Question about IVF meds

[Christine08]

Hi Dr. Roseff,

After another failed IUI, it has become painfully clear that my husband and I will have to do IVF/ICSI, likely in early November. However, I have some concerns about all of the meds necessary, and I'm probably more nervous than most women. Specifically, I'm afraid of getting OHSS, or some other medical complication (twisted ovaries, blood clots, etc.). I've shared my concerns with my RE, who told me that he'd put me on a lower dose -- 150 (not sure what the measurement is -- I think iu).

Will this lower does lower my chances of OHSS and/or complications? Will I still have a good shot at a successful pregnancy without ending up in the hospital? I'm 35 years old, checked out OK across the board. My DAy 3 labs are: FSH/7.2, Estradiol/32.5.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Christine

[Scott Roseff MD]

Hi Christine,

The likelihood of OHSS, along with the varying degrees of OHSS (mild, moderate, and severe) depends on many factors, including (and not limited to) one's age, day 3 labs, AMH value, antral follicle count, medical history, underlying reason(s) for infertility, drug stimulation regimen, dosage of stimulation meds, peak estradiol level during stimulation, number of mature follicles after stimulation, the experience of the RE, the frequency (or lack thereof) with which one is monitored with blood tests/ultrasounds during the IVF cycle, and the number of small follicles on ultrasound the day of hCG trigger.

I would have no way of knowing these things about you, or if 150 units of medication is too much or too little for you. Your RE, who "knows you best", should be able to qualify/quantify your individual risk with you and for you.

I hope this helps, and I hope this makes sense. Have you seen OUR world-renowned success rates? You may want to see them at www.reproendo.com/ivfsuccess.htm

All my best!