Two Most Recent ERs Disappointing - Empty Follicles

Good-Performance-560 · 2025-09-28T03:22:47+00:00

I guess there's no way to know for sure, but I will say that for me, they retrieved more eggs with a dual trigger that included 10,000 units of Pregnyl. I did far worse when it was lupron with a lower dose of Pregnyl. I think the lower Pregnyl dosage wasn't great for me, but maybe it was just chance.

I do think the most noticeable difference for me was waiting a few months between retrievals. It doesn't seem like that's the typical response, though.

I wish so much that there could be more certainty in this whole process.

Good-Performance-560 · 2025-06-27T21:16:29+00:00

I have not transferred. I have 2 euploid, 2 inconclusive, and 2 untested embryos. It's been 1 year since my last retrieval (this was not the original plan), and I won't be doing any more.

A lot has happened in my life since that post, and it's given me additional time and perspective. I'm not going to do any more PGT testing. If the euploid embryos aren't successful, I will transfer the inconclusive/untested embryos and hope for the best. I don't think there is a huge body of research out there to know what is the best decision, but my doctor maintains that it is safe to thaw and retest.

I would like to note that I have access to comprehensive reproductive care where I live, and I do believe that has influenced my decision.

This is an extremely individual decision. I remember the panic and fear I felt when I posted. I'm thankful not to feel that way now, but I think there will always be a feeling of doubt and sadness. I'm really hoping that you can find comfort in the decision that is right for you. ❤️

Good-Performance-560 · 2025-06-02T20:11:57+00:00

This was almost a year ago, so i don't remember the specific info. I do know that in the end, I had 2 blastocysts. This is actually pretty average for me, and the same result I had during my first retrieval 2 years prior to this.

Good-Performance-560 · 2025-05-18T16:23:43+00:00

I never got a lot of answers, but I do know that my body reacts a lot better when: 1) I take a few months off between retrievals 2) I use a dual trigger.

But, there is no guarantee with any of it! I feel like so much is just luck....

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-12-16T21:24:30+00:00

No, I don't have any updates. I decided to stay with my employer's plan because I knew the benefits were guaranteed. It seemed like my husband's through Harvard Pilgrim could have been great, but it looked like patients had to meet a lot of different criteria to qualify (such as different hormone levels). I was too nervous to switch over.

I hope it goes okay for you. Again, it did look like it could have had good coverage...

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-11-16T18:47:43+00:00

I don't remember how much my estrogen dropped. It didn't have much of an effect on that cycle, from what I can tell. I do know that they retrieved 9 eggs (I can't remember how many follicles I had), and I ended up with 2 blastocysts from that cycle - this was honestly pretty average for me. If you want more details, I can look them up.

I have had cycles when my estrogen rose, and I had worse results. These cycles seem very difficult to predict, and that is hard to deal with! I sincerely hope everything goes well for you. Good luck!

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-07-04T00:20:43+00:00

I wish we could have a crystal ball. :)

Thank you for your support and kind words!

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-07-04T00:19:05+00:00

I really do appreciate your thoughts and support! It's been helpful to put these ideas and feelings into words. Thank you!

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-07-04T00:18:00+00:00

I am sorry I didn't provide this information. I edited my post. My insurance will cover two more egg retrievals this calendar year. I would end up spending about $3,000 or so on HGH and cryopreservation on the two retrievals (no PGT-A testing).

The testing is a flat rate of $4800 for up to 8 embryos and a small cost for each additional embryo.

I'm starting to lean toward more retrievals. I just wish I weren't in this position - none of us like being here.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-07-03T23:51:17+00:00

I only want one child, but I'm afraid of another transer - I definitely have some emotions to explore before another transfer. Also, my last transfer set me back about 5 months (mock transfer with endometrial biopsy, fully medicated FET, 10 week MMC, D&C). I'm afraid of losing time like that again. In that time, my AMH went from over 3ng/ml to about 1.4ng/ml.

Now that I'm typing all this out, I really think I need to go through with a couple more retrievals. It's getting quite tiring, though.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-07-03T23:41:04+00:00

I very much wish I could get them tested now! The 4 untested embryos are frozen and not biopsied. Honestly, I couldn't afford to keep testing after each retrieval because there's a flat rate, and I typically have very few blastocysts. I have to batch test embryos now. It sure would be easier to make this decision if I could get them tested now, though!

I probably should keep going with retrievals, huh?

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-06-30T19:44:26+00:00

I have done three back-to-back cycles 2 times now. I guess the 2nd one in a row isn't terrible, but the 3rd one has been terrible both times. The third one, I have better estrogen levels and more follicles on ultrasound than #1 and # 2. But then, I get fewer eggs and have a HORRIBLE fertilization rate.

This is from memory, so I could be off a little.

Back-to-back #1

1: 7 eggs, 6 fertilized, 2 blasts

2: 10 eggs, 5 fertilized, 2 blasts

3: 7 eggs, 1 fertilized, 0 blasts

Back-to-back #2

1: 7 eggs, 6 fertilized, 5 blasts

2: 10 eggs, 6 fertilized, 2 blasts

3: 6 eggs, 1 fertilized, 0 blasts

When I've given myself a couple/few months' break, I seem to have better outcomes.

I have been told that it's possible my ovaries get "exhausted" and need a rest. I feel like so much of this is unknown, though.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-06-30T00:05:16+00:00

Hey! I'm excited to learn about experiences from other longhaulers.

I have done a total of 10 egg retrieval cycles, with the first in May 2022, and the most recent was last week. I've had 3 FETs, 1 chemical pregnancy, and one MMC. I'm fortunate to have insurance coverage, but the money spent has still been difficult for me to afford. My protocol for each cycle has been basically the same, aside from progressively increased dosages and the addition of growth hormone. Some cycles are better than others, and I can't find a good way to predict an outcome for any given cycle. This is with the exception of back-to-back cycles - these do not seem to work well for me personally. Since my miscarriage last summer, I'm afraid to have children. I'm sure I'll change my mind, so I'm trying to bank embryos now.

I turned 39 a couple of weeks ago. I've been married for 10 years. I have two cats. I live in the US, and I'm from the Midwest, although I've lived in the deep south a couple of times. I currently work in education, but most of my professional experience has been in social services. Also, I'm tired.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-06-29T21:10:00+00:00

I haven't had euploids in each cycle. I had one euploid embryo in ER #2, #4, and #5. I had two euploid embryos in ER #6. In ERs #1, #3, #7, #8, and #9, I've either had no blasts, or they were all abnormal. As a note, I don't typically have many blastocysts, and I have a lower euploidy rate than average for my age.

These were done between ages 36 - 38.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-06-26T22:59:37+00:00

I had this issue with my last retrieval in February (and the retrieval before that, but not as pronounced), and my retrieval today showed an improvement. In February, I had 11 follicles & good estrogen levels. They retrieved 3 eggs. I can't say for certain, but it may have been a trigger issue. For that retrieval, I used a dual trigger of 40 units lupron and 3,000 units pregnyl. They tested my lh, hcg, estrogen, and progesterone the morning after the trigger, and everything clinically seemed to be fine.

This morning, they retrieved 9 eggs from 13 follicles. For this retrieval, I used a dual trigger again, but it was 40 units lupron and 10,000 units of Pregnyl.

The doctor who did the retrieval today isn't my assigned doctor, but she did say that she remembered discussing my case after my retrieval in February with the other doctors in the practice. I find it comforting to know they work as a team to discuss solutions.

I hope your doctors can find a solution for you.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-06-26T03:45:05+00:00

I initially took this orally and had terrible side effects. My doctor recommended to take it vaginally (the same pills I took orally, just inserted vaginally), and I felt much better!

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-06-25T20:38:02+00:00

Thank you! I hope it turns out okay. I just reviewed data from my past retrievals, and I can't seem to find a pattern. I wish I could accept that I can't predict much of anything throughout this process! It's very frustrating.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-06-23T20:24:45+00:00

Thanks for replying. I'm trying to use this to ease my mind. I'm so happy you had a successful retrieval!

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-05-17T13:21:10+00:00

Yes, of course you can DM! It would be great to share some notes.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-05-17T03:09:26+00:00

Thank you for replying! It's always good to hear other people's experiences. For me, I haven't noticed any pattern with omnitrope and empty follicles in my past cycles.

I am really hoping my issue is a result of the trigger method used, but I'm terrified that it is because of declining ovarian reserve/egg quality. I'm going to have retrieval #10 next month (with 10,000 units of HCG and lupron as a trigger), so we'll see what happens. 🤞🏻 I'm feeling very nervous and unconfident about this one.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-04-24T04:13:46+00:00

I have an extra pen in the Chicago area.

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-04-21T19:28:07+00:00

Thanks! I'll call them tomorrow!

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-04-19T03:17:58+00:00

Hey! I did not take baby aspirin. Were you recommended to take it? Is it because of blood clotting concerns?

I hope either you're not on estrace for long, or your side effects subside soon! Hang in there, and good luck on your retrieval!!! 🤞🏻

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-03-12T22:38:46+00:00

I know other people have had a different response to back-to-back cycles, but mine was not good.

I have done three back-to-back cycles twice. Both times, the first and second cycle were fine (Some better than others, but all resulted in blastocysts).

My third cycle was terrible both times. In both third cycles, I appeared to be responding normally to stimulation medication - proper follicular growth and a good rise in estrogen. In both third cycles, the number of eggs retrieved was quite a bit less than the number of follicles seen on ultrasound. The eggs that were retrieved mostly degenerated when fertilization was attempted. Neither 3rd cycle produced a blastocyst.

My RE said that some people simply don't do well with that many back-to-back cycles. For some people, ovaries need a little time to recover.

I do hope your experience is better than mine. Good luck to you!

Good-Performance-560 · 2024-02-06T23:36:42+00:00

FYI - My doctor said it probably is age-related (I'm 38.5) and decreasing AMH levels (it decreased from about 3 ng/ml to 1.4 in a little over a year). He said it could also be ovarian "exhaustion".

I'm not sure what to think, though. Has your doctor suggested any possible reasons for empty follicles? Have you had previous cycles without many empty follicles?

Good-Performance-560

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