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.
Do you know how often in the 2 months before my husband gives his sample for IVF should he be
?????
Dear Dr Sher;
After 3 years of TTC naturally, my husband and I finally consulted a RE and began fertility treatment. It was after 3 failed IUI’s that we were urged to consider IVF.
We began IVF treatment, and because i had PCOS, the RE decided not to be too aggressive with the stimulation(I was on 175U Gonal-F for 15 days). Eventhough my AMH was high, the no: of eggs yielded was underwhelming. We managed to get 10 out of which only 4 got fertilised,3 made it to day 3 then stopped growing; and the remaining 1 made it to day 5. The day 5 embryo transfer resulted in a successful pregnancy which abruptly ended due to sudden rupture of membranes at 20wks. The fetus was absolutely fine just hours before membranes ruptured. I had no signs of infection. No complaints whatsoever. Just woke up with pains that lead to rupture of membranes; USG done at that time still showed a strong FHB, but there was nothing that could be done ofcourse.
I am just 6 weeks post miscarriage and my uterus is back to its normal size, endometrial lining thick, and one mature follicle measuring 18mm noted on the right ovary.
I am quite eager to jump straight to stimulation right now itself, but would like your take on this. Would it be best to wait out at-least one cycle before i begin stimulation for my next IVF cycle? What protocol would you suggest ?Would body weight have a considerable effect on how my body responds to the stimulation drugs?
Also; i have a background history of auto-immune disease and was tested for APLS. Cardiolipin IgG and Beta2 Glycoprotein IgG was negative however i was positive for Lupus anticoagulant ( dRVVT Ratio : 1.36 // SCT Screen 45.90 // SCT Ratio :1.24 // LA Interpretation : Positive by dRVVT & SCT ) . I was wondering if my miscarriage could have possibly been due to this? Or if it was more likely to be due to a structural problem such as an incompetent cervix.
Your advice would be very much appreciated Dr Sher. I look forward to hearing from you.
In my opinion, the protocol used for ovarian stimulation is critical here. True…women with PCOS have a problem with egg quality. They also tend to have increased LH activity which causes the ovary to over-produce male hormone which is detrimental to egg development and competency. This is all the more reason why the protocol used for ovarian stimulation needs to be individualized.
I am also concerned with the mid-trimester loss you had . It would be important to rule out a mechanical factor such as cervical incompetence becaus if present it will require that you have a cervical cerclage placed after the 1th week to avoid a recurrence.
Your background of autoimmune disease also requires attention. The tests you have had done, in my opinion, are incomplete. You need your blood tested for natural killer cell activation (NKa) using the K-562 target cell test. Remember you are assessing NK cell toxicity, not concentration (the latter being irrelevant).
I strongly recommend that you visit http://www.DrGeoffreySherIVF.com. Then go to my Blog and access the “search bar”. 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.
•The IVF Journey: The importance of “Planning the Trip” Before Taking the Ride”
•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
•Use of GnRH Antagonists (Ganirelix/Cetrotide/Orgalutron) in IVF-Ovarian Stimulation Protocols.
•Ovarian Stimulation in Women Who have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): Introducing the Agonist/Antagonist Conversion protocol
•Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Measurement to Assess Ovarian Reserve and Design the Optimal Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in IVF.
•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
•IVF: How Many Attempts should be considered before Stopping?
•“Unexplained” Infertility: Often a matter of the Diagnosis Being Overlooked!
•IVF Failure and Implantation Dysfunction:
•The Role of 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)
•Intralipid (IL) Administration in IVF: It’s Composition; How it Works; Administration; Side-effects; Reactions and Precautions
•Natural Killer Cell Activation (NKa) and Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction in IVF: The Controversy!
•Endometrial Thickness, Uterine Pathology and Immunologic Factors
•Vaginally Administered Viagra is Often a Highly Effective Treatment to Help Thicken a Thin Uterine Lining
•Treating Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Patients at Sher-IVF in Las Vegas:
•A personalized, stepwise approach to IVF
. PCOS
•How Many Embryos should be transferred: A Critical Decision in IVF.
•The Role of Nutritional Supplements in Preparing for IVF
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1.About my Retirement
After > 30 years in the field of Assisted Reproduction (AR), the time has finally come for me to contemplate retiring from full-time clinical medicine. If you are interested in my medical services prior to my retirement, 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.
2.The 4th edition of my newest book ,
“In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies” is now available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.
Geoffrey Sher MD
Hello, Dr. Sher,
I am 21, childless and I have had 3 molar pregnancies in a row. 2 complete, 1 partial. I just seen a fertility specialist and he recommends my husband and I do ivf. If we go the ivf route can we still have another molar pregnancy?
You could…but with appropriate genetic embryo testing that might be avoidable
Geoff Sher
Hydatidiform Molar Pregnancy: Recognition, Treatment and How IVF with PGS can Help Prevent it from occurring.
Geoffrey Sher MD
A hydatidiform molar pregnancy happens when tissue that normally forms the placenta instead becomes a growth, that triggers symptoms of pregnancy. A hydatidiform mole is a benign tumor of the root system (trophoblast) of the embryo which under normal conditions develops into the placenta which connects the baby to the mother. About 1 out of 2,000 women with early pregnancy symptoms will have a molar pregnancy. It is approximately twice as common in women of Asian extraction.The condition requires urgent treatment and follow-up to avoid serious complications that can involve invasion of the uterine wall and surrounding structures (i.e. invasive mole or chorioadenoma destruens) or malignant change (choriocarcinoma)
In more25% of early pregnancies there will be some vaginal bleeding. About one half of these end up by miscarrying. In the remaining half, the bleeding subsides and the pregnancy continues to evolve such that most will culminate in a healthy live birth. In less than 2% of cases of such bleeding the cause of early pregnancy bleeding is hydatidiform mole (molar) pregnancy. With molar pregnancy, the roots of the trophoblast (chorionic villi) undergo cystic degeneration and when the woman bleeds, these cystic structures are passed in dark blood, giving rise to the common description of “white currents floating in red currant jelly”.
In non-molar pregnancies, an inevitable miscarriage almost invariably presents with flattening or declining blood pregnancy hormone (i.e. hCG) levels. Conversely, with hydatidiform mole the blood hCG concentration is usually elevated continues to rise. In addition, the woman will often experience exaggerated pregnancy symptoms (e.g. pernicious vomiting, very frequent urination and bloating) and lower abdominal cramping. On examination, she will often be found to have a markedly elevated blood pressure. On abdominal or vaginal examination here uterus is commonly enlarged beyond that which can be explained on the basis of the duration of pregnancy. Ultrasound examination usually (but not invariably) reveals a hazy, so called “snow storm pattern” and the absence of a conceptus.
There are two types of hydatidiform mole, complete or partial
•Complete Hydatidiform mole: Like normal pregnancies the complete mole has 46 chromosomes (two sets of 23), i.e. it is diploid.. However unlike with normal fertilization where one set of chromosomes comes from the mother and the other set from the father, with a complete molar pregnancy both sets of chromosomes come from the father. This is the result from duplication of a sperm’s chromosomes after it has fertilized an “inactive egg”. Since an embryo that has a YY karyotype is not viable, the chromosome gender of the molar pregnancy is invariably XX (female). Accordingly, if with IVF, one avoids transferring an embryo that by preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is found to be female (XX) and selectively transfers only male (XY) embryos the possibility of a complete molar pregnancy can be virtually eliminated. A complete molar pregnancy can result from fertilization of an “inactive egg” by 2 separate spermatozoa. Injection of a single sperm by ICSI avoids the latter from occurring altogether. In <10% of cases a complete Hydatidform molar pregnancy can be inherited due to a mutation (not yet clearly identified) involving chromosome 19. In such cases molar pregnancies can occur repetitively and the mole can have an XX or an XY chromosomal configuration. It should be borne in mind however, that not all repetitive molar pregnancies are due to this mutation. Complete molar pregnancies can also run in families (e.g. in sisters). The true incidence of this genetic mutation is still unknown. This situation cannot be identified by PGD.
•Partial (placental) molar pregnancies are usually triploid [i.e. their cells contain three sets of (23each) chromosomes]. Thus with partial moles, the sex chromosome configuration will be XXY or XYY. Partial Hydatidform molar can therefore be avoided through selectively transferring embryos where through PGD triploidy has been excluded.
More than 80% of molar pregnancies are benign (noncancerous). Treatment involves complete emptying of the uterus as soon as the diagnosis is made. Even in cases where a spontaneous passage of the molar tissue appears to be complete. The reason is to avoid the development of an invasive mole (chorioadenoma destruens), where the uterine wall is permeated by remaining tissue and to limit the development of choriocarcinoma (where the molar tissue becomes malignant). In the vast majority of properly managed cases however, outcome after treatment is usually excellent. Close follow-up with serial quantitative blood hCG testing, ultrasound and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is essential. After treatment, the woman must use very effective contraception for at least 6 to 12 months so as to avoid pregnancy in order to allow for proper follow-up.
Choriocarcinoma is a very malignant tumor that invades the uterus and can spread rapidly via the blood system to bone, lungs, brain and other sites. Fortunately choriocarcinoma does respond well to hysterectomy and removal of ovaries with aggressive, selective chemotherapy.
While Molar pregnancy is not commonly seen in patients undergoing IVF, it does occur and the vigilant doctor should always be on the look-out for it. As indicated, in cases where a woman seeking IVF has a family history of the condition or has had a prior molar pregnancy herself, PGD can provide an efficient way to all but prevent this condition from occurring.
Hi Dr. Sher,
I am 41 years old and my recent two ERs resulted in 19 eggs (8 mature) and 16 eggs (15 mature), respectively. My first ER resulted in one abnormal Day7 blast. At my 2nd ER (16 eggs retrieved), I had 2 Day 6 blasts and 2 Day 7 blasts. Of the 4 blasts, one Day 6 fully hatched blast was tested as normal and will be transferred next month. I presume I don’t have DOR because I produce so many eggs? I may have to do additional ERs if this upcoming FET doesn’t work and I’m curious as to your thoughts on my odds in getting blasts/normals again in the future, if I don’t have DOR.
Age + the method used for ovarian stimulation are the essential considerations.
In my opinion, the protocol used for ovarian stimulation, against the backdrop of age, and ovarian reserve are the drivers of egg quality and egg quality is the most important factor affecting embryo “competency”.
Older women as well as those who (regardless of age) have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) tend to produce fewer and less “competent” eggs, the main reason for reduced IVF success in such cases. The compromised outcome is largely due to the fact that such women tend to have increased LH biological activity which often results in excessive LH-induced ovarian testosterone production which in turn can have a deleterious effect on egg/embryo “competency”.
Certain ovarian stimulation regimes either promote excessive LH production (e.g. short agonist/Lupron- “flare” protocols, clomiphene and Letrozole), augment LH/hCG delivered through additional administration (e.g. high dosage menotropins such as Menopur), or fail to protect against body’s own/self-produced LH (e.g. late antagonist protocols where drugs such as Ganirelix/Cetrotide/Orgalutron that are first administered 6-7 days after ovarian stimulation has commenced).
I try to avoid using such protocols/regimes (especially) in older women and those with DOR, favoring instead the use of a modified, long pituitary down-regulation protocol (the agonist/antagonist conversion protocol-A/ACP) augmented by adding supplementary human growth hormone (HGH). I further recommend Staggered IVF with embryo banking of PGS (next generation gene sequencing/NGS)-normal blastocysts in such cases. This type of approach will in my opinion, optimize the chance of a viable pregnancy per embryo transfer procedure and provide an opportunity to capitalize on whatever residual ovarian reserve and egg quality still exists, allowing the chance to “make hay while the sun still shines”.
I strongly recommend that you visit http://www.DrGeoffreySherIVF.com. Then go to my Blog and access the “search bar”. 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 Aproach
•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)
•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?
•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
•Implications of “Empty Follicle Syndrome and “Premature Luteinization”
•Premature Luteinization (“the premature LH surge): Why it happens and how it can be prevented.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. About my Retirement
After > 30 years in the field of Assisted Reproduction (AR), the time has finally come for me to contemplate retiring from full-time clinical medicine. If you are interested in my medical services prior to my retirement, 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.
2. The 4th edition of my newest book ,
“In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies” is now available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.
Geoff Sher
Thank you Dr. Sher. Do you recommend any amount of bed rest following a FET or “modified” bed rest for a certain period of time? Does it really matter? It has been recommended to me that I have 72 hours of bedrest following a FET.
Hello dr I had 2 ivf, but fails at cgh, I am 38 is this fails cgh can be because of age, what to do next please if you can help
Age could be a factor as could ovarian reserve as well as the protocol used for ovarian stimulation. Obviously, no one can reverse age-related effects on egg competency, but perhaps a great deal can be done to review and strategically revise the protocol used for ovarian stimulation which can profoundly affect egg chromosomal integrity…in my opinion.
In my opinion, the protocol used for ovarian stimulation, against the backdrop of age, and ovarian reserve are the drivers of egg quality and egg quality is the most important factor affecting embryo “competency”.
Women who (regardless of age) have 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 PGS (next generation gene sequencing/NGS)-with the transfer of selected chromosomally normal blastocysts
Please visit my new Blog on this very site, https://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
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1.About my Retirement
After > 30 years in the field of Assisted Reproduction (AR), the time has finally come for me to contemplate retiring from full-time clinical. If you are interested in my medical services prior to my retirement, 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.
2.The 4th edition of my newest book ,
“In Vitro Fertilization, the ART of Making Babies” is now available as a down-load through http://www.Amazon.com or from most bookstores and public libraries.
Geoffrey Sher MD