Please or to access all these features

Infertility

Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

Positivity for low egg retrieval numbers

9 replies

FernaFrey · 27/11/2023 11:49

Hi all,

I wanted to share my numbers and results because I scoured the internet for some hope after my egg retrieval. I am 33 years old with no known issues.

I was so disappointed when I was told I had 7 follicles at my scan- I didn't understand how there was so little after my meds. They predicted 5 eggs to be retrieved but they were not concerned.

At retrieval they collected 4 eggs and I remember crying on the bed due to the low number. I read sooo many women saying they collected 12/14/16 eggs!

The clinic said it was the lower side but it's about quality and please don't worry. I was still so sad and spent the next days researching endlessly on google.

3 eggs were mature so I thought great- we are doomed- the chances of any of these getting to day 3 or 5, let alone a blastocyst are extremely slim.

Well, all 3 made it to day 3, then all 3 made it to day 5! So I was able to have 1 transferred AND the remaining 2 were good enough to freeze! We beat the odds and it really was quality over quantity! We were over the moon.

I say I was upset and googling a lot, BUT one thing I did every single day was visualise our 3 embryos developing well, I visualised bright positive light shining on them, and told them they were so loved and wanted already!

Yes I sound crazy but it made me feel like I was doing everything possible :)

3 mature eggs = 3 great day 5 embryos. Low numbers can still deliver!!! xxx

OP posts:
2mumlife · 27/11/2023 15:35

@FernaFrey Best of luck for your embryos!

I also had very low egg retrieval numbers at 33 with no known issues. I had only 2 eggs retrieved the first time (both mature, both made it to day 5. Fresh transfer results in a BFN and FET ended in a chemical pregnancy). They changed my protocol for next egg retrieval and we got 6 eggs, all mature, all fertilised. They all made it to Day 5, but only 3 were suitable for freezing (did a freeze-all cycle that time). My first FET from that cycle resulted in my daughter, and we're now keeping our fingers crossed that 1 of the 2 remaining embryos will be her sibling.

Best of luck to anyone experiencing low egg collection numbers - it can work out ok :)

MoonIightDreamer · 27/11/2023 15:52

Couldn't agree more. Numbers mean nothing.
I had 3 eggs. 2 blasts. 2 low quality 5bc and 3cc transfered and im current 6+6 weeks .

Maybelliney · 27/11/2023 17:03

I also had super low numbers and it’s really heartbreaking. I’m 34 with no known health reasons and lots of follicles before hand. I only had 6 eggs at collection and 4 fertilised but only 1 made it to day 5 , so I have no frozen spares and hoping this transfer sticks ! But this journey is so unpredictable you never know what’s around the corner 🤷🏻‍♀️

Infertilitylife · 27/11/2023 22:25

I only had 4 eggs retrieved but all four made it to blastocyst and were frozen ready for my FET. Currently 32 weeks pregnant from my first frozen transfer and still have 3 on ice :)

Blossomofhope · 28/11/2023 10:28

This is a lovely post to read. 🥰
I was 34 - had 6 collected, 5 mature, 4 fertilised, 1 blastocyst but unfortunately it wasn’t a successful transfer. Going again in Jan with a change in drugs, I really hope to have a story to share like you all in the new year!

FernaFrey · 28/11/2023 12:26

Aw so lovely to read everyone's stories.

@2mumlife Thank you! And congratulations on your daughter :) My fresh transfer from this cycle also sadly didn't stick but am going back in 2 weeks for my first frozen transfer so am keeping everything crossed.

@MoonIightDreamer congrats on your pregnancy! Are you carrying twins or a singleton? Wishing you all the best :)

@Maybelliney All the very very best of luck- you're right- you really can't predict this journey!

@Infertilitylife this is so amazing to read- congratulations and good luck!

@Blossomofhope you absolutely will have a story of success to share. We have 2 frozen left and if not, my dr already sent me a new plan for a fresh cycle with a change in drugs too. 2024 will be a good year :)

OP posts:
FernaFrey · 28/11/2023 12:27

Blossomofhope · 28/11/2023 10:28

This is a lovely post to read. 🥰
I was 34 - had 6 collected, 5 mature, 4 fertilised, 1 blastocyst but unfortunately it wasn’t a successful transfer. Going again in Jan with a change in drugs, I really hope to have a story to share like you all in the new year!

Just wondered- was your transfer fresh or frozen? My fresh one wasn't successful but am going back for a frozen

OP posts:
2mumlife · 28/11/2023 13:19

@FernaFrey Sorry to hear it didn't stick this time around. Good luck for your next transfer! I think FETs are less physically and emotionally demanding, and think that makes a difference :)

Congratulations @Infertilitylife and @MoonIightDreamer and best of luck @Blossomofhope and @Maybelliney

Blossomofhope · 29/11/2023 12:53

Thank you 🙂 .. It was fresh. Best of luck with your frozen transfer. @FernaFrey

New posts on this thread. Refresh page