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.
I apologize if this is a repeat, I don’t think my original one posted. I am a healthy 30 year old and I had a frozen embryo day-5 transfer done on April 15, 2016. The embryo underwent comprehensive chromosomal screening prior and was rated a 5BA. First beta HCG was April 24 and it was 344. Second beta was taken on April 26 (two hours shy of the full 2 days) and was 622.2 and my third beta was taken yesterday, April 29 and was 1765. They are consistently increasing but not doubling. I was an incredibly nervous and scared that this is going to end in heartache as I have had miscarriages in the past. Am I worrying too soon? Thank you for any insight!
Amy!
It is not possible to be certain given this information. However, it is possible that you started with > 1 pregnancy and one reduced and then it took off again. That would explain the dip you had in hCG level midway along these measurements. I suggest that yo have an ultrasound done within the upcoming week to be more defitive, but I am optimistic based upon what you have told me. This having been said, your RE must also be on the look-out for a tubal pregnancy (although I do not think that will be a problem)
Good luck!
Please keep me in the loop!
Geoff Sher
Hello, I am 28 years old. My husband and I recently had an IVF round in which I had 22 eggs retrieved, 21 mature, 16 fertilized with ICSI, 9 made it to blast on day 5-6 for biopsy. We just found out all were pgs abnormal. I have two children from a previous marriage. All lab tests have been normal for both myself and husband. I had one spot of stage 1 endo on a lap in December. I only stimmed for 7 days with 150 gonal f and 75 menopur for the first 2 days. Then with only 150 gonal f. Cetrotide was added on about day 3-4. My estrogen level was high throughout the process at last check it was 4400 prior to 10000 units of HCG. What would be your suggestion as to a next step? I am interested in any testing to ensure there are no genetic issues. What testing would you recommend? What would you advise I do as a next step. I have not found any information on someone of my age with normal fsh and ovarian reserve and have so many make it to blast but be abnormal. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.
Two issues:
1. It sounds as if you are a high responder and maybe the fear of your hyperstimulating might have prompted the early trigger with hCG. The hope being that by giving the trigger before the E2 went too high, the risk of OHSS could be avoided. In my opinion, 7 days of stimulation before the trigger is too early. More than likely your eggs were developed enough to be ready for maturation through the trigger and that I believe is the reason you had abnormal eggs/embryos. Doing PGS does not enhance egg quality and thus in te final analysis only helps select the good ones for transfer. At your age, 1 : 2 eggs and thus 1:2 embryos should have been normal by PGS. Thus your having no PGS-normal embryos is likely the consequence of stimulation and not due to an inherent egg defect. You need a different approach in my opinion , otherwise the same scenario might be repeated over and over. I do not think you need PGS.
2. Endometriosis is associated with an immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) linked to activated uterine natural killer cells (NKa) in about 1/3 of cases, regardless of the severity of the endo. You need to be tested to determine whether this applies in your case and if so it needs to be addressed in the embryo transfer cycle.
My approach is consistently to have my patients who are at risk of developing OHSS, launch their ovarian stimulation, coming off a monophasic birth control pill (BCP). The last few days on the BCP is accompanied by the addition of Lupron. Thereupon the BCP is stopped and Lupron therapy is continued. After 3-7 days menstruation usually ensues, at which point the dosage of Lupron is reduced and low dosage FSHr (Follistim/Gonal-F/Puregon) -dominant ovarian stimulation is commenced. Lupron and gonadotropins are then continued together. This approach is referred to as the “Long Pituitary Down-regulation protocol” Use of the BCP is intended to lower LH and thereby reduce stromal activation (hyperthecosis) in the hope of controlling ovarian androgen (mainly testosterone) release (too much ovarian testosterone is harmful to egg development). Seventy five (75) units of LH/hCG (Luveris/Menopur) is added from the 3rd day of gonadotropin stimulation. Starting on the 7th day of ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins, I start watching daily for the # and size of follicles developing and for the rise in blood [E2]. If there are > 25 follicles, the patient becomes a candidate for “prolonged coasting” I keep stimulating with gonadotropins (regardless of the [E2]) until: a) 50% of all follicles reach 14mm and b) the [E2] reaches 2500pg/ml. At that point, gonadotropin stimulation is discontinued abruptly while daily Lupron injections continue. Thereupon I follow the daily blood [E2] without doing further US examinations. The [E2] will almost invariably continue to rise. I carefully plot the rise in [E2] (regardless of how high it goes). Usually, within 1-3 days it will plateau and then start to decline. As soon as the [E2] drops below 2500pg/ml (and not before then), I administer the 10,000U hCGu (Novarel/Pregnyl/Profasi) “trigger” or 500mcg of hCGr (Ovidrel) and then schedule an egg retrieval for 36h later. ICSI is a MUST because “coasted” eggs usually have few or no surrounding cumulus cells and eggs without a cumulus layer will not readily fertilize on their own. All fertilized eggs are cultured to the blastocyst (up to 6 days) whereupon I transfer up to two into the uterus, or vitrify all expanded blastocysts for subsequent dispensation at the directive of the patient. In some cases the embryos are biopsied for PGS testing prior to being cryostored. Subsequent frozen embryo transfers are conducted as per the wishes of the patients.
It is important to point out that the success of this “prolonged coasting” approach depends on precise timing of the initiation and the conclusion of “prolonged coasting”. If you start too early, follicle growth will stop and the cycle will be lost. If you start too late, you will encounter too many post-mature/cystic follicles (>22mm) that usually harbor abnormally developed eggs.
Use of the above approach avoids unnecessary cycle cancellation, severe OHSS, and optimizes egg/embryo quality. The worst you will encounter is mild to moderate OHSS and this too is uncommon.
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)
•Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
•Why did my IVF Fail
•Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 1-Background
•Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 2- Making a Diagnosis
•Immunologic Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 3-Treatment
•Thyroid autoantibodies and Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID)
•Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction: Importance of
•Implantation Dysfunction in IVF: The Controversy!
•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
•Endometriosis and Infertily
•The Fundamental Requirements For Achieving Optimal IVF Success
•Evaluation of IVF Outcome does not readily lend itself to Email: Julied@sherivf.com
OR
Phone: 702-533-2691
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.
Geoff Sher
Dear Dr Sher,
I live in sydney australia and am rwally hoping for your advice. Im 36 and just started by first ivf cycle. Its a flare protocol. I have an amh of 1.6 and high fsh 15-36 (depending on cycle).
I am day 10 of stimulation. Lucrin (10 units) and gonal f 300 / per day. I started with bcp for 16 days and once off, my day 2 fsh was 15.
I am only recruiting 3 follicles on my right ovary. 16mm, 12mm and 7mm. No follicles on my left. I think the cycle will be cancelled.
I am wondering if there is a chance of recruiting more follicles with a different protocol and, what you would suggest please? Also do you believe in using dhea?
Your assistance is most appreciated.
Kind regards Alyssa
I cannot say with confidence that you would recruit more follicles on a different protocol but…in my opinion the use of flare protocols in women with DOR is not conducive with optimizing egg/embryo quality/competency…see below.
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
•Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the“Conventional” Antagonist Aproach
•IVF: Factors Affecting Egg/Embryo “competency” during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation(COS)
•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.
•Diagnosing and Treating Infertility due to Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
•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?
•The Fundamental Requirements For Achieving Optimal IVF Success
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
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.
Geoff Sher
Hello Dr. Sher. I’m 43 years and 2 years married already. we have been trying to have a baby naturally but with no luck. We have undergone artificial insemination 3x but still no luck. I have endometriosis but my docotr said no need to do surgery. As per my doctor, we will try 3 sessions again of IA. If still no luck, we will go to IVF. Do we still have a chance in AI?
Hi Maricar,
Thank you for making contact. First let me say that given your endometriosis (see the article below) and your age (with its inevitable and progressive adverse effect on egg chromosomal integrity), your chance of a baby with IUI is probably no more than 2% per cycle of treatment….and you simply do not have the time to waste. You in my opinion should be going directly to IVF using a very strategic protocol for ovarian stimulation. In addition, since 1/3 of women with endometriosis (regardless of its severity) will have an underlying immunologic implantation dysfunction linked to activation of uterine natural killer cells (NKa), this needs to be tesyed for without delay and treated if need be (see below).
You would in my opinion need a modified, robust, long pituitary down-regulation protocol. I would use an agonist/antagonist conversion protocol with human growth hormone (HGH) augmentation and would recommend Staggered IVF with embryo banking of PGS (next generation gene sequencing)-normal blastocysts, to make hay while the sun still shines (see below).
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
•Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the“Conventional” Antagonist Aproach
•IVF: Factors Affecting Egg/Embryo “competency” during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation(COS)
•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.
•Diagnosing and Treating Infertility due to Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
•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?
•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 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?
•IVF Failure and Implantation Dysfunction: The Role of Endometrial Thickness, Uterine Pathology and Immunologic Factors
•Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 1-Background
•Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 2- Making a Diagnosis
•Immunologic Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 3-Treatment
•Thyroid autoantibodies and Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID)
•Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction: Importance of Meticulous Evaluation and Strategic Management:(Case Report
•Intralipid and IVIG therapy: Understanding the Basis for its use in the Treatment of Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID)
•Natural Killer Cell Activation (NKa) and Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction in IVF: The Controversy!
•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
•Endometriosis and Infertily
•Premature Luteinization (“the premature LH surge): Why it happens and how it can be prevented.
•Advancing Age of the Woman and IVF: How Old is too old?
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
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.
Geoff Sher
Hello Doctor,
I have done 3 FET cycles and total 5 blastocyst transferred. 1st FET resulted in miscarriage in 5 weeks. In other 2 FETs no embryos implanted. do you think I can have this implantation dysfunction issue? What are the diagonals and treatment for this?
Whenever a patient fails to achieve a viable pregnancy following embryo transfer (ET), the first question asked is why! Was it simply due to, bad luck?, How likely is the failure to recur in future attempts and what can be done differently, to avoid it happening next time?.
It is an indisputable fact that any IVF procedure is at least as likely to fail as it is to succeed. Thus when it comes to outcome, luck is an undeniable factor. Notwithstanding, it is incumbent upon the treating physician to carefully consider and address the causes of IVF failure before proceeding to another attempt:
1.Age: The chance of a woman under 35Y of age having a baby per embryo transfer is about 35-40%. From there it declines progressively to under 5% by the time she reaches her mid-forties. This is largely due to declining chromosomal integrity of the eggs with advancing age…”a wear and tear effect” on eggs that are in the ovaries from birth.
2.Embryo Quality/”competency (capable of propagating a viable pregnancy)”. As stated, the woman’s age plays a big role in determining egg/embryo quality/”competency”. This having been said, aside from age the protocol used for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is the next most important factor. It is especially important when it comes to older women, and women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) where it becomes essential to be aggressive, and to customize and individualize the ovarian stimulation protocol.
We used to believe that the uterine environment is more beneficial to embryo development than is the incubator/petri dish and that accordingly, the earlier on in development that embryos are transferred to the uterus, the better. To achieve this goal, we used to select embryos for transfer based upon their day two or microscopic appearance (“grade”). But we have since learned that the further an embryo has advanced in its development, the more likely it is to be “competent” and that embryos failing to reach the expanded blastocyst stage within 5-6 days of being fertilized are almost invariably “incompetent” and are unworthy of being transferred. Moreover, the introduction into clinical practice about a decade ago, (by Levent Keskintepe PhD and myself) of Preimplantation Genetic Sampling (PGS), which assesses for the presence of all the embryos chromosomes (complete chromosomal karyotyping), provides another tool by which to select the most “competent” embryos for transfer. This methodology has selective benefit when it comes to older women, women with DOR, cases of unexplained repeated IVF failure and women who experience recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).
3.The number of the embryos transferred: Most patients believe that the more embryos transferred the greater the chance of success. To some extent this might be true, but if the problem lies with the use of a suboptimal COS protocol, transferring more embryos at a time won’t improve the chance of success. Nor will the transfer of a greater number of embryos solve an underlying embryo implantation dysfunction (anatomical molecular or immunologic).Moreover, the transfer of multiple embryos, should they implant, can and all too often does result in triplets or greater (high order multiples) which increases the incidence of maternal pregnancy-induced complications and of premature delivery with its serious risks to the newborn. It is for this reason that I rarely recommend the transfer of more than 2 embryos at a time and am moving in the direction of advising single embryo transfers …especially when it comes to transferring embryos derived through the fertilization of eggs from young women.
4.Implantation Dysfunction (ID): Implantation dysfunction is a very common (often overlooked) cause of “unexplained” IVF failure. This is especially the case in young ovulating women who have normal ovarian reserve and have fertile partners. Failure to identify, typify, and address such issues is, in my opinion, an unfortunate and relatively common cause of repeated IVF failure in such women. Common sense dictates that if ultrasound guided embryo transfer is performed competently and yet repeated IVF attempts fail to propagate a viable pregnancy, implantation dysfunction must be seriously considered. Yet ID is probably the most overlooked factor. The most common causes of implantation dysfunction are:
a.A“ thin uterine lining”
b.A uterus with surface lesions in the cavity (polyps, fibroids, scar tissue)
c.Immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID)
d.Endocrine/molecular endometrial receptivity issues
Certain causes of infertility are repetitive and thus cannot readily be reversed. Examples include advanced age of the woman; severe male infertility; immunologic infertility associated with alloimmune implantation dysfunction (especially if it is a “complete DQ alpha genetic match between partners plus uterine natural killer cell activation (NKa).
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
•Ovarian Stimulation for IVF using GnRH Antagonists: Comparing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol.(A/ACP) With the“Conventional” Antagonist Aproach
•IVF: Factors Affecting Egg/Embryo “competency” during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation(COS)
•IVF Failure and Implantation Dysfunction: The Role of Endometrial Thickness, Uterine Pathology and Immunologic Factors
•Vaginally Administered Viagra is Often a Highly Effective Treatment to Help Thicken a Thin Uterine Lining
•Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 1-Background
•Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 2- Making a Diagnosis
•Immunologic Dysfunction (IID) & Infertility (IID):PART 3-Treatment
•Thyroid autoantibodies and Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID)
•Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction: Importance of Meticulous Evaluation and Strategic Management:(Case Report
•Intralipid and IVIG therapy: Understanding the Basis for its use in the Treatment of Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID)
•Natural Killer Cell Activation (NKa) and Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction in IVF: The Controversy!
•Traveling for IVF from Out of State/Country–
•A personalized, stepwise approach to IVF
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
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.
Geoff Sher