Diminished Ovarian Reserve...at 23?! + IUI

Question

I recently began seeing a RE to prepare for IUI because my husband is trans* and we plan on using donor sperm to conceive. When I went for my transvaginal ultrasound and bloodwork, it was discovered that I have a low AMH level (.83), super small ovaries, and only 2 decent-sized follies. 
I’m glad to find this out sooner rather than later, but it’s disheartening. I have no family history of fertility problems and I’m generally healthy - get regular periods, ovulate regularly, no PCOS, etc. so I’m wondering what gives?!? 
Anyone else have experience with this issue? Or have good/bad experiences with IUI? We’re going to try one cycle without fertility drugs before adding clomid/injectables.

Answer

I’m much older (I was 37 when I started treating) so my diminished ovarian reserve was more expected. I don’t respond well to the stim medications, so IUI is a better choice for us than IVF (not enough mature follicles). My advice is to pay really close attention to your body and ask if you can do back to back IUIs (most places that do this do them 24 hours apart). I’ve done 3 IUIs but I don’t think we ever got the timing perfect. I know I missed the right timing my last cycle. I wish I’d thought to ask about back to back procedures at the beginning.

Answer

I’m 30 and was diagnosed with possible DOR last year- my AMH is 1.07 with an antral follicle count no more than 10 (usually around 6-8). I have zero family history of any fertility issues, either. It’s very confusing and disheartening so I can understand how you’re feeling. My RE says it’s just how I was born and nothing that could have been prevented or predicted. Have you had genetic testing? I’m about to do this after several failed iuis before starting IVF. Being a carrier for a genetic disorder (I.e. fragile x) can cause diminished reserve and may give you some additional answers. Personally I’m scared to get those answers but also wanting to be informed and it may help explain things if I’m a carrier. Good luck to you!

Diminished Ovarian Reserve...at 23?! + IUI

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