Natural Modified IVF After Failed Conventional IVF - Experiences Please

[Cariad82]

I had my first IVF in November and it failed badly - I had 2 follicles and got no eggs at EC.

I'm 36 and having IVF supposedly for MFI. My AMH is 16, FSH 8.5, both in the normal range for my age. My antral follicle count was 9 so a little low but nothing too appalling. I was on short protocol, 450 of Menopur then cetrotide (highest dose my clinic will prescribe). I was devastated at getting no eggs and even my consultant said he was shocked and it's not what they expected at all. The only thing they can suggest is that it's an egg quality issue which we weren't aware of before, so it's been a lot to take in!

So now my consultant has said conventional IVF is a no go for me as my body just doesn't respond to the drugs at all, and has recommended natural modified IVF. I'd already done some research in to this before and went to an open night at Create (although I didn't get a good feeling about the clinic so don't want to use them) so I know what it's all about.

I just wondered if anyone else had had natural modified IVF and how they got on? Especially if you're a poor responder with conventional IVF. And if you have any tips or anything for me.

Yes, I had two disastrous conventional cycles then mini-IVF, 4 oocytes, 3 embryos, now one 3 month old baby.

Thanks for replying. Do you mind me asking for a bit more detail? When you say disastrous, what happened? And how old are you and what are your reasons for needing ivf?

And then with the mini ivf what was your protocol?

I just don't know anyone that's had natural modified and most people haven't even heard of it so I'd love to head more about your experiences. Thanks :)

I was 37, normal FSH, AMH 0.1 below normal, antral follicles fine. The dr suspected I had a genetic problem with oocyte maturation although in retrospect I think that was just a guess.

First cycle was 300 iu per day, only 5 follicles, 4 oocytes, 1 fertilised with ICSI, 3 dt, bfn.
Second cycle was 450 iu per day, again 5 follicles, 4 oocyctes, one fertilised but it died on day 2.
After a four month break the third cycle was a course of clomid plus 75 iu every other day. As I mentioned above, the oocyte quality was much higher and on day 5 one blastocyst hatched, which turned out to be the one.

Btw I’m not in the UK and IVF is four tries free and less than half the price of the UK thereafter. So I have the impression that the doctors here are more willing to try natural cycle. If you only have one shot as is often the case in the UK, I think there is more pressure to take a more aggressive approach.

Yes I had my one NHS shot and they went in big guns blazing - highest dose of drugs etc, disputed my AMH/FSH etc being normal range. My ovaries were having none of it though.

Hopefully this softer approach is going to work. I've bought a 3 cycle package anyhow so fingers crossed. Thanks for sharing.