QuestionI am 39 years old and I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure because of my FSH level that reach at one stage 80
(between 16-80) with hot flushes and oligomenorrhea and vaginal dryness , I followed HRT for 6 months where I had a break through period 3 times ( after I finish with the white pills and the day of the start of brown pills )I stopped my HRT in September and starting November I had back my period and no more hot flushes and vaginal dryness ,
I am trying to get pregnant ( My husband had vasectomy 17 years ago)and my only chance is with IVF .
I had stimulation done by the IVF doctor with poor response ( 3 eggs , not mature enough ) failed trial , My physician is recommending Egg donation ( the only way to get pregnant ) I am not 100 % convinced , I need another opinion (DO YOU RECOMMEND GOING FOR ANOTHER STIMULATION OR I SHOULD GIVE UP AND GO FOR EGG DONATION?DO YOU CONSIDER ONE TRIAL IS ENOUGH ? MY FSH LEVEL WAS 6.7 AND MY PERIOD SEEMS OK NOW WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR THIS CASE ? )THANKS AND APPRECIATE YOUR CORRESPONDENCE .
AnswerHello Angel from Saudi Arabia,
Premature ovarian failure means that the ovaries have stopped functioning, yet, when you did the stimulation you got 3 eggs. Something doesn't quite make sense. If the ovaries have stopped functioning, it should not respond to stimulation. For that reason, donor eggs is the only option. However, if you can stimulate the ovaries, there is a small chance that it might work.
However, in your case, if you only got 3 eggs on maximum stimulation, that is a very poor response and we call that a "poor responder." The other factor that you have is that you are 39 years old so most of your eggs will be of poor quality. The only way to increase your chances because of this "egg factor" is to try to get lots and lots of eggs, but your ovaries will not do that. As a consequence, your chances are much lower than would be expected in a 39 year old. I think that donor eggs will give you the best chances but ultimately it is your decision how much you want to try. As long as your ovaries give even one egg, there is a chance.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf. Skype and internet comprehensive consultations now available via my website for those who want a more extensive evaluation that this site can accommodate
