chromosomes. Only such euploid embryos are “competent” (capable of developing into healthy babies). Those with an irregular number of chromosomes (aneuploid embryos) are “incompetent” and are incapable of propagating healthy babies. While embryo “incompetence” can result from either egg or sperm aneuploidy, it usually stems from egg aneuploidy. However, in cases of moderate or severe male factor infertility, the sperm’s contribution to aneuploidy of the embryo can be significantly greater.
While embryo ploidy (numerical chromosomal integrity) is not the only determinant of its “competency, it is by far the most important and in fact is a rate-limiting factor in human reproduction. It is causal in the vast majority of cases of “failed nidation which in turn is responsible for most cases of a failed pregnancy (natural or assisted) and causes most sporadic early pregnancy losses (both chemical gestations and miscarriages) as well as many chromosomal birth defects such as Turner syndrome (X-monosomy ) Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and Edward syndrome (trisomy 18) .
In most cases, embryos that develop too slowly as well as those that grow too fast (i.e. ones that by day 3 post-fertilization comprise fewer than 6 cells or more than 9 cells) and/or embryos that contain cell debris or “fragments” are usually aneuploid and are thus unable to propagate a healthy pregnancy (“incompetent”). Additionally, embryos that fail to survive in culture to the blastocyst stage are also almost always aneuploid/”incompetent”.
At a certain point in the later stage of a woman’s reproductive career, the number of remaining eggs in her ovaries falls below a certain threshold, upon which she is unable to respond optimally to fertility drugs. Often times this is signaled by a rising day 3 basal blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level (>9.0MIU/ml) and a falling blood anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level (<2.0ng/ml or <15nmol/L). Such women who have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) produce fewer eggs in response to ovarian stimulation. While DOR is most commonly encountered in women over 40 years of age it can and indeed also can occur in much younger women.
A few important (but often overlooked concepts should be considered in this regard:
- Age: It is advancing chronologic age and NOT declining ovarian reserve (as evidenced by abnormal blood AMH or FSH that results in an increased incidence of egg/embryo “incompetence” due to aneuploidy
- The ovaries and developing eggs of women with DOR (regardless of age) are highly susceptible to the adverse effect of excessive Luteinizing Hormone (LH)-induced, ovarian overproduction of male hormones (e,g. testosterone and androstenedione). While a little testosterone produced by the ovary promotes normal follicle growth and orderly egg development excessive testosterone has a converse effect. That is why in older women and those who regardless of their age have DOR (and thus excessive LH bioavailability and increased ovarian testosterone production), the use of ovarian stimulation protocols that fail to down-regulate LH activity prior to initiating ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins, often prejudices egg/embryo quality and IVF outcome.
- Simply stated, while age is certainly the most important factor in determining the incidence of egg/embryo aneuploidy, women with DOR (regardless of their age), are less likely to propagate euploid (competent) eggs/embryos. While virtually nothing can be done to lower the incidence of age related aneuploidy, it is indeed possible to avoid a further decrease in egg/embryo “competency” by individualizing the protocols of ovarian stimulation used.
- My preferred protocols for women who have relatively normal ovarian reserve:
- The conventional long pituitary down regulation protocol: BCP are commenced early in the cycle and continued for at least 10 days. Starting 3 days before the BCP is to be discontinued, it is overlapped with an agonist such as Lupron 10U daily for three (3) days and continued until menstruation begins (which should ensue within 5-7 days of stopping the BCP). At that point an US examination is done along with a baseline measurement of blood estradiol to exclude a functional ovarian cyst. Daily Lupron (10U) is continued and an FSH-dominant gonadotropin such as Follistim, Puregon or Gonal-f daily is administered daily falong with 37.5U of Menopur (an FSH/LH combination) for 2 days. On the 3rd day the gonadotropin dosage is reduced by about one half and the dosage of Menopur is increased to 75U daily. Daily ultrasound and blood estradiol measurements are conducted starting on the 7th or 8th day of gonadotropin administration and continued until daily ultrasound follicle assessments indicate that most follicles have fully developed. At this point egg maturation is “triggered” using an intramuscular injection of a recombinant hCGr (Ovidrel) 500mcg or urinary derived hCGu (Pregnyl/Profasi/Novarel) 10,000U. And an egg retrieval is scheduled for 36h later.
- The agonist/antagonist conversion protocol (A/ACP): This is essentially the same as the conventional long down regulation protocol (see “a”-as above), except that with the onset of post-BCP menstruation, the agonist is supplanted by daily administration of a GnRH antagonist (e.g. Ganirelix, Cetrotide or Orgalutron) at a dosage of 125-250mcg daily until the day of the “trigger”. When it comes to women who have DOR I favor the use of the A/ACP, adding supplementary human growth hormone (HGH). In cases where the DOR is regarded as severe (AMH=<0.2), I often augment the AACP protocol by using estrogen priming for 7-9 days prior to or with the commencement of gonadotropin therapy; For this I prescribe E2 skin patches or intramuscular estradiol valerate (Delestrogen), prior to or sometimes concurrent with, the commencement of the GnRH antagonist administration.
- The following Ovarian stimulation protocols are in my opinion best avoided in stimulating olderf women and /or thosed who regardless of age , have DOR :
- Microdose agonist (e.g. Lupron) “flare” protocols which result in an out-pouring of pituitary-LH at the critical time that ovarian follicles and eggs start developing/growing.
- High dosages of LH -containing fertility drugs (e.g. Menopur).
- Supplementation with preparations that are testosterone-based
- Supplementation with DHEA (which is converted to testosterone in the ovaries.
- Clomiphene citrate or Letrozole which cause increased release of LH and thus increase ovarian male hormone (testosterone and androstenedione output.
- “Triggering” egg maturation using too low a dosage of hCG (e.g. 5,000U rather than 10,000U) or Ovidrel (e.g. 250mcg of Ovidrel rather than 500mcg)
- “Triggering” women who have DOR, with an agonist (alone)such as Lupron Superfact/ Buserelin/Aminopeptidyl/Decapeptyl.
- Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS):
The introduction of preimplantation genetic testing/screening (PGT/PGS) for e permits identification of all the chromosomes in the egg and embryo (full karyotyping) allowing for the identification of the most “competent” (euploid) embryos for selective transfer to the uterus. This vastly improves the efficiency and success of the IVF process and renders us fare better equipped us to manage older women and those who regardless of their age, have DOR.
Please visit my new Blog on this very site, www. SherIVF.com, find the “search bar” and type in the titles of any/all of the articles listed below, one by one. “Click” and you will immediately be taken to those you select. Please also take the time to post any questions or comments with the full expectation that I will (as always) respond promptly
- Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) for IVF: Selecting the ideal protocol
- IVF: Factors Affecting Egg/Embryo “competency” during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation(COS)
- The Fundamental Requirements For Achieving Optimal IVF Success
- Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the “Conventional” Antagonist Approach
- Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
- The “Biological Clock” and how it should Influence the Selection and Design of Ovarian Stimulation Protocols for IVF.
- A Rational Basis for selecting Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) protocols in women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
- Diagnosing and Treating Infertility due to Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
- Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in Older women and Women who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): A Rational Basis for Selecting a Stimulation Protocol
- Human Growth Hormone Administration in IVF: Does it Enhances Egg/Embryo Quality and Outcome?
- The BCP: Does Launching a Cycle of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS). Coming off the BCP Compromise Response?
- Blastocyst Embryo Transfers Should be the Standard of Care in IVF
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) versus “Fresh” ET: How to Make the Decision
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A Rational Approach to Hormonal Preparation and How new Methodology is Impacting IVF.
- Staggered IVF: An Excellent Option When. Advancing Age and Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) Reduces IVF Success Rate
- Embryo Banking/Stockpiling: Slows the “Biological Clock” and offers a Selective Alternative to IVF-Egg Donation.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGS) in IVF: It Should be Used Selectively and NOT be Routine.
- Preimplantation Genetic Sampling (PGS) Using: Next Generation Gene Sequencing (NGS): Method of Choice.
- PGS in IVF: Are Some Chromosomally Abnormal Embryos Capable of Resulting in Normal Babies and Being Wrongly Discarded?
- PGS and Assessment of Egg/Embryo “competency”: How Method, Timing and Methodology Could Affect Reliability
- Treating Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Patients at Sher-IVF in Las Vegas:
- Traveling for IVF from Out of State/Country–
- A personalized, stepwise approach to IVF
- How Many Embryos should be transferred: A Critical Decision in IVF.
- The Role of Nutritional Supplements in Preparing for IVF
- Premature Luteinization (“the premature LH surge): Why it happens and how it can be prevented.
- IVF Egg Donation: A Comprehensive Overview
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ADDENDUM: PLEASE READ!!
INTRODUCING SHER FERTILITY SOLUTIONS (SFS)
Founded in April 2019, Sher Fertility Solutions (SFS) offers online (Skype/FaceTime) consultations to patients from > 40 different countries. All consultations are followed by a detailed written report presenting my personal recommendations for treatment of what often constitute complex Reproductive Issues.
If you wish to schedule an online consultation with me, please contact my assistant (Patti Converse) by phone (800-780-7437/702-533-2691), email (concierge@SherIVF.com) or, enroll online on then home-page of my website (www.SherIVF.com).
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently co-authored with my partner at SFS-NY (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:
1.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
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Egg Freezing Costs
Name: PAULINE C
Hi could you please provide me approximate cost for 1 cycle of egg freezing, in house monitoring, medication, and 1 -3 year storage fees?
Author
Answer:
Please call Sher Fertility Solutions in Manhattan. They will be happy to address this question.
Geoff Sher