QuestionMy husband and I have been trying for 6 years to have a baby we have done two Ivf cycles the first we had 17 eggs 10 mature and 5 fertilize and all arrest after day 3 we did several IUI with donor sperm no pregnacy and our second Ivf using the microdose flare protocal we used donor sperm we had 12 eggs 8 mature and 8 fertilize one made it to a day 5 morula and the dr choose to wait another day and it did not make it. Is this an egg problem since we changed up the varible using donor sperm and the same thing happened that happend the first time. Our doctor didn't really explain very much at our follow up so we just assumed it was an egg problem. I am 36 years old and have hypothyroidism that is controlled with medication
AnswerHello Kris from the U.S.,
There are several possibilities. It could be an inherent egg problem that is causing the embryos to not continue its development, or it could be a lab problem that is causing the embryos to arrest development or the eggs are being retrieved too soon at an immature stage or not fully matured stage. It is unusual to me that you would have this outcome but your age may be influencing this as well because you are over 35 years old. However, I rarely see this in a 36 year old. It is more commmon in >37 years old patients. I don't know why your doc did a flare protocol (which has not been shown to be beneficial even in low responders) because you stimulated fine the first cycle. 17 eggs is a good yield. Laboratory quality control, air quality and the embryologist have a strong influence on embryo formation and survival, so that good have an impact as well.
Good Luck,
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 follow me on Facebook at http://bit.ly/9Iw9oV
