Welcome to IVF Authority - World Renowned Resource for IVF Information

Welcome to IVF Authority Blog

Search by Topic

    Search by Date

      << Back to IVF Page

      • IVF: How Many Times Should I Try?

      Dr. Geoffrey Sher Recommends

      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Phone:
      702-892-9696

      Fax:
      702-892-9666

      Procreation, an inalienable right and one of the most insatiable of human needs, allows us as humans the opportunity to live on through our children. It is probably the subconscious drive to perpetuate our genetics and thereby leave definitive proof of our existence, that underlies the desire to reproduce. This urge morphs into desperation in many couples who are unable to conceive, becoming increasingly more acute when, with advancing age, they become more aware of their own mortality.

      Although IVF offers hope to many infertile couples who might otherwise have no way of conceiving, it is not a panacea. In addition, every IVF procedure exacts an emotional, physical, and financial toll. No one gets through the process unscathed. Those considering IVF should learn what they can reasonably expect from it before committing to the procedure. Only once realistic expectations have been attained is the patient/couple ready to decide whether IVF is truly for them and when/whether/how and where to proceed with treatment

      The ideal candidate/couple for IVF fits the following profile:

      • The woman is under 40
      • She has at least one ovary capable of responding normally to fertility drugs (normal ovarian reserve).
      • The uterus and the endometrial lining are normal and capable of sustaining a healthy pregnancy
      • She has been pregnant in the past, thereby proving that her eggs can fertilize. -She has access (through her partner or a designated donor) to healthy sperm.

      These criteria are however, by no means absolute. In many cases, one or more of the following factors can be addressed to improve odds:

      • Egg quality can be optimized (for the woman’s age) through revision of the protocol used for ovarian stimulation, and by better timing administration of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger shot
      • Sperm function can be enhanced through selective medical or surgical interventions
      • Surface lesions inside the uterus can be surgically corrected
      • Immunologic implantation problems can be addressed through selective immunotherapy
      • A deficient uterine lining can be improved with sildenafil (Viagra) and/or hormonal treatment.

      There are, however, two detrimental factors that cannot be altered. The first is that with advancing age there will inevitably be a progressive increase in the incidence of chromosomal egg abnormalities, which in turn result in a reduction in overall embryo “competence.” The second is that diminishing ovarian reserve as evidenced by a low antral follicle count, low antimullerian hormone and inhibin levels, raised follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) – all on the 3rd day of the cycle and a history of poor ovarian response to stimulation with fertility drugs lead to fewer eggs being available.

      Here is a practical example. Let’s say a woman is 34 years old and her partner has normal sperm function. Following stimulation with fertility drugs, she develops a good number of mature follicles, she has a normal uterine cavity and upon optimal ovarian stimulation develops an excellent endometrial lining.Such a woman would, in an optimal IVF setting, have about a 45% chance of having a baby following a single cycle of IVF treatment. However, a woman of 41years who aside from her age fulfills the exact same criteria as her younger counterpart, would because of the adverse effect of the biological clock on egg and embryo quality have a less than half the chance of having an IVF baby.]

      It follows that couples contemplating IVF should initially develop expectations based on an evaluation of those criteria that have the potential to impact outcome, and then temper their expectations with the realization that while some, adverse factors can be overcome through individualized management, not all can be.

      There are some conditions that might not be reversible without resorting to other options such as egg donation and gestational surrogacy. These include:

      • Advanced age over 43 years
      • Severely diminished ovarian reserve
      • Intractably damaged uterine lining due to prior intrauterine inflammation (endometritis), multiple surface lesions and post-surgical scarring
      • Certain types of immunologic implantation dysfunction such as complete alloimmune (DQ alpha/HLA) matching of both partners

      So what does this all boil down to? It means that each couple and their physician need to assess all the variables that can affect IVF outcome. Then, given their own unique set of circumstances and the capability of their chosen IVF program, the couple should develop realistic expectations. In most cases, through availing themselves to all medical fertility options, the vast majority of couples/individuals will over a few attempts, succeed.

      But in the final analysis, there is a time to stop trying. Independent of the number of prior failed attempts, and aside from obvious limitations brought about by financial, emotional and physical constraints, the time to give up on IVF arrives when there is no potential remedy for the cause of failure.

      Tags: , , , , , , , ,

      12 Responses to “IVF: How Many Times Should I Try?”

      1. Sprudeln says:
        March 17, 2010 at 2:34 am

        We were dealing with severe MFI and it took us 5 rounds to acheive a successful pregnancy. It also took friends of ours with other issues 5 tries.

        I think everyone should go into IVF well aware that it could very well take more than 1 or 2 cycles.

        Reply
      2. Geoffrey Sher, MD says:
        March 17, 2010 at 1:18 pm

        Thanks for your contribution.

        Geoff Sher

        Reply
      3. Lorrie S says:
        March 19, 2010 at 10:00 am

        I am now 43 years old. I respond very well and have always had more than 10 eggs retreived with every cycle & well over 60% fertilization success each time. We're moving onto our 4th IVF cycle. My first didn't work. Second was a chemical and third I miscarried at almost 7 weeks. This will be our final IVF cycle due to insurance coverage, not by choice. If this should not work I will be devastated. I would love to have many more cycles to try, but out of pocket is not an option for us financially.

        Reply
      4. Geoffrey Sher, MD says:
        March 19, 2010 at 10:31 am

        Read my october 8th 2009 blog on IVF Failure-Success…Factors that affect outcome.

        Good luck!

        Geoff Sher

        Reply
      5. The Mystical and Practical Lawyer says:
        March 29, 2010 at 11:48 am

        Dr. Sher: Thank you for your informative and specific blog. I have read each topic that pertains to my husband and I. I am 33 (PCOS) and my husband is 35 (MFI). We just failed a third IVF with no change in protocol on the horizon. We have low fertilization (1st 1/11, 2nd 4/13, 3rd 7/14). No BFPs, nothing. My current RE says that it is the MFI but I am not so sure because of my severe PCOS. Is there a different protocol for PCOS? Should I be concerned that a RN "IVF Coordinator" is handling my dosage? Is it time to give up or move on to donors? We live two hours north of NYC. Should we come see the folks at your clinic in Manhattan?

        Reply
      6. Geoffrey Sher, MD says:
        March 29, 2010 at 12:43 pm

        I do not believe you need an egg donor. Yes PCOS requires a very individualized aproach to get good eggs, but it can be done.

        Perhaps we should talk.

        Geoff Sher

        Reply
      7. Sandy says:
        May 16, 2011 at 7:52 pm

        Hi,
        i hv just failed my 2nd ivf…1st ivf – 5/14 matured (20 eggs collected) with lucrin follow by puregon and 2nd ivf – 1/3 matured (22 eggs collected) with Lucrin, Gonal F and Luveris concurrent.

        Age 39…Endo and mild adeno …Hubby 40 (no prob)

        What happen to me Dr? shld i try 3rd attempt of so, what protocol this time i shld be taking?

        sanyong71@gmail.com

        Reply
      8. Geoffrey Sher, MD says:
        May 17, 2011 at 11:04 am

        I really need to know much more3 to advise properly.

        Why don't you call 800-780-7437 and set up a telephone consultation (free) to discuss further.

        Geoff Sher

        Reply
      9. Sadie says:
        December 14, 2012 at 4:58 am

        Dr. Sher,

        I had the result of my first IVF today, It was negative.
        I am 42 and 3 month. My doctor suggested as next step to take DHEA for 3 months before trying again the same protocol, Antagonist.
        I had 2 eggs removed grade A, 2 fertilized, 2 transferred at 4 cell, 48hrs later. poor response to HUMOG 450mg treatment. should I make this treatment with DHEA 75mlg ? do you think it could change something or am I wasting precious 3 months ? my sisters leave in the USA, NY and I might consider to change clinic for the second try to give my self the best chances due to lack of time
        thank you for you response
        Sadie from Indonesia

        Reply
        • Geoffrey Sher says:
          December 14, 2012 at 10:07 am

          Respectfully Sadie, I do not recommend DHEA, especially not to “older” women and those with diminished ovarian reserve. It is an androgen (male hormone) which can metabolize to testosterone in the ovary. Too much of the latter can even be harmful to egg/embryo quality.

          Please go to the home page of this blog (www.IVFauthority.com ). When you get to the look for a “search bar” in the upper right hand corner. Type in the following subjects into the bar and it will take you to all the relevant articles I posted there.

           “An Individualized Approach to Ovarian stimulation” (posted on November 22nd, 2010)
           “Ovarian Stimulation in IVF: Why is it important to down-regulate LH?”
           “Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol”
           “Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction” (posted on May, 10th and on May 16th respectively.
           “Embryo Implantation………” (Part-1 and Part- 2—-Posted August 2012)
           “Traveling for IVF from Out of State/Country– The Process at SIRM-Las Vegas” (posted on March, 21st 2012)
           “A personalized, stepwise approach to IVF at SIRM”; Parts 1 & 2 (posted March, 2012)
           “IVF success: Factors that influence outcome”
           “Staggered IVF”
           “Embryo Banking”
           “Egg Donation”

          Consider calling 702-699-7437 to arrange a telephone or Skype consultation (f so we can discuss your case in detail.. While an audiovisual (Skype) interaction is much more personable and preferable than a discussion by telephone, either will suffice.

          Geoff Sher

          Reply
      10. Sadie says:
        December 15, 2012 at 5:23 am

        thank for your response about DHEA.I will contact the phone number you have suggested to have a Skype with your team. Can I however ask you what you think about the mini IVF for holder women? and do I have to wait 3 months to start a new cycle?
        thank you so much for your time.
        regards
        Sadie

        Do I have to wait 3 months before a new IVF cycle ?

        Reply
        • Geoffrey Sher says:
          December 15, 2012 at 8:34 pm

          I am NOT a protagonist of Micro-IVF for women over 39Y and/or those who have diminished ovarian reserve. The results are poor.

          I do not think you need to wait 3 months nto do another cycle.

          let’s talk through Skype.

          Geoff Sher

          Reply

      Leave a Reply

       
      Financial Risk-Sharing: Reducing the Cost of Having a Baby

      In the United States, the richest and most technically advanced nation on earth, millions of couples remain involuntarily ... Read more

      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Case Study: Hydrosalpinx (Blocked/Fluid Filled Fallopian Tubes) and IVF Failure

      RL, a 31-year-old woman, presented with a 7 year history of inability to conceive, in spite of 2 prior fresh and 1 frozen IVF ... Read more

      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Why IVF Pregnancies Are “Higher Risk”

      While many IVF pregnancies will progress normally and without any increased risk to mother or baby, there is little doubt ... Read more

      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Recurrent Unexplained IVF Failure with “Good Quality” Embryos

      The following is a case study of a recent patient that came to me for treatment.  CJ, a 34 year old, and her husband RJ ... Read more

      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...

      Top Search Terms for In Vitro Fertilization

      Dr. Geoffrey Sher Recommends

      Embryo Quality & Embryo “Competence” – Part III – Testing the Seed
      This is the third and final post in three part series on embryo quality. In the prior two posts, I outlined the intrinsic/physiological factors and the clinical factors that can impact embryo “competence”.  In this post, I will discuss the rol... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Embryo Quality & Embryo “Competence” – Part One: Planting a Good Seed
      “At 45 years of age the incidence of aneuploidy is likely to be nine in ten.” Several weeks ago, I posted an article about endometrial receptivity and its effect on IVF success. This, as I noted, was the “Soil” component of the “See... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      The Needle vs. the Dish: Should ICSI Be Used in All IVF?
      The introduction of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI has made it possible to fertilize eggs with sperm derived from men with the severest degrees of male infertility. What’s more, pregnancy rates achieved by this method of fertilization are... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Embryo Implantation: What Farmers Can Teach us About Growing Healthy Babies
      I often refer to the conception process in terms of a “seed/soil” relationship.  Just as a plant can’t grow and thrive without first assuring that both seed and soil are good, neither can a pregnancy be successful without both the seed (e... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Acupuncture and IVF: Does it Improve Success?
      Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin along so-called meridians (energy channels). It has been used in China for centuries to regulate and treat many health disorders including ailments involving the female reproductive sys... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #17: Why Didn’t I Get Pregnant When I Used a Young Egg Donor and Had Good Quality Embryos?
      This is #17 in a series of answers to common questions about failed IVF. For women whose advancing age and/or ovarian resistance make having a baby with their own eggs unfeasible or unlikely, IVF using donated eggs from a young donor (under 35 years)... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #15: Might My Mental State Have Played a Role?
      This is the 15th in a series of responses to common questions about failed IVF There is little doubt that stress and emotional lability plays a role in the normal physiological/hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle.After all, Eskimos often stopp... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Understanding Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction Part 1: Setting the Stage for Selective Immunotherapy with Intralipid and IVIg
      It is an unfortunate reality that many IVF programs attach little importance to factors that affect embryo implantation in general, and immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) in specific (see below). Perhaps the lack of attention given to evaluat... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      IVF: Coping With the Emotional Roller Coaster Ride
      Procreation – and with it the ability to achieve immortality by living on through one’s children – is one of the most insatiable human needs. This strong natural urge exerts tremendous pressure on couples unable to have a baby. And ... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      DQ alpha/HLA Sharing: Does It Always Lead To Reproductive Failure?
      It is not unusual for couples who share DQ alpha/HLA similarities to first give birth to a healthy baby only to subsequently develop infertility, recurrent IVF failure or recurrent pregnancy loss. Such couples find it hard to comprehend how after hav... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Dr. Geoffrey Sher Recommends

      CGH Embryo vs. Blastocyst vs. Cleaved Embryo
      IVF Success Rate Reporting – Are We There Yet?
      Please join me on Wed, February 6 at 8:30pm Eastern for a live webinar where I’ll discuss this topic in detail and take your questions. For more information or to register, click HERE ————- I have, for many years, tak... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      IVF Success Rate Statistics: The Time Has Come to Revise the Present Reporting System
      IVF programs currently report their outcome statistics in a number of categories: a)      Number of IVF cycles initiated in a given year b)      Number of single and multiple pregnancies that occurred c)      Number of cycles that res... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Mother Gives Birth Using Daughter’s Eggs: Was It “Ill Conceived”?
      I wish to share a very interesting case with you; one that I’m pretty sure will meet with the approval of some and evoke criticism by others. Before I even tell you about it, let me say that I and my team thought long and hard before going ahead wi... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      IVF Authority - Dr. Sher's Blog
      Gender Selection in IVF: What Is Its Place?
      Couples have for centuries sought to influence the gender of their offspring. More than seven centuries ago the ancient Chinese developed a birth calendar said to be able to predict gender on the basis of when conception occurred. Later, the ancient ... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Acupuncture and IVF: Does it Improve Success?
      Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin along so-called meridians (energy channels). It has been used in China for centuries to regulate and treat many health disorders including ailments involving the female reproductive sys... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Understanding Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction Part 2: A Rational Basis for Selective Intralipid & IVIg Immunotherapy in IVF
      ALLOIMMUNE VS. AUTOIMMUNE DYSFUNCTION Alloimmune Implantation Dysfunction Every human being has two DQ-alpha genes. One is contributed by the father and the other by the mother. In a small percentage of patients undergoing IVF, paternal-maternal DQ-a... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Understanding Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction Part 1: Setting the Stage for Selective Immunotherapy with Intralipid and IVIg
      It is an unfortunate reality that many IVF programs attach little importance to factors that affect embryo implantation in general, and immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) in specific (see below). Perhaps the lack of attention given to evaluat... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      DQ-alpha Matching in IVF: The Controversy, How It Affects Outcome, & How to Treat!
      IVF patients, especially those who find themselves inexplicably repeatedly failing treatment after treatment are no longer willing to blindly accept platitudes from those who would ignore the role of immunologic causes of IVF failure while unable to ... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Unexplained Infertility: True Diagnosis or Cop Out?
      For about 10% of all infertile couples, the cause of the infertility cannot be readily determined using conventional diagnostic methods. Such cases are often referred to as “unexplained infertility.” The truth, however, is that in most su... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Egg Banking of Genetically (CGH)-Tested Eggs Could Change The Face Of IVF-Ovum Donation
      For more than a quarter century, medical scientists have attempted to defy the biological clock by freezing a woman’s eggs to preserve her fertility. Most of these efforts have failed. Consider the fact that since the birth of the world’s 1st “... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Case Study: Hydrosalpinx (Blocked/Fluid Filled Fallopian Tubes) and IVF Failure
      RL, a 31-year-old woman, presented with a 7 year history of inability to conceive, in spite of 2 prior fresh and 1 frozen IVF attempts, where a total of six good quality blastocysts had been transferred to her uterus.  Her husband PL, had normal spe... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Recurrent Unexplained IVF Failure with “Good Quality” Embryos
      The following is a case study of a recent patient that came to me for treatment.  CJ, a 34 year old, and her husband RJ (age 35) presented to me with a six-year history of infertility. Based on semen analysis, RJ, who had initiated two pregnancies i... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Karmann and Ryan’s Journey – My Approach to Their Treatment
       Please refer to last week’s blog post, where Karmann tells in her own words her struggles with recurrent miscarriage – nine miscarriages to be exact – and her long journey  of heartbreak, disappointment, and finally – hope.... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Wennerlinds
      Karmann and Ryan – Nine Miscarriages, Then Hope!
      In observation of National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), I wanted to share the touching story of a couple that I first met last year – after they had already experienced 8 years of heartbreak and frustration.  Their story is representativ... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      IVF in a Same-Sex Male Couple: A Case Study
      Background: About two years ago, I received a call from a gentleman that I will call “John”. John was a movie producer who stated that he and his partner “Brian” had been in a monogamous same-sex relationship for 7 years and each wanted to si... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Recurrent Molar Pregnancy Treated By “IVF Genetic Chess”
      Background: Maria (fictitious name), a childless 34-year-old Hispanic lady, presented with a history of having had five (5) successive spontaneous pregnancy losses at 7 weeks gestation, all due to hydatidiform moles. Four (4) of these losses were ... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Case Study: Donor Egg IVF in a Post Menopausal Woman
      Mary (fictitious name), a 54 year menopausal woman, presented at SIRM-Las Vegas for IVF using an egg donor. She had been menopausal for 7-plus years and had NOT been on any hormone replacement therapy. Mary gave a history of having undergone IVF with... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Case Study: Endometriosis Presenting as “Unexplained Infertility”
      I consulted with a 36 year old lady (whom I will refer to as “Sandra”) and her partner, about 18 months ago. She and her husband of 5 years had been having regular unprotected intercourse throughout this time and had been unable to conceive. Sand... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Case Study: Pelvic Tuberculosis, Hypothyroidism, and Immune Implantation Dysfunction
      About 18 months ago I saw an Asian Indian couple who presented with a very interesting history. The female partner (whom I will refer to as DB) had regular menstrual cycles and normal ovarian reserve, was ovulating regularly and had a fertile male pa... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Dear Dr. Sher: A Healthy Baby Followed by Multiple Miscarriages
      This is the second in a series of posts taken from questions that have been submitted to me via email, website, or discussion boards.  This question is from a patient who had a healthy baby from her first pregnancy, but then went through a period of... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Karmann and Ryan’s Journey – My Approach to Their Treatment
       Please refer to last week’s blog post, where Karmann tells in her own words her struggles with recurrent miscarriage – nine miscarriages to be exact – and her long journey  of heartbreak, disappointment, and finally – hope.... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      Why Did My IVF Fail? Part 2 – Uterine Receptivity and Transfer Technique
      This is the second part of a two-part post on IVF failure. In my January 22nd post, I discussed what I often refer to as the “seed” variable in the “seed/soil” relationship – the embryo. This week’s post will address the “soil” variab... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #19: Why Do I Keep Having Chemical Pregnancies and Miscarrying?
      This is the 19th in a series of answers to common questions about failed IVF. Early pregnancy loss – whether due to miscarriage or chemical pregnancy – is due to two major factors. In more than 70-80% of cases the cause is attributable to... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #18: My Fertility Clinic Reports a High Success Rate – How Could I Have 2 Failed Cycles In A Row?
      This is no. 18 in a series of answers to common questions about failed IVF. While it is true that IVF failure can be due to preventable factors, it is as important to understand that optimal medical care does not always equate with an optimal outcome... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #17: Why Didn’t I Get Pregnant When I Used a Young Egg Donor and Had Good Quality Embryos?
      This is #17 in a series of answers to common questions about failed IVF. For women whose advancing age and/or ovarian resistance make having a baby with their own eggs unfeasible or unlikely, IVF using donated eggs from a young donor (under 35 years)... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #16: Why did my hCG levels stop rising properly?
      This is the 16th in a series of answers to common questions about failed IVF. Immediately following implantation, the root system (trophoblast) of the embryo begins to release the pregnancyhormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) into the surround... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #15: Might My Mental State Have Played a Role?
      This is the 15th in a series of responses to common questions about failed IVF There is little doubt that stress and emotional lability plays a role in the normal physiological/hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle.After all, Eskimos often stopp... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #14: Could it Have Been Due to Inadequate Hormonal Support After the Egg Retrieval & Embryo Transfer?
      This is the 14th in a series of answers to common questions about failed IVF. In vitro fertilization establishes an abnormal hormonal environment in the uterus.In some cases (especially older women and those with a diminished ovarian reserve), high o... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #13: Did the Number of Embryos I Had Transferred Play a Role?
      This is the 13th in a series of answers to common questions about failed IVF. Virtually everyone recognizes that pregnancy with multiples (especially triplets or greater) is associated with a high incidence of premature delivery that has serious cons... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...
      My IVF Cycle Failed – What Went Wrong? Question #12: Might the Timing of Embryo Transfer – Day 2-3 (Cleaved) vs. Day 5-6 (Blastocyst) Play a Role?
      This is the 12th in a series of answers to common questions about failed IVF. (Note: I’ll be hosting a live video chat on Aug. 2 on the topic of Failed IVF where I’ll discuss the issues addressed in this series of posts and take your ques... more
      1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
      Loading ... Loading ...

      Ask Dr. Geoffrey Sher

      PST: Pacific Standard Time
      CAPTCHA Image

      Enter Code*:
      Reload Image
      Business Hours
      Mon - Fri ( 9a - 5p ) PST
      CALL US TOLL FREE : (866)428-3222
      Ask Our Doctors
      A Question

      Latest News and Events

      Denton Mom Gets First Mother’s Day Thanks to SIRM..
      WMBD: Dr. Gary Horowitz on Endometriosis
      Couple Celebrates Mother’s Day Thanks to SIRM-Dal..
      Dr. Fisch Leaving SIRM
      Webinar with Dr. Sher – Immunologic Causes of Inf..
      Fox News: Dr. Sher Discusses Possible Hope For Infertil..
      Southwest moms share their stories of trials and tribul..
      7 Simple Things You Can Do to Increase Infertility Awar..
      Karmann and Ryan – Nine Miscarriages, Then Hope!..
      Farewell Robert Edwards and Thank You!