Number 1: Clomid Challenge Test
A test I must pass.
Normally my clinic requires a clomid challenge test for women over age 35 (not quite there yet). Last November my day 3 FSH measured 9.3. Dr. H thought this was slightly elevated for my age.
The Clomid Challenge Test includes day 3 hormone levels, a baseline u/s, 100mg of clomid on days 5-9 and then FSH levels on cd 10. The results will determine not only our predicted success with IVF, but whether or not we qualify for the shared risk program. This is a big deal.
Hormone levels can vary from lab to lab due to differences in equipment used to measure FSH. At ORM, they want to see FSH levels under 13 mlU/ml on both cycle day 3 and cycle day 10 and E2 levels under 100pg/ml on cycle day 3. Borderline levels include FSH levels between 13-15 miU/ml and anything over 15 is considered abnormal and indicative of poor egg quality.
I will do the CCT next cycle, in about a month. We are getting our paperwork in for the refund plan and I need a pap-smear (with all the fertility treatments, I haven't scheduled a pap since 2009!) and all the infectious disease testing. F needs this testing, too. We will do this with our general physicians. Finally, something our insurance will cover!
It will be weird going back to my CNM for the pap. It was with her that I first talked about my trouble conceiving. She just delivered a friend's baby. I really hate the thought of going back after 2 years, still without a pregnancy, like a walk of shame. She once shared with me how difficult it was for her to get pregnant at age 38. It took her 6 months.
Anyway, stay tuned for more of my Pre-IVF to do list and thank you all for your encouraging comments on my previous post.
5 comments:
I would not worry too much about the clomid challenge. My FSH was 10.8 and they had no problem stimming me for IVF. THose numbers change from month to month and lab to lab. I know what you mean about going back to your OB-gyn after two years with no pregnancy. It is so disheartening. But it doesn't sound like you will have to wait too much longer!
Just a thought: a fellow blogger convinced me to get thyroid checked as well. I know they will do some work-up, but she swore that her success after her 3rd IVF was due to regulating her thyroid. Mine ended up being just fine.
I have been avoiding the annual for the last two years for the same reasons - now its a bi-annual, possibly becoming a tri-annual? Try not to stress about the FSH test, there is nothing you can do to change it. My level was 10.3 and my doc said not to worry.
Excited that you're getting all these things taken care of before IVF! I hate that there are so many things to do, but just check it off and try to keep your eye on the prize!
Thanks for your comments on my blog, The numbers doubled! but were low again this week, its up and down lol... oh well like I said it's up to faith at this point, if it's meant to happen it will happen...
IVF will work for you! I wish you guys the best!!!!
HS
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