8 Responses to “Unexplained IVF Failure: Can it be Caused by a Hereditary Clotting Defect (Thrombophilia)?”

1. Aishani Music says:

   August 4, 2009 at 12:15 pm

   Dr. Sher: To your knowledge, does Factor V Leiden in males pose a problem for couples pursuing IVF? I am a 40 year old male diagnosed with Factor V Leiden but have not experienced any problems related to this condition. My wife and I have unsuccessfully pursued 3 IVF cycles and I am wondering if the Leiden mutation may have some relevance. Thanks.

   Reply
2. Geoffrey Sher, MD says:

   August 4, 2009 at 1:37 pm

   Aside from the possibility of transmiting the trait to your offspring…no!

   Geoff Sher

   Reply
3. Jamie says:

   May 28, 2011 at 11:48 am

   I know this blog post is two years old, but I was hoping for some advice.

   We have been trying to conceive for 2.5 years now, without success. We fell pregnant in 2010 but lost the baby at 10 weeks in April due to a blighted ovum. We tried again naturally for a year and got pregnant in March, but lost the baby at 7 weeks this May. My OBGYN ordered RPL bloodwork which showed that I have one copy of the MTHFR mutation. They told me to start 81mg of baby aspirin daily, which I have done. All other fertility testing has been negative for us (husband’s sperm analysis, thyroid, progesterone, internal exam, HSG). I chart with BBT and ovulation prediction tests each cycle and believe that I ovulate regularly. So, my questions for you:

   1. Is there anything else I should be doing to help us conceive?
   2. Can a MTHFR mutation affect the ability to conceive or just the ability to maintain a pregnancy?
   3. I have done some reading that MTHFR mutation increases the risk of congenital heart malformations and neural tube defects…is this true? And if so, should I be taking more folic acid (such as Folgard) than just a prenatal, and if so, how much more? Should I be taking Lovenox rather than just a baby aspirin?
   4. I also believe that I may have mild to moderate endometriosis, although I have never had a laparoscopy to formally be diagnosed with this problem. In the presence of endo and MTHFR mutation, what are the chances of us conceiving naturally? And what fertility treatment option would give us the best chance of conception?

   Thanks in advance for your response, and thanks for keeping us informed and educated via this blog.

   Reply
4. Geoffrey Sher, MD says:

   June 1, 2011 at 2:40 pm

   I doubt this is thrombophplia related. You could have an immunologic implantation dysfunction. Perhaps we should talk. Call 702-282-7437 for a free medical telephone consultation

   You need 4mg colic acid daily.

   Geoff Sher

   Reply
5. Stefanie says:

   February 11, 2013 at 8:57 pm

   Hello Dr. Sher,

   I have two copies of the C677T gene. I’ve tested twice my homocysteine and folic acid levels and they are within range. We’re about to start trying to get pregnant. What else should I test for and should I be taking anything?

   So many thanks. This is overwhelming and a bit frightening( it seems like all you read is stories of difficulty).

   Reply
   • Geoffrey Sher says:

     February 12, 2013 at 4:40 pm

     I would love to help. However, I would need much more to go on. Consider calling 800-780-7437 or 702-699-7437 to arrange a telephone or Skype consultation (free of charge to those who reside in the United States or Canada) with me 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
     • Stefanie says:

       February 14, 2013 at 4:39 pm

       Thanks so much Dr Sher! I will call tomorrow.

       Reply
       • Geoffrey Sher says:

         February 14, 2013 at 8:56 pm

         You are welcome.

         Geoff Sher

         Reply