Initial IVF test results

[cherrytreecottage]

Hi,

Bit of background: been with DH 8 years, been TTC for 6. DH has DD from previous relationship so we're not eligible for any NHS IVF funding.
Had various tests over the years, all came back completely normal for both of us - so officially diagnosed as "unexplained infertility".

I'd been told not to accept this so pushed for more tests but my GP had a very Frank conversation with me that said we could spend the next year undergoing more tests and anything of significance would have certainly been picked up already. Even if they find something small, all routes would ultimately lead to IVF and given we have to self fund, we might be better to just start now.

Given what her said and the fact we're now approaching mid 30s - I felt like 6 years was plenty of time to let nature do its thing so have started the process for self funded IVF. Had our tests last week but now need to wait 20 days until we get our results 😩 however, I had a 3d antral follicle scan (which I've never had before) and had 5 follicles one side and 7 the other. The nurse said it was a bit low but it's quality rather than quantity - but her demeanour came across like this really wasn't great and now I've got 20 days to find out my AMH Levels!
Googled the count and it actually seems to be somewhat normal, but on the lower end of normal. Just wondered if anyone has had successful treatment with 12 or less follicles?

I know everyone is different and you can't compare; especially without knowing AMH levels but I just feel a bit in limbo after what felt like a bit of a blow and then a long wait for official results & consultation.

Hi @cherrytreecottage
Sorry to hear you're in the situation too! We're also in the unexplained category and had 1 round of IVF last March. Sadly, it was unsuccessful but not due to the numbers: I had an average AFC of 9 follicles throughout last year, with just one scan showing 12, and my AMH was 5.8 a year ago. I was 34 then so that's pretty low, but they collected 9 eggs of which 8 fertilized, which we were very happy with :)
Our problem was the quality of embryos on Day 5, so I really believe it's a quality over quantity thing!
Good luck.. the waiting is the worst but I hope you get there soon x

This was me exactly 2 years ago. I had a total of 11 in my afc during testing and I was 35. My amh was 9.2 and so both were on the low side. I felt so disappointed after the results. My clinic were still confident that ivf could be successful for us so we went ahead. DS turns one this month and we have 3 more blasts in the freezer.

Try to stay positive. It really does only take one.

@cherrytreecottage AFC can fluctuate so some months are better than others. My AFC was 2 and my last IVF cycle was successful although I appreciate that I have been very lucky. You mention you are approaching mid 30s which means you should still have good quality eggs

@cherrytreecottage

That doesn't sound bad to me, and I think the AFC is more important than the AMH. The AFC will change slightly month to month but when you take stims each follicle could respond and product an egg. I had a very high AFC however that causes its own problems as you don't want to stimulate all the follicles (the ovaries would get huge and I would have been at a very high risk of OHSS) so I was on low dose stims, I ended up with 12 eggs which was a fantastic result and since you've got the potential to get around that many eggs given your AFC, it sounds good to me.

I expect that as time progresses we will find out more about the "unexplained" category, I was in this category as well until I did a number of extra tests that are usually only pursued after 4-5 unsuccessful IVF transfers. I've been found to have 1 abnormal gene that means I'm more prone to clot (I'm now on anticoagulants), really bad microflora in my uterus (which has now been treated) and I'm prereceptive (meaning I need longer on progesterone).

In the majority of people the issue is the embryo, so IVF can help with selection and increase chances. If things don't work out then there are other avenues that can be explored as I have.

AFC and AMH don't mean much really - I had 14 eggs twice and had 2 failed cycles. I did a round of natural modified IVF and only got 2 eggs and had twins

Hi all,

Thank you for all of your replies, it's lovely hearing from others in the same situation and some positive stories 

@Gardenlady543 thank you for the info about the additional tests, that's really good to know!

Hi OP, I had AFCs of between 8 and 13 the year we did our fresh IVF cycles. AMH was 10.4 and I was 40 so this was considered an ok result. The first cycle failed (this was the one where I had my last AFC of 8) although we did reach transfer stage. The second cycle we made a few protocol and lifestyle changes and had an AFC of 12 and the fresh transfer resulted in our twins plus 2 frosties. I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant with one of those frosties so it's definitely possible with an AFC of 12 even if you're 40+.

From my understanding AFC and AMH are a useful indicator of your likely egg reserve and potential yield (for want of a better term), so I don't think as indicators they should be written off completely. Someone with a smaller follicle count will likely produce less eggs when going through stimulation as part of IVF or other fertility treatment, and therefore would have a smaller number of potential embryos to develop ie less chances. What it doesn't tell you is anything about egg quality, which I'm sure you know is also important. Age is the biggest determining factor in this with egg quality and number declining more dramatically from age 35 onwards, and a steep drop off over 40 (for most). This combined with quantity can give an indication as to your likely response to treatment like IVF.

Your AFC doesn't sound too bad and it does fluctuate a bit. I wouldn't panic yet! 20 days to wait for your AMH result is ridiculous, particularly if you are having the tests done privately - what are they doing to your blood?! Mine was back in 24 hours. I would ask the clinic to speed it up personally.

In terms of success stories, I'm 32 and had IVF last year age 31 with an AFC of 7 and AMH of 6. We were incredibly lucky to be successful first time after transfer of our one viable embryo and I am due in August (6 eggs collected, 5 fertilised and 1 suitable to transfer, which is a fairly standard drop off rate). Our consultant was optimistic about our chances because of our age and health status (no underlying conditions, normal BMI, active health lifestyle etc). Essentially, yes it's different for everyone but success with an AFC of yours or lower is perfectly plausible, particularly at your age. Wishing you luck on the road ahead.