Can anyone help IVF trouble?

Question

The doctor did a vaginal sonogram today on me. She showed me a mostly gray ovary with the acception of a couple of dark circles on the ovary. She says the grayness indicates that the ovaries isn't working. She has had me on estrogen for ten days. She told me if the ovary becomes more dark in the coming weeks while on estrogen she says I may respond to fertility drugs. Had IVF cycle cancelled because of no response to follistim. I believe I was over suppressed by the Lupron. Is it a good sign that my ovaries have some dark circles? Why did my RE have blood work done this week? Is there hope I will be able to produce healthy eggs for IVF?

Answer 1

I haven't heard of an ovary being gray. I'm not sure exactly what she meant. I know that an antral follicle count is usually done to determine the number of follicles you have left. She may have meant that she did an antral follicle count and did not see many resting follicles (I believe they show up as white specks). An antral follicle counts ovarian reserve where the number of follicles visible on ultrasound is indicator (Along with age, blood tests) of the number of follicles or potential eggs remaining in the ovary.  She may have said "Gray" meaning that she did not see a lot of while follicles and more gray. That's just a guess!

As for the Follistim, I have used it for IVF cycles. My RE does not put me on BCP's or Lupron because of my age and elevated FSH. Lupron can over suppress already suppressed (Me!) ovaries. That's probably what happened to you. It's very common not to put poor responders, those with low overian reserve, elevated FSH, and older gals on BCP's and Lupron. Also, your first cycle can be a bit of a trial and error to find the right doses and meds that you respond to. Sometimes upping the dose gets your ovaries to wake up a little more :)

I'm sure she just did some blood test to look at your estrogen, progesterone, and possible FSH levels.

Yes. There is hope for you! Your RE is just working out the kinks!

Good luck!