Low number of responding follicles Mild IVF

[IVF23]

Hi all,

I had my penultimate scan today, with a final scan booked for Monday and egg collection on Wednesday. I’m doing mild ivf with ABC and I’m a bit worried about the number of mature follicles I have. The nurse estimates I will have 5-6 for collection. I know there’s a lower number likely for mild ivf, but I’m worried I won’t be left with any good embryos. I’m just looking for a bit of reassurance from others who may have been in a similar position?

Was there a reason you went for mild IVF? I think that number would be expected to be honest? Did the clinic not discuss with you beforehand?

That said, it does only take 1. We collected 6 eggs first fresh cycle and had 1 viable embryo who became our daughter. Second fresh cycle collected 6 eggs again, 2 embryos this time. Fresh transfer failed, currently doing FET with second embryo.

Hi @IVF23 am sure you know with mild ivf you will not get lots of follicles, the idea is quality not quantity and that’s why the meds are quite low. I am with Create which is abc’s sister company and at my last egg collection we got 4 mature eggs, all fertilised & two became embryos that are now in the freezer. I have to wait a few months before I can do a FET.

Thank you both @SErunner @LF82 . I completely understand there’s likely to be a lower number but was not really sure how many. The nurse said it was on the lower side but said to try not to worry. Thanks for your reassurance and good luck with your transfers !

Hi I have made a thread on here recently about low follicle numbers but I thought I’d try to reassure you. 5-6 follicles is great. I know it’s disheartening but it’s 100% quality over quantity.

I was devastated at my 2nd stims scan when I was told I only had 3 follicles of the right size and one that might catch up. All my results looked great on paper do clinic had no idea why it had happened. My egg collection was very close to being cancelled and I even considered paying the cancellation fee and backing out myself because I thought I had next to no chance.

but I went ahead and I’m so glad I did. I got 4 mature eggs out of 4 follicles. All fertilised and I was left with one top quality embryo which I had transferred and 2 good quality now in the freezer. I have just got my BFP!

From my hours of research I have found a lot of people with lower numbers have success because the quality of the eggs are better when there’s less of them.. which is the whole theory and reasoning behind mild IVF.

Best of luck!! X

Thank you so much @Raleighx and a huge congratulations on your BFP xx

Hi, I hope you don’t mind me asking - what was the outcome of your egg retrieval and fertilisation? I’m in the same position now, doing my first mild IVF cycle. Not sure what to expect by day 5!

Hi - going to be in the same boat soon. Mild IVF starting too with only 6 follicles without stims.

any reassurances will be so appreciated :) x

Hi @Maria12060 hope you are doing ok, ivf is such a hard process. I had 3 cycles of mild ivf with Create and ended up with 5 embryos in the freezer. 8 follicles first round and then 4 for the next two rounds (though had a cancelled cycle) in there too. I am in the middle of down regulation and then starting my first attempt at a FET. Please don’t worry about low numbers - it’s definitely quality over quantity. I have read so many stories where people have had 20 follicles but only got one embryo which makes me feel mild ivf was definitely the right choice for me

wishing you lots of luck x

Thank you sooo much @LF82
wish you all the best for the FET :) xxx

The purpose of mild ivf is to yield a smaller amount of eggs. Was this not discussed with prior?
I collected 7 and we got 2 blasts. Unfortunately neither of them were good quality so it was recommended just to transfer both. I'm taking a few months break then we'll be embarking on another round around Feb March

@Maria12060 glad to help. Hope you are doing ok x

We did icsi in September. I had 5 eggs collected but only one fertilised but I’m now 8+3 pregnant with that one embryo. It’s not always about the numbers so stay positive

@Maria12060 I did mild ivf and had only 3 eggs that were suitable for treatment. Got 2 blasts, both poor quality but got my BFP today so don't give up hope. It really only does take one

@MoonlightDreamer thank you SO much! This came at a much needed moment- ever so grateful to you and this forum xxxx

MASSIVE congratulations @MoonlightDreamer!!! Wish you a beautiful healthy pregnancy xxxx