Question:
Hi, I am 28 years old, married since 3 years, trying to get pregnant since 2 years. I had ectopic pregnancy since 15 months which ended by right laparoscopic salpingectomy. Then I tried clomid for 3 cycles, HMG induction for 2 cycles and I tried fresh IVF (in vitro fertilization) with long protocol.
I took 1 amp menogone , 1 amp fostimon 75 mg, 1 amp fostimon 150 mg/d. there was 36 mature follicles , all fertilized well, then 4 good empyos were transferred on 3rd day but ended badly on 5th week by blighted ovum.
Then I tried frozen empyo transfer by thawing the empyos and let them grow to the blastocyst stage. We got 14 good blastocyst from 19 empyos, then 2 hatched blastocysts were transferred. I took estrogen valereate 6 tab/d till endometrium thickness 8cm, then progesterone supp 800 mg/ d , aspirin 75 mg/d. but again a negative BHCG on due time.
Some history:
a) semen analysis is good with no abnormal forms or motlity
b) patent left tube by hysterosalpigogram
c) history of endometriosis discovered during laparoscopic salpingectomy.
d) good hormonal profile FSH, LH, TSH, prolactin, anti-phospholipid tests
Now I am planning to repeat but I still have 12 frozen blastocysts, but I need your advise because we thawed the 3rd day empyos from the first ivf , then let them grow till the blastocyst stage , then did the transfer the last time , then refreezed them again.
My question:
I am undergoing a new frozen cycle now. I take 6 tablets oral estrogen valereate/ day, 200mg sildenafil (viagra) vaginally/ day and vitamin e, aspirin, and after the endometrium reached 8.5 mm thickness on the 10th day stimulation, it decreased on the 13th day to 6 mm although I still take the same dose with no discontinuation, sure of the expiry date.
What is your explanation please, and what can I do to prevent cancellation of the cycle? If I continued the same dose is there any hope for restoration the thickness?
Please answer me because I am frustrated and peakhearted.
N. from Egypt
Answer:
Hello N. from Egypt,
This is a protocol question, which I do not answer because protocols can vary widely and there is not only one way to do things. That being said, there is some general information that I can provide.
First, keep in mind that you have been pregnant with IVF and so can get pregnant again. IVF only gives you the opportunity to become pregnant, it cannot make you pregnant because there are still some natural steps that must occur on their own. Studies have shown that if you have gotten pregnant in the past, your chances of getting pregnant with IVF are higher. Also keep in mind that, just like trying to get pregnant on your own each month, it does not always work. Sometimes it can take several attempts before it is successful.
Second, it is well documented by studies that the best way to deliver hormones for IVF is either by injection, by patches or by vaginal delivery. Oral tablets can be used vaginally (you just push them to the very back). This helps with maximum absorption of the hormone and delivery to the uterus. Oral intake has been shown to be the worst way to give hormones for IVF because most of it is lost when it passes through the liver. I personally use patches, which most US doctors use, but tablets used vaginally is also a good option.
I would not necessarily cancel the cycle, because time can be taken to develop the endometrial lining further. It is only finalized once the progesterone is started. That is what determines the timing of the transfer, which for a blastocyst, should be on the 6th day after starting the progesterone. If you have not started the progesterone yet, you can keep using an increased amount of estrogen to get the lining to 9 mms.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
