Low AMH with one ovary and a cyst –any hope?

[greyxeight]

I'm 28, and only have one ovary after one was removed (due to a large cyst) several years ago. I found out last year that my remaining ovary has another cyst on it that will need to be removed too, but was advised to pursue fertility preservation (namely egg/embryo freezing) in case I ended up losing the ovary in surgery.

I initially had my AMH tested in January and it was normal; I've been waiting since then to get NHS funding approval and am about to start the egg freezing process but when my AMH was retested recently it was very low – less than 1. I also haven't had a period since July.

My doctor is happy to go ahead with attempting stimulation/egg collection because there are no other options for me at this stage, so I might as well, but I know the chance of getting any eggs to freeze isn't good with such a low AMH, which is a pretty big blow.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has experienced anything similar – my case is so complicated that I feel massively alone, especially as I'm not actively TTC; I'm just hoping to be able to have the option of having children if I decide to do so further down the line.

Basically I'd hugely appreciate any advice/hope you can offer, as things feel pretty desperate at the moment. Thank you!

[itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted]

You'd be best going to a clinic which specialises in treating women with low AMH like Create

They do a 3 cycle package where you basically do 3 egg collections in a row with a break in between

[Freewanderer]

I’m sorry you must feel so rubbish right now with the thought of facing more surgery and the possible effects on your fertility. Have you got a long term partner you would want children with at some point? If so, I’m sure you have been told this, but it’s favourable to freeze embryos if possible over freezing eggs. If not, as advised above, try a clinic that specialises in women with a low ovarian reserve. Really good luck with it all. Xx

[confused107]

Sorry I can't offer any advice but didn't want to read and run. I'm struggling with low AMH and failed ivf at the moment and if I could go back to your age I would look at freezing and storing eggs for when you are ready. Lots of clinics do packages

@itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted sorry to hijack this post but do you have any experiences with create? We are looking at packages at their Birmingham clinic

[itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted]

@confused107
Yes I'm with Create Birmingham and have found them very good.

It's a very personal decision who to go with and some posts I've read didn't like the call centre (once you've signed up you get given the direct mobile) and the fact it's on a business estate (! - not sure where else ivf clinics are supposed to be and actually makes it easy to get to!)

My first round failed and my second transfer ended in a ruptured ectopic - not because Create did anything wrong - I knew the risk going in (multiple miscarriages and previous ruptured ectopic). They were the ones who actually called the ambulance for me after Heartlands refused to see me despite my history. They have been incredibly compassionate - after surgery they rang every other day to see how DH and I were and I've had loads of free follow up scans and meetings with Dr Datta in preparation for next cycle (should start injections Friday). Compared to my friend who hasn't heard back from her clinic since her ectopic Create have been wonderful. I like the relaxed and friendly atmosphere but it's not for everyone

[confused107]

Thanks @itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted. Sorry to hear about your failed cycles. It sounds proper tough. I hope you are feeling well now and all the best for next month

We have just had a failed round with nurture in burton/Nottingham. Coincidently they were on an industrial estate too!

I have no problem with them, and if we go for another long protocol IVF we will probably stick with them but interested in natural IVF as I have low AMH so hoping to have a consultation with Create to decide. We only have the money for one more go, so just deciding which basket to put all of our eggs in!

[itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted]

@confused107
I did mild ivf so basically short protocol and I really like it - I'll start this Friday and within 2 weeks will have had egg collection - last time I got the same number of eggs as friends on long protocol so was happy with that although quality wasn't great - this time we are doing PGS

I've heard good things about Nurture but I felt I'd put my body through enough with 5 mc and now 2 ectopics - most of them in the last 2 years so felt short protocol was a better 'fit' for me

[confused107]

Thanks @itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted I hope it all goes well

[WorriedButterfly]

Hi @greyxeight, sorry to hear your struggles, you could research DHEA to Improve egg quality, I have been advised to take these due to low AMH. They do have some side effects so talk to a doctor before taking them.

I am about to start my second round of IVF, I had a miscarriage at 10wks from the first cycle. The miscarriage was awful - but the actual IVF cycle wasn't so bad, my opinion would be go for it, if you have funding available, I think I would regret it if I hadn't tried - but you'll know within yourself what is right for you. Stay strong. We're here if you need us x

[greyxeight]

@itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted I'll investigate, thank you – I'm currently being seen at Guy's as they still think it's worth attempting egg collection but if that changes or if it's unsuccessful I may seek other options.

@Freewanderer Yes I'm very lucky in that I have a wonderful partner who I've been with for nearly six years so embryo freezing is very much on our agenda, if we do manage to get any eggs! Thank you.

Thank you @confused107 – yes that's what we're going to attempt, but just feel incredibly pessimistic about the outcome, given all of my complicating factors. But you never know! Hope things work out for you.

Really appreciate your message @WorriedButterfly, thank you. We're absolutely still planning on pursuing egg collection/freezing, as we've got NHS funding for a treatment cycle, even if a good outcome is unlikely. Am doing my best to be positive while also trying to come to terms with the very real possibility that things won't work out the way we'd hoped. Best of luck with your second round! x

[confused107]

@greyxeight best of luck with it all and don't give up hope. I have read so many success stories on here, even when the odds don't seem in your favour. Fertility is a strange thing! You are doing all the right things. Take care x