Determine Infertility from (Lack of) Egg Fertilization?

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zoey

Determine Infertility from (Lack of) Egg Fertilization?

Post by zoey »

I recently donated my eggs, and 12 eggs were successfully retrieved. Afterward, I was told by the fertility specialist that the eggs were a good number and quality, and based on these results, he recommended that I donate again if I wanted to. He also specified that because the intended father (sperm donor) had known sperm problems, that fertilization wasn't guaranteed.

However, when none of the eggs fertilized, that same fertility specialist informed me that he and an embryologist agreed that fertilization failed due to my eggs (rather than the sperm). He was unable to tell me why, and also told me that based on this experience, it was likely that I was infertile now or would be soon. Can an embryologist determine whether an egg's inability to fertilize is due to the egg or the sperm? Is it possible for the fertility specialist to assert that I'm infertile based on this experience?

ETA: It may be relevant to know that my first scheduled cycle was canceled midway through, because only 7-8 eggs were progressing as the fertility specialist desired. During the second cycle, I was given higher doses of fertility drugs, leading to the lot of 12 eggs. The fertility specialist cited this as another reason why he believed I was likely infertile or close to being infertile. Since I passed all the pre-donation testing and the 12 donated eggs were healthy until fertilization (at which point I lost legal right to any subsequent records), there aren't any further tests that I know of that can assess my fertility, so I have no idea what next steps to take!
Dr. Wisot
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Joined: Fri Oct 14, 2005 11:16 am

Re: Determine Infertility from (Lack of) Egg Fertilization?

Post by Dr. Wisot »

You don't mention your age, FSH level or AMH which should help determine your fertility potential.

Unless there was an obvious abnormality in all the eggs, it would not be possible to say that the lack of fertilization was due to the eggs.

I would suggest you take the records to another RE and get a second opinion. This doesn't sound kosher to me.

Arthur L. Wisot, M. D.
Reproductive Partners Medical Group
Redondo Beach, California
zoey

Re: Determine Infertility from (Lack of) Egg Fertilization?

Post by zoey »

Thank you for your quick reply, Dr. Wisot! I'm 27 years old, AMH is 4.49 ng/mL, and I can't find FSH anywhere in my medical records. Based on this information, is there anything you can determine about overall fertility? Thank you so much!
Dr. Wisot
Site Admin
Posts: 1208
Joined: Fri Oct 14, 2005 11:16 am

Re: Determine Infertility from (Lack of) Egg Fertilization?

Post by Dr. Wisot »

Your age and AMH are excellent predictors of good fertility. If you are concerned, see an RE to check your FSH and review the records to see if that doctors conclusion is valid, which I doubt.

Arthur L. Wisot, M. D.
Reproductive Partners Medical Group
Redondo Beach, California
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