Lower response second cycle - any success stories?

[Aprilia123]

We’re currently in the middle of our second IVF cycle. I’m 40+, but with good amh and fsh. First cycle we got 9 eggs from 14 follicles, 6 fertilised and ended up with one blast which was BFN.

This time, same protocol, my AFC was 10, and at the moment, it’s looking like we’ve only got 4 decent follicles with 2 that might catch up.

I’m pretty gutted but trying to stay positive - has anyone got any good stories of a lower follicle count on a subsequent round where the egg quality was better to drag me through?

I didn't want to read and run, I haven't had this experience as I've only had one egg collection. However I've seen others who have had a lot of eggs collected and then ended up with barely any blasts and then had a second collection with fewer eggs with a higher rates of blasts.

Quite often it's down to quality and not quantity. I know it can seem disappointing, especially if you have has a past experience of having more follicles or if you're seeing others on here who have loads of follicles in the running. But in the end it's the amount of blasts that matter.

Fingers crossed for a good result from egg collection and some nice strong blasts!

Thanks @Gardenlady543, it’s very kind of you to respond. It’s one of those things you objectively know, but it helps to hear others say it. IVF is such a rollercoaster of a process.

@Aprilia123 I'm on my first cycle and if it helps, despite having PCOS so you'd assume loads of follicles/ eggs, I had only 6 mature eggs Friday, but all fertilised and all have made it to day 3 today. It really is quality! I like to think of it as your body only having so much goodness or energy, and if it is distributed between less eggs, then those eggs will receive a greater proportion of the good stuff! So hang in there - these will be great quality :)

@MotherOfShihTzus Thank you for the encouragement! Hope your embryos have an equally good day 5 update!