Ask Our Doctors – Archive

Our Medical Directors are outstanding physicians that you will find to be very personable and compassionate, who take care to ensure that you have the most cutting-edge fertility treatments at your disposal. This is your outlet to ask your questions to the doctors.

19,771 Comments

  1. Hi Dr Sher,

    I have low amh of 0.7, i had cysctectomy, i was told that ovary and fallopian tubes were untouched. Will the surgery decrease my amh? And will my chance of getting pregnant improve that the cyst is gone?

    Thank you

    • I doubt it will affect the AMH much!Women who (regardless of age) have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) have a reduced potential for IVF success. Much of this is due to the fact that such women tend to have increased production of LH biological activity which can result in excessive LH-induced ovarian male hormone (predominantly testosterone) production which in turn can have a deleterious effect on egg/embryo “competency”.
      While it is presently not possible by any means, to reverse the effect of DOR, certain ovarian stimulation regimes, by promoting excessive LH production (e.g. short agonist/Lupron- “flare” protocols, clomiphene and Letrozole), can in my opinion, make matters worse. Similarly, the amount/dosage of certain fertility drugs that contain LH/hCG (e.g. Menopur) can have a negative effect on the development of the eggs of older women and those who have DOR and should be limited.
      I try to avoid using such protocols/regimes (especially) in women with DOR, favoring instead the use of the agonist/antagonist conversion protocol (A/ACP), a modified, long pituitary down-regulation regime, augmented by adding supplementary human growth hormone (HGH). I further recommend that such women be offered access to embryo banking of PGS (next generation gene sequencing/NGS)-selected normal blastocysts, the subsequent selective transfer of which by allowing them to capitalize on whatever residual ovarian reserve and egg quality might still exist and thereby “make hay while the sun still shines” could significantly enhance the opportunity to achieve a viable pregnancy
      Please visit my new Blog on this very site, http://www.DrGeoffreySherIVF.com, find the “search bar” and type in the titles of any/all of the articles listed below, one by one. “Click” and you will immediately be taken to those you select. Please also take the time to post any questions or comments with the full expectation that I will (as always) respond promptly
      •Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) for IVF: Selecting the ideal protocol
      •IVF: Factors Affecting Egg/Embryo “competency” during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation(COS)
      •The Fundamental Requirements For Achieving Optimal IVF Success
      •Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the “Conventional” Antagonist Approach
      •Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
      •The “Biological Clock” and how it should Influence the Selection and Design of Ovarian Stimulation Protocols for IVF.
      • A Rational Basis for selecting Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) protocols in women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
      •Diagnosing and Treating Infertility due to Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
      •Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in Older women and Women who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): A Rational Basis for Selecting a Stimulation Protocol
      •Human Growth Hormone Administration in IVF: Does it Enhances Egg/Embryo Quality and Outcome?
      •The BCP: Does Launching a Cycle of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS). Coming off the BCP Compromise Response?
      •Blastocyst Embryo Transfers Should be the Standard of Care in IVF
      •Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) versus “Fresh” ET: How to Make the Decision
      •Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A Rational Approach to Hormonal Preparation and How new Methodology is Impacting IVF.
      •Staggered IVF: An Excellent Option When. Advancing Age and Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) Reduces IVF Success Rate
      •Embryo Banking/Stockpiling: Slows the “Biological Clock” and offers a Selective Alternative to IVF-Egg Donation.
      •Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGS) in IVF: It Should be Used Selectively and NOT be Routine.
      •Preimplantation Genetic Sampling (PGS) Using: Next Generation Gene Sequencing (NGS): Method of Choice.
      •PGS in IVF: Are Some Chromosomally Abnormal Embryos Capable of Resulting in Normal Babies and Being Wrongly Discarded?
      •PGS and Assessment of Egg/Embryo “competency”: How Method, Timing and Methodology Could Affect Reliability
      •Treating Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Patients at Sher-IVF in Las Vegas:
      •Traveling for IVF from Out of State/Country–
      •A personalized, stepwise approach to IVF
      •How Many Embryos should be transferred: A Critical Decision in IVF.
      •The Role of Nutritional Supplements in Preparing for IVF
      •Premature Luteinization (“the premature LH surge): Why it happens and how it can be prevented.
      •IVF Egg Donation: A Comprehensive Overview
      I invite you to arrange to have a Skype or an in-person consultation with me to discuss your case in detail. If you are interested, please contact Julie Dahan, at:

      Email: Julied@sherivf.com

      OR

      Phone: 702-533-2691
      800-780-7437

      I also suggest that you access the 4th edition of my book ,”In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies”. It is available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.

      Geoffrey Sher MD

  2. Dear Sher:

    My husband and I are both 38 (no sperm issues on his side). I’ve never been pregnant, TTC for 2 years. AmH Levels were 1.1, then 0.09, then (magically) 1.9. We did our first IVF this month (10 eggs retrieved, 7 fertilized, 6 developed). All came back abnormal from PGS. Actually, our doctor described the results as “an awful report”. We can’t afford to do another round of IVF and it looks as if I produce 100% abnormal embryos. I doubt anyone around here (Austin, TX) is willing to transfer abnormal embryos, but I’ve been reading about you and thought I might solicit your opinion. Given it’s a moot point if no one would transfer any of these. So, should we even entertain the idea of transferring an abnormal given the results below and with my stats and 100% abnormal results, is another round of IVF even advisable?

    “COMPLEX ABNORMAL”

    47,XY; dup(11)(pter -922.3)

    del(11)(w22.3-gter). +21

    ANEUPLOID: TRISOMY 8

    47, XX; +8

    ANEUPLOID: TRISOMY 16

    47, XY; +16

    ANEUPLOID: TRISOMY 21

    47, XX; +21

    ANEUPLOID: MONOSOMY 18 & TURNER

    44X; -18

    ANEUPLOID: TRISOMY 10 & TRISOMY 13

    48, XX; +10, +13

    • Frankly, in my opinion, several of your blastocysts could be mosaic’s. See below:

      Women who (regardless of age) have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) have a reduced potential for IVF success. Much of this is due to the fact that such women tend to have increased production of LH biological activity which can result in excessive LH-induced ovarian male hormone (predominantly testosterone) production which in turn can have a deleterious effect on egg/embryo “competency”.
      While it is presently not possible by any means, to reverse the effect of DOR, certain ovarian stimulation regimes, by promoting excessive LH production (e.g. short agonist/Lupron- “flare” protocols, clomiphene and Letrozole), can in my opinion, make matters worse. Similarly, the amount/dosage of certain fertility drugs that contain LH/hCG (e.g. Menopur) can have a negative effect on the development of the eggs of older women and those who have DOR and should be limited.
      I try to avoid using such protocols/regimes (especially) in women with DOR, favoring instead the use of the agonist/antagonist conversion protocol (A/ACP), a modified, long pituitary down-regulation regime, augmented by adding supplementary human growth hormone (HGH). I further recommend that such women be offered access to embryo banking of PGS (next generation gene sequencing/NGS)-selected normal blastocysts, the subsequent selective transfer of which by allowing them to capitalize on whatever residual ovarian reserve and egg quality might still exist and thereby “make hay while the sun still shines” could significantly enhance the opportunity to achieve a viable pregnancy
      Please visit my new Blog on this very site, http://www.DrGeoffreySherIVF.com, find the “search bar” and type in the titles of any/all of the articles listed below, one by one. “Click” and you will immediately be taken to those you select. Please also take the time to post any questions or comments with the full expectation that I will (as always) respond promptly
      •Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) for IVF: Selecting the ideal protocol
      •IVF: Factors Affecting Egg/Embryo “competency” during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation(COS)
      •The Fundamental Requirements For Achieving Optimal IVF Success
      •Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the “Conventional” Antagonist Approach
      •Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
      •The “Biological Clock” and how it should Influence the Selection and Design of Ovarian Stimulation Protocols for IVF.
      • A Rational Basis for selecting Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) protocols in women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
      •Diagnosing and Treating Infertility due to Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
      •Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in Older women and Women who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): A Rational Basis for Selecting a Stimulation Protocol
      •Human Growth Hormone Administration in IVF: Does it Enhances Egg/Embryo Quality and Outcome?
      •The BCP: Does Launching a Cycle of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS). Coming off the BCP Compromise Response?
      •Blastocyst Embryo Transfers Should be the Standard of Care in IVF
      •Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) versus “Fresh” ET: How to Make the Decision
      •Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A Rational Approach to Hormonal Preparation and How new Methodology is Impacting IVF.
      •Staggered IVF: An Excellent Option When. Advancing Age and Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) Reduces IVF Success Rate
      •Embryo Banking/Stockpiling: Slows the “Biological Clock” and offers a Selective Alternative to IVF-Egg Donation.
      •Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGS) in IVF: It Should be Used Selectively and NOT be Routine.
      •Preimplantation Genetic Sampling (PGS) Using: Next Generation Gene Sequencing (NGS): Method of Choice.
      •PGS in IVF: Are Some Chromosomally Abnormal Embryos Capable of Resulting in Normal Babies and Being Wrongly Discarded?
      •PGS and Assessment of Egg/Embryo “competency”: How Method, Timing and Methodology Could Affect Reliability
      •Treating Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Patients at Sher-IVF in Las Vegas:
      •Traveling for IVF from Out of State/Country–
      •A personalized, stepwise approach to IVF
      •How Many Embryos should be transferred: A Critical Decision in IVF.
      •The Role of Nutritional Supplements in Preparing for IVF
      •Premature Luteinization (“the premature LH surge): Why it happens and how it can be prevented.
      •IVF Egg Donation: A Comprehensive Overview
      I invite you to arrange to have a Skype or an in-person consultation with me to discuss your case in detail. If you are interested, please contact Julie Dahan, at:

      Email: Julied@sherivf.com

      OR

      Phone: 702-533-2691
      800-780-7437

      I also suggest that you access the 4th edition of my book ,”In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies”. It is available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.

      If you are interested in my advice or medical services, I urge you to contact my concierge, Julie Dahan ASAP to set up a Skype or an in-person consultation with me. You can also contact Julie by phone or via email at 702-533-2691/ Julied@sherivf.com. You can also apply online at http://www.SherIVF.com.
      Also, my book, “In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies” is available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.

      Geoffrey Sher MD

  3. My query is about my 1st high baseline LH of 11.2 iu/L, oestradiol 189pmol/L. D2 Afc 4. Age 37, amh 0.5pmol/L, usual baseline oestradiol slightly high 250-300 pmol/L, LH 3-4, shorter cycles, shorter bleeds. Body picks a dominant follicle v early on & early ovulation. Failed x2 short antagonist protocol. 1 mild.ivf cycle 150 bemfola from d2,cetrotide, single ovitrelle trigger, 2 eggs collected abnormal fertilisation, both polypoid. Intending to start my natural ivf cycle with icsi with bemfola 150 and cetrotide on d5 , this time double ovitrelle trigger. Should I halt now due to elevated LH and wait until next month or is 11.2 not too bad ?

    • Hi Sonya,

      Firstly, an AMH of o.5pmol/L is extremely low and suggestive of very diminished ovarian reserve…to the point that in my opinion, you should be seriously considering egg donation preferentially. Second, using natural cycle IVF in cases such as yours, is also not a solution. If in spite of your very reduced chance of conceiving with own eggs, you still insist on taking the long shot and giving it a try, then consider the following.

      Women who (regardless of age) have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) have a reduced potential for IVF success. Much of this is due to the fact that such women tend to have increased production of LH biological activity which can result in excessive LH-induced ovarian male hormone (predominantly testosterone) production which in turn can have a deleterious effect on egg/embryo “competency”.
      While it is presently not possible by any means, to reverse the effect of DOR, certain ovarian stimulation regimes, by promoting excessive LH production (e.g. short agonist/Lupron- “flare” protocols, clomiphene and Letrozole), can in my opinion, make matters worse. Similarly, the amount/dosage of certain fertility drugs that contain LH/hCG (e.g. Menopur) can have a negative effect on the development of the eggs of older women and those who have DOR and should be limited.
      I try to avoid using such protocols/regimes (especially) in women with DOR, favoring instead the use of the agonist/antagonist conversion protocol (A/ACP), a modified, long pituitary down-regulation regime, augmented by adding supplementary human growth hormone (HGH). I further recommend that such women be offered access to embryo banking of PGS (next generation gene sequencing/NGS)-selected normal blastocysts, the subsequent selective transfer of which by allowing them to capitalize on whatever residual ovarian reserve and egg quality might still exist and thereby “make hay while the sun still shines” could significantly enhance the opportunity to achieve a viable pregnancy
      Please visit my new Blog on this very site, http://www.DrGeoffreySherIVF.com, find the “search bar” and type in the titles of any/all of the articles listed below, one by one. “Click” and you will immediately be taken to those you select. Please also take the time to post any questions or comments with the full expectation that I will (as always) respond promptly
      •Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) for IVF: Selecting the ideal protocol
      •IVF: Factors Affecting Egg/Embryo “competency” during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation(COS)
      •The Fundamental Requirements For Achieving Optimal IVF Success
      •Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the “Conventional” Antagonist Approach
      •Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
      •The “Biological Clock” and how it should Influence the Selection and Design of Ovarian Stimulation Protocols for IVF.
      • A Rational Basis for selecting Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) protocols in women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
      •Diagnosing and Treating Infertility due to Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
      •Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in Older women and Women who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): A Rational Basis for Selecting a Stimulation Protocol
      •Human Growth Hormone Administration in IVF: Does it Enhances Egg/Embryo Quality and Outcome?
      •The BCP: Does Launching a Cycle of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS). Coming off the BCP Compromise Response?
      •Blastocyst Embryo Transfers Should be the Standard of Care in IVF
      •Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) versus “Fresh” ET: How to Make the Decision
      •Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A Rational Approach to Hormonal Preparation and How new Methodology is Impacting IVF.
      •Staggered IVF: An Excellent Option When. Advancing Age and Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) Reduces IVF Success Rate
      •Embryo Banking/Stockpiling: Slows the “Biological Clock” and offers a Selective Alternative to IVF-Egg Donation.
      •Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGS) in IVF: It Should be Used Selectively and NOT be Routine.
      •Preimplantation Genetic Sampling (PGS) Using: Next Generation Gene Sequencing (NGS): Method of Choice.
      •PGS in IVF: Are Some Chromosomally Abnormal Embryos Capable of Resulting in Normal Babies and Being Wrongly Discarded?
      •PGS and Assessment of Egg/Embryo “competency”: How Method, Timing and Methodology Could Affect Reliability
      •Treating Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Patients at Sher-IVF in Las Vegas:
      •Traveling for IVF from Out of State/Country–
      •A personalized, stepwise approach to IVF
      •How Many Embryos should be transferred: A Critical Decision in IVF.
      •The Role of Nutritional Supplements in Preparing for IVF
      •Premature Luteinization (“the premature LH surge): Why it happens and how it can be prevented.
      •IVF Egg Donation: A Comprehensive Overview
      I invite you to arrange to have a Skype or an in-person consultation with me to discuss your case in detail. If you are interested, please contact Julie Dahan, at:

      Email: Julied@sherivf.com

      OR

      Phone: 702-533-2691
      800-780-7437

      I also suggest that you access the 4th edition of my book ,”In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies”. It is available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.

  4. hello,

    have you ever had a patient with complex endo hyperplasia with atypica do treatment with progesterone and go on to have a baby?

    I have had 3 failed IVF transfers after my IVF daughter and we did an endo biopsy to rule out endometritis. It came back the above. I have zero risk factors or symptoms. In fact I have to take viagra to thicken my lining. I was shocked. I have a D&C tomorrow however if it still comes back as this I have to make some choices. Do I do a hysterectomy or do I try progesterone to try to have a baby. I have 2 embryos left frozen. Could this be preventing me from being pregnant?

    • If the endometrium is thickened excessively and there is no endometrial adenomatous hyperplasia. dysplasia or cancer, there is in my my opinion no problem proceeding with embryo transfer. Also no need for prolonged progesterone therapy prior to ET.

      Geoff Sher

  5. Hi Dr.

    Should everyone go through a hysteroscopy before a FET?

    I did a saline sonogram that looks at your tubes and uterus a year ago. Is that too long ago?

    • No…A hysterosonogram is just as effective as hysteroscopy. However if either one was normal 1 year ago, it need not be repeated as a routine…in my opinion!

      Geoff Sher