Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Baseline Ultrasound

This morning I had my baseline ultrasound where they measured my antral follicle count (AFC), or resting follicles, and did a bunch of bloodwork. My clinic doesn't usually call with the results of the baseline bloodwork, so I don't have that information yet. However, I did call them to find out and should know tomorrow. My lining was 4.4mm and my AFC was 15, which is a good number for my age (32), but I expected it to be a bit higher. I know I shouldn't complain because Dr. Google tells me that 15-26 is "normal (good) antral count" for women under 35 and that I "should have an excellent response to ovarian stimulation." Additionally Dr. Google tells me that with an antral follicle count of 15 I am a "very low risk for IVF cycle cancellation", yet I do have "some risk for ovarian overstimulation". One study of at fertility clinic in Chicago found that the highest pregnancy rates among women less than 35 years of age in the AFC of 15-26:

(http://www.advancedfertility.com/antralfollicles.htm)

Of course I came home to immediately compare the baseline AFC for IVF #2 to IVF #1, but was disappointed to see that 2 years ago my clinic just noted that my ovaries were "quiet" and didn't count the resting follicles. I'm guessing it was fairly similar and I'm not going to worry about it. I start stims on Saturday and go for my 1st follicle tracking scan on 6/3. K started estrogen yesterday and goes for her lining check on 6/4. Things are really underway now ... strap on your belts and hold on for a good ride! :)

7 comments:

Polly Gamwich said...

I came in with a AFC of 14 with my most recent IVF and I was disappointed ... the Stanford RE said that the "ideal" number of resting follicles is 10-14 for egg quality. So although I wanted more, he said that 14 is perfect! ... So 15 is really AWESOME!!!

Nadine said...

That is amazing AFC, at 29 I had - wait for it ZERO - and still made 1 good embryo, and 7 okay/not great ones - so that many at 32 is FAB!!! Can't wait to hear about growing eggies.

Anonymous said...

Great AFC! Mine was 9 or 10 originally...I am going in tomorrow for baseline testing that the new RE wants...we'll see.

I will be on vacation until June 5 but I will be thinking of you while I am gone.

Maddy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maddy said...

An AFC of 15 is fantastic! I have polycystic ovaries and had an antral follicle count of 40+ (at the age of 34). You would think this would be great, but it is not because of the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and poor egg quality. I took extremely low doses of the IVF meds to avoid OHSS and got only 4 mature eggs. But all 4 fertilized with ICSI and one of those embryos is now my 10 week old son! In addition, my 43 year old best friend had only 5 antral follicles and is now 28 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby girl. I'm not trying to overshadow your story. I'm just trying to let you know that more is not necessarily better and even less has worked! I wish you and K lots and lots of luck and will be crossing my fingers for you during this cycle.

KH99 said...

I think that's a good AFC! I can't remember what I had at baseline last August (I was almost 31), but I think it was close to your number. My cycle was wonky, and it took forever for my ovaries to respond, but when they did, I produced 21 eggs. I think you should definitely get some good embryos. Fingers crossed for a great cycle!

Jaymee said...

yay for getting in full swing!!! so excited for you.