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.
Hi Dr. Sher! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions! I am 29 and my husband is 30, and we have both female factor (PCOS and small prolactinoma) and male factor (0% morphology). We’ve undergone 2.5 rounds of IVF/ICSI so far (we just got the final fert. report for the 3rd round, but haven’t transferred yet). Over the course of 3 cycles, we’ve had 67 eggs retrieved, of which only 3 made it to blast (an AB from each of the first two cycles and one AA hatching blast from our current cycle). The first cycle resulted in a chemical. The second, I had a very painful miscarriage. Analysis of the tissue following D&C confirmed a fatal chromosomal rearrangement. This time, we decided to do PGS, and we should get the results in about 2 weeks.
So far, my protocol has been pretty much exactly the same every time, except for adjustments in dosing. BCPs for 2-3 weeks, Follistim and Menopur, Ganirelix, and a Lupron trigger. I also take Dostinex once a week, and my prolactin is under control. My RE is suggesting that we hold off on transferring this embryo (assuming it’s normal) and begin another stim cycle right away so that we can hopefully have back-up(s) after transferring this one. History suggests that another cycle will likely also result in one embryo at best, especially since nothing will change protocol-wise.
We are extremely fortunate in that we have phenomenal insurance, and we can keep going indefinitely if we have to. But I’m wondering if something needs to change in terms of our approach, in order to give our embryos a better chance at surviving. Is there a different protocol that we may benefit from? Or is it likely just something with our embryos that wouldn’t change regardless of the protocol?
Hi Nicole,
I might be able to help improve matters for you here. We really should talk.
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 promptl
•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?
•Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A Rational Approach to Hormonal Preparation and How new Methodology is Impacting IVF.
•Staggered IVF
•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.
•IVF Failure and Implantation Dysfunction: The Role of Endometrial Thickness, Uterine Pathology and Immunologic Factors
•Why did my IVF Fail
•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
•Male Factor Infertility
•The Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA): A Measure of the Potential of Sperm to Help Propagate a Viable Pregnancy
•IVF for Women Who Have Previously Conceived (Secondary Infertility).
•Preventing Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) with “Prolonged Coasting”
•Understanding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and the Need to Customize Ovarian Stimulation Protocols.
I invite you to call 702-699-7437 or 800-780-7437 or go online on this site and set up a one hour Skype consultation with me to discuss your case in detail.
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,
Does amh determine ovarian reserve in terms of quanity, or also in terms of quality? If two women both aged 40 had one good quality 8-cell embryo transferred each, but one with a low amh of 0.79 ng/ml, the other one with say 2.5 ng/ml, would the woman with the higher amh have a higher chance or pregnancy with this one embryo? Ie does higher amh mean that eggs are now likely to be euploid?
Also, does a low amh of 0.79 ng/ml (fsh 8.9) explain my good number of eggs retrieved (9-13) but the large amount of immature eggs (40-80% in each of 4 cycles) retrieved at the same time, using a double trigger?
It determines quantity BUT womene with a low AMH (DOR) are much more vulnerable to eggs developing abnormally, if a suboptimal protocol for ovarian stimulation is used 9see 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 promptl
•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?
•Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A Rational Approach to Hormonal Preparation and How new Methodology is Impacting IVF.
•Staggered IVF
•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.
•IVF Failure and Implantation Dysfunction: The Role of Endometrial Thickness, Uterine Pathology and Immunologic Factors
•Why did my IVF Fail
•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
•Male Factor Infertility
•The Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA): A Measure of the Potential of Sperm to Help Propagate a Viable Pregnancy
•IVF for Women Who Have Previously Conceived (Secondary Infertility).
•Preventing Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) with “Prolonged Coasting”
•Understanding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and the Need to Customize Ovarian Stimulation Protocols.
I invite you to call 702-699-7437 or 800-780-7437 or go online on this site and set up a one hour Skype consultation with me to discuss your case in detail.
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
Hi Dr Sher,
My beta results came back at only 12.5 8dpFET. We tansfered two 5B grade embryos. Both my husband and I are assuming the worst outcome. Have you seen any numbers like this before that turned into a viable pregnancy?
Yes I have seen numbers like yours associated with a viable pregnancy, provided that the numbers continue to double every 48h.
Good luck!
Geoff Sher
Im 36 I have PCOS my husband has a pericentric inversion of one of his chromosomes. We are doing IVF to do PGS testing. I messaged you after our 1st ivf cycle failed with a question. We did a menopur (375iu) & menopur with ovidrel trigger. It yielded 8 eggs retrieved, 4 mature 3 fertilized via icsi, none made it to blast. 2nd IVF we did 150 menopur, 300 follistim, and added ganirelix, 11 eggs were retrieved only 4 were mature, none fertilized. My RE seems to think the stimming to get a good number of eggs is affecting egg quality. He wants to go back and do iui. Since I got pregnant twice with femara and timed intercourse(tubes are clear etc) he think the low stimming needed for iui will work better. The 2 pregnancies did not result in a healthy babies ( 1 was chemical, the other triploidy loss at 22 weeks). What would your recommendation be? Do you think iui seems to be the best plan? Yes we don’t get to PGS testing but it can hopefully get us pregnant with a healthy baby. Thought or opinions appreciated so much.
Hi Kelly,
Very respectfully, in my opinion, going back to IUI would be a retrogressive step. WhAt is needed is to carefully review and then if need be revise the protocol of stimulation….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 promptl
•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)
•Induction of Ovulation With Clomiphene Citrate: Mode of Action, Indications, Benefits, Limitations and Contraindications for its use
•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?
•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 Sampling (PGS) Using: Next Generation Gene Sequencing (NGS): Method of Choice.
•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
•Preventing Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) with “Prolonged Coasting”
•Understanding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and the Need to Customize Ovarian Stimulation Protocols.
I invite you to call 702-699-7437 or 800-780-7437 or go online on this site and set up a one hour Skype consultation with me to discuss your case in detail.
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 took Clomid for 5 days 4 cycles ago. Before that when Stims started on CD1 there were tiny follicles and they grew consistently for about 12 to 14 days till trigger. After Clomid and now I have not taken any Clomid for 4 cycles. This is my 4th cycle and since Clomid, I start stims CD1 but no follicles are seen for over 1 week. Then after stimming for about 16 days a follicle of about 13mm emerges and grows 2mm every day. Is it normal to have nothing growing or extremely small follicles hardly growing for over a week?
Thank you so much,
Cherrie
Hi Cherrie,
I am sure you will appreciate the fact that i cannot advise authoritatively with so little information. We would need to talk.
Clomiphene (syn; Clomid , Serophene) is by far the most widely prescribed agent for the induction of human ovulation for women who do not ovulate, those with dysfunctional ovulation and women with ”unexplained” infertility. When used in young women (who have adequate ovarian reserve) with these problems the viable pregnancy rate is reported as being between 6% and 10% per cycle of treatment. Aside from conventional ovulation induction, clomiphene has been used in preparing women for intrauterine insemination and even for IVF. I personally rarely prescribe clomiphene because across the board, success rates are significantly lower than when gonadotropin therapy is used. The main reasons for clomiphene’s popularity is its low cost, simplicity of use and the low risk of dangerous complications such as severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Clomiphene treatment can be initiated at a dose of 50 mg (orally) daily for 5 days but it can be increased to as much as 200mg per day, starting on cycle 2, 3, 4, or 5. A spontaneous LH surge will usually follow within about 8-9 days of the last 50mg dosage. In some cases, 10,000U of hCG can be given as a trigger when there is at least one ovarian follicle of 18-20 mm in size. Routinely using the hCG trigger does tend to decrease pregnancy potential.
Clomiphene works by inducing ovulation through its “antiestrogen effect” which, by blocking estrogen receptors in an area of the brain known as the hypothalamus, tricks the brain into “thinking” that estrogen levels are low. In response, the hypothalamus prompts the pituitary gland to release an exaggerated amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles, ultimately resulting in a surge in the release of pituitary LH. About 38-42 hours later, ovulation occurs from one or more of the larger follicles. As the follicles grow, they release more and more estrogen into the bloodstream, thus closing the feedback circle that the hypothalamus initiated in response to the anti-estrogen properties of Clomiphene.
There are several factors that need to be considered carefully before deciding to prescribe clomiphene to any woman:
•Clomiphene citrate therapy is less effective than gonadotropin therapy and its efficacy declines with advancing age: Many infertile couples undergoing ovulation induction believe that the success rate using clomiphene citrate is equivalent to what we see in fertile couples trying to get pregnant on their own and to what is encountered when gonadotropins (Menopur/Follistim/Gonal-F and Puregon) are used. This is not the case. The truth is that the rate of conception with clomiphene therapy is actually about 30% lower than the natural fertility rate for normally ovulating women, and about 25% lower than when gonadotropin stimulation is used for ovarian stimulation in similar patients. Moreover, the discrepancy is further magnified with advancing maternal age, where in women under 35 years, the pregnancy rate with clomiphene treatment is about 10% per cycle, about 5% between 35 and 40 years and <2% for women in their early to mid-forties.
•Clomiphene use should ideally be confined to younger women: Ideally the use of clomiphene should in my opinion be restricted to younger women (under 35 years) who have normal “ovarian reserve” (as assessed by basal blood FSH, and antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels). These are the women who are most likely to respond by producing multiple follicles. It is necessary that at least 3 sizeable follicles (>15mm) develop on clomiphene treatment, in order to override the “anti-estrogenic” effects of this drug and so insure adequate cervical mucus production as well as the development of a receptive endometrium.
•Clomiphene should usually not be administered for more than 3 consecutive (back-to- back) cycles: If used back-to-back for more than 3 consecutive cycles, clomiphene is not only ineffective, but actually starts to function as a “relative” contraceptive! This is often is a shocking revelation to many women. Clomiphene’s anti-estrogenic effect is not confined to the hypothalamus. Any cells that have a high concentration of estrogen receptors will also be so affected. Needless to say, the cervical glands (that produce estrogenic mucus to facilitate sperm transport and the endometrial lining (endometrium) that thickens under the effect of estrogen are also highly vulnerable to a buildup of antiestrogen effects over successive back-to back cycles of clomiphene therapy. This why with >3 consecutive back-to back clomiphene cycles cervical mucus tends to thicken and dry up and the endometrium will thin, seriously reducing the likelihood of success. These anti-estrogenic manifestations require that following 3 back-to back clomiphene cycles of stimulation there be at least 1 resting (non-clomiphene treated) cycle, before doing a 4th cycle.
•Clomiphene should not be used in older women or in women who have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR): With clomiphene stimulation, the release of pituitary FSH is always accompanied by the concomitant release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). LH causes the ovary to produce male hormone (androgens) and testosterone. The production by the ovaries of a modest amount of testosterone would not present a problem. However, an excessive production of ovarian testosterone prejudices egg development and thus ultimately compromises embryo competency. Older women and women with DOR are the most vulnerable because they tend to have overgrowth of ovarian connective tissue (stroma/theca) which is the site where androgens are produced. The concentration of androgens is always much higher at the site of production (the ovaries) than in the peripheral blood (a dilution effect). Thus in older women and those with DOR, there will be excessive ovarian androgens that can compromise egg quality and thus ultimately reduce the chance of having a baby. The older the woman and/or the more severe the DOR, the greater this adverse effect is likely to be.
•“Trapped” ovulation (LUF-Syndrome): About 20% of clomiphene cycles are associated with “trapped” ovulation (Luteinized Unruptured Follicle (LUF) Syndrome). This means that in spite of hormone changes suggesting that ovulation has occurred, the egg remains trapped in the ovary. Obviously this is not condusive to the establishment of a successful pregnancy.
•Endometriosis is a “relative contraindication” to the use of clomiphene: Women with endometriosis (regardless of its severity) have” toxic factors” in their pelvic peritoneal fluid. Eggs, as they pass from the ovaries to the Fallopian tubes to reach the awaiting sperm, become exposed to these “toxins” which renders the egg envelopment (zona pellucida) resistant to sperm penetration. This reduces fertilization potential by a factor of at least 3 or 4. This means that if, in the absence of endometriosis, an egg has a 15% chance of being fertilized and thereupon resulting in a baby, that same egg, in a woman with endometriosis would have no more than a 5% chance. Thus, if the overall chance of a having a baby per year of actively trying is about 12% then the chance in a woman with mild endometriosis (of the same age) would probably be no more than 3-4%. This serves to explain why normally ovulating women with endometriosis and patent Fallopian tubes do not benefit significantly from intrauterine insemination, with or without the use of fertility drugs, or from surgery to remove endometriotic lesions (since many endometriotic deposits are non-pigmented, thus invisible to the naked eye and cannot be removed surgically). Only IVF improves the chance of a baby per month of trying. Simply put…if a normally ovulating woman who has mild to moderate endometriosis conceives following IUI, surgery, or the use of fertility drugs, it is probably in spite of (rather than due) to such treatment.
•Women with long gaps between menstruation are often not ideal candidates for clomiphene: Women who consistently have >45 days between their periods will not respond well to clomiphene induction of ovulation and are better off going directly to injectable gonadotropins.
•Multiple pregnancy: The incidence of multiple pregnancies with clomiphene induction of ovulation is about 5%. This is much lower than the 25% rate encountered when gonadotropins are given to women with absent or dysfunctional ovulation.
Clomiphene therapy is often used as a first line approach to inducing ovulation in women with irregular or absent ovulation such as in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Its use in my opinion is best confined to women who menstruate/ovulate irregularly (but who bleed at least every 45 days), younger women, women who do not have tubal disease or endometriosis, women under 40 years of age (preferably <35Y), and women who do not have DOR . It should also be avoided when there is co-existing male factor infertility. If pregnancy fails to occur after 3 consecutive cycles of clomiphene therapy, then in my opinion, it is time to move on to gonadotropin therapy, combined with IUI or IVF/ICSI depending on the underlying cause of the infertility.
Clomiphene (syn; Clomid , Serophene) is by far the most widely prescribed agent for the induction of human ovulation for women who do not ovulate, those with dysfunctional ovulation and women with ”unexplained” infertility. When used in young women (who have adequate ovarian reserve) with these problems the viable pregnancy rate is reported as being between 6% and 10% per cycle of treatment. Aside from conventional ovulation induction, clomiphene has been used in preparing women for intrauterine insemination and even for IVF. I personally rarely prescribe clomiphene because across the board, success rates are significantly lower than when gonadotropin therapy is used. The main reasons for clomiphene’s popularity is its low cost, simplicity of use and the low risk of dangerous complications such as severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Clomiphene treatment can be initiated at a dose of 50 mg (orally) daily for 5 days but it can be increased to as much as 200mg per day, starting on cycle 2, 3, 4, or 5. A spontaneous LH surge will usually follow within about 8-9 days of the last 50mg dosage. In some cases, 10,000U of hCG can be given as a trigger when there is at least one ovarian follicle of 18-20 mm in size. Routinely using the hCG trigger does tend to decrease pregnancy potential.
Clomiphene works by inducing ovulation through its “antiestrogen effect” which, by blocking estrogen receptors in an area of the brain known as the hypothalamus, tricks the brain into “thinking” that estrogen levels are low. In response, the hypothalamus prompts the pituitary gland to release an exaggerated amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles, ultimately resulting in a surge in the release of pituitary LH. About 38-42 hours later, ovulation occurs from one or more of the larger follicles. As the follicles grow, they release more and more estrogen into the bloodstream, thus closing the feedback circle that the hypothalamus initiated in response to the anti-estrogen properties of Clomiphene.
There are several factors that need to be considered carefully before deciding to prescribe clomiphene to any woman:
•Clomiphene citrate therapy is less effective than gonadotropin therapy and its efficacy declines with advancing age: Many infertile couples undergoing ovulation induction believe that the success rate using clomiphene citrate is equivalent to what we see in fertile couples trying to get pregnant on their own and to what is encountered when gonadotropins (Menopur/Follistim/Gonal-F and Puregon) are used. This is not the case. The truth is that the rate of conception with clomiphene therapy is actually about 30% lower than the natural fertility rate for normally ovulating women, and about 25% lower than when gonadotropin stimulation is used for ovarian stimulation in similar patients. Moreover, the discrepancy is further magnified with advancing maternal age, where in women under 35 years, the pregnancy rate with clomiphene treatment is about 10% per cycle, about 5% between 35 and 40 years and <2% for women in their early to mid-forties.
•Clomiphene use should ideally be confined to younger women: Ideally the use of clomiphene should in my opinion be restricted to younger women (under 35 years) who have normal “ovarian reserve” (as assessed by basal blood FSH, and antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels). These are the women who are most likely to respond by producing multiple follicles. It is necessary that at least 3 sizeable follicles (>15mm) develop on clomiphene treatment, in order to override the “anti-estrogenic” effects of this drug and so insure adequate cervical mucus production as well as the development of a receptive endometrium.
•Clomiphene should usually not be administered for more than 3 consecutive (back-to- back) cycles: If used back-to-back for more than 3 consecutive cycles, clomiphene is not only ineffective, but actually starts to function as a “relative” contraceptive! This is often is a shocking revelation to many women. Clomiphene’s anti-estrogenic effect is not confined to the hypothalamus. Any cells that have a high concentration of estrogen receptors will also be so affected. Needless to say, the cervical glands (that produce estrogenic mucus to facilitate sperm transport and the endometrial lining (endometrium) that thickens under the effect of estrogen are also highly vulnerable to a buildup of antiestrogen effects over successive back-to back cycles of clomiphene therapy. This why with >3 consecutive back-to back clomiphene cycles cervical mucus tends to thicken and dry up and the endometrium will thin, seriously reducing the likelihood of success. These anti-estrogenic manifestations require that following 3 back-to back clomiphene cycles of stimulation there be at least 1 resting (non-clomiphene treated) cycle, before doing a 4th cycle.
•Clomiphene should not be used in older women or in women who have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR): With clomiphene stimulation, the release of pituitary FSH is always accompanied by the concomitant release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). LH causes the ovary to produce male hormone (androgens) and testosterone. The production by the ovaries of a modest amount of testosterone would not present a problem. However, an excessive production of ovarian testosterone prejudices egg development and thus ultimately compromises embryo competency. Older women and women with DOR are the most vulnerable because they tend to have overgrowth of ovarian connective tissue (stroma/theca) which is the site where androgens are produced. The concentration of androgens is always much higher at the site of production (the ovaries) than in the peripheral blood (a dilution effect). Thus in older women and those with DOR, there will be excessive ovarian androgens that can compromise egg quality and thus ultimately reduce the chance of having a baby. The older the woman and/or the more severe the DOR, the greater this adverse effect is likely to be.
•“Trapped” ovulation (LUF-Syndrome): About 20% of clomiphene cycles are associated with “trapped” ovulation (Luteinized Unruptured Follicle (LUF) Syndrome). This means that in spite of hormone changes suggesting that ovulation has occurred, the egg remains trapped in the ovary. Obviously this is not condusive to the establishment of a successful pregnancy.
•Endometriosis is a “relative contraindication” to the use of clomiphene: Women with endometriosis (regardless of its severity) have” toxic factors” in their pelvic peritoneal fluid. Eggs, as they pass from the ovaries to the Fallopian tubes to reach the awaiting sperm, become exposed to these “toxins” which renders the egg envelopment (zona pellucida) resistant to sperm penetration. This reduces fertilization potential by a factor of at least 3 or 4. This means that if, in the absence of endometriosis, an egg has a 15% chance of being fertilized and thereupon resulting in a baby, that same egg, in a woman with endometriosis would have no more than a 5% chance. Thus, if the overall chance of a having a baby per year of actively trying is about 12% then the chance in a woman with mild endometriosis (of the same age) would probably be no more than 3-4%. This serves to explain why normally ovulating women with endometriosis and patent Fallopian tubes do not benefit significantly from intrauterine insemination, with or without the use of fertility drugs, or from surgery to remove endometriotic lesions (since many endometriotic deposits are non-pigmented, thus invisible to the naked eye and cannot be removed surgically). Only IVF improves the chance of a baby per month of trying. Simply put…if a normally ovulating woman who has mild to moderate endometriosis conceives following IUI, surgery, or the use of fertility drugs, it is probably in spite of (rather than due) to such treatment.
•Women with long gaps between menstruation are often not ideal candidates for clomiphene: Women who consistently have >45 days between their periods will not respond well to clomiphene induction of ovulation and are better off going directly to injectable gonadotropins.
•Multiple pregnancy: The incidence of multiple pregnancies with clomiphene induction of ovulation is about 5%. This is much lower than the 25% rate encountered when gonadotropins are given to women with absent or dysfunctional ovulation.
Clomiphene therapy is often used as a first line approach to inducing ovulation in women with irregular or absent ovulation such as in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Its use in my opinion is best confined to women who menstruate/ovulate irregularly (but who bleed at least every 45 days), younger women, women who do not have tubal disease or endometriosis, women under 40 years of age (preferably <35Y), and women who do not have DOR . It should also be avoided when there is co-existing male factor infertility. If pregnancy fails to occur after 3 consecutive cycles of clomiphene therapy, then in my opinion, it is time to move on to gonadotropin therapy, combined with IUI or IVF/ICSI depending on the underlying cause of the infertility.
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 promptl
•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?
I invite you to call 702-699-7437 or 800-780-7437 or go online on this site and set up a one hour Skype consultation with me to discuss your case in detail.
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