Low ovarian reserve and a positive IVF result on her third attempt: this is Claudia’s story, who became mother to little Guillermo after visiting several fertility clinics and overcoming multiple failed assisted reproduction attempts.
Claudia shares her challenges, the prejudices and misinformation she faced when deciding to have a baby after age 35, how she reached 37 weeks of pregnancy with a healthy baby, and how she dealt with a COVID-19 diagnosis shortly after her positive beta.
What is low ovarian reserve and why does it affect my IVF?
Low ovarian reserve means you have fewer follicles and quality eggs. After age 35, egg quantity and quality naturally decline. This reduces the success rate of a first IVF cycle to around 50–60%. Do not self-medicate; always consult an Assisted Reproduction specialist before making decisions.
How does a multicycle treatment help women with low ovarian reserve?
The multicycle program offers up to 3 IVF cycles with a refund guarantee if pregnancy is not achieved. Before transfer, the body is prepared with medications and hormones, respecting dosages in mL and application times. Although the first two attempts may not succeed, each cycle provides valuable information to adjust ovarian stimulation.
What are the chances of success on the third IVF attempt?
After two unsuccessful cycles it’s normal to feel discouraged. However, on the third attempt the chances increase if the medical team adjusts the gonadotropin dose and optimizes embryo quality. This story of persistence shows that combining medical adjustments and emotional support can lead to the desired outcome.
How to manage complications like COVID-19 during pregnancy?
A COVID-19 diagnosis after transfer can be frightening. Follow-up with prenatal checks every 2–4 weeks and laboratory tests (PCR, complete blood count) helps ensure the infection doesn’t affect pregnancy progression. Always consult your Assisted Reproduction specialist before taking any medication.
I have low ovarian reserve and want a baby, what are my options?
There are alternatives like egg donation, initial assessment programs, and high-complexity treatments. At Ingenes we offer the Initial Program and a team of highly experienced specialists. This story shows that each process is unique and deserves a plan tailored to you.
Sources consulted
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2020). Age and fertility: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 114(4), 850-857. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.04.010
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). FAQ: Fertility testing. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 131(1), e1-e4. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002450
- Gleicher, N., Kim, A., & Barad, D. H. (2017). Female age and ovarian reserve testing: A guide for clinicians. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007198.htm
- De Vos, M., Smitz, J., & Woodruff, T. K. (2018). Fertility preservation in women: Practical guidelines. Human Reproduction Update, 24(6), 569-591. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmy025
Frequently asked questions
1. Does low ovarian reserve always prevent pregnancy?
Not necessarily. Although there are fewer follicles, IVF with personalized stimulation allows retrieval of available eggs and obtaining quality embryos. Emotional support and good nutrition also make a difference.
The key is a complete ovarian reserve assessment (AMH, AFC) and an individualized plan. Many patients with low reserve achieve pregnancy after 2 or 3 IVF cycles.
2. What risks are associated with undergoing multiple IVF cycles?
Risks include mild ovarian hyperstimulation, emotional stress, and hormone side effects (abdominal pain, mood changes). With ultrasound monitoring and estradiol measurement in pg/mL, the team adjusts doses to prevent complications.
The multicycle program with refund eases financial and emotional burden by offering peace of mind if pregnancy isn’t achieved after several attempts.
3. How do age and stress affect fertility?
After age 35, egg quality and quantity decline and aneuploidies increase. Stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and affect ovulation.
Relaxation techniques and psychological support improve ovarian response and implantation rates.
4. Why choose an assisted reproduction specialist?
A specialist has training in reproductive medicine, hormonal management, minimally invasive surgery, and embryology. Their expertise ensures accurate diagnosis and a treatment adapted to your case.
With over 20 years of experience and thousands of patients, Ingenes is a benchmark in Latin America for its results and humanized care.
We know this journey is challenging and we want to support you every step of the way. If you’re considering starting treatment or have questions, don’t hesitate to seek the guidance of a fertility specialist. You are not alone in this process!