IVF and fertility levels...

[fliptheswitch]

Right. This is not for me, but I was just speaking with my sister and she's all confused, so I said I'd try and find out for her.

As I've mentioned, she ha the dreaded "C". She is due to have an operation in a few weeks, to remove the tumor and part of her cervix.
She went to the hospital yesterday, to discuss fertility. They did a test, to see how her ovaries are working, and told her, her fertility is "level 9". The nurse told her for someone of her age, it should be above 40. She also told her, if it's 6 or below, they wouldn't even consider IVF.

Now, my sister is on the pill (Cerazette) and asked the nurse if this could have been the reason her "level" was so low. The nurse said she wasn't sure???

My sister obviously needs to go back and speak to them, but I've just spoken with her and this is playing on her mind. She's just about to go into a uni exam, so can't ring the nurse to speak to her... hence me asking on here.

Would coming off the pill, after her operation, help?

Thanks.

[rowanwitch]

She needs to see a consultant specialist in fertility... or at least a specialist nurse... it might mean a referral to a bigger centre but she needs to be clear what her options are...

[Sqad]

I agree with rowan, BUT unless i know which test of hormonal activity we are dealing with, then i cannot comment on your question.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks Rowan. She has actually seen a specialist, and they've gone through loads with her. She mentioned she's have to go to Birmingham (she lives in Bristol) for something or other, so they must have gone through it quite detailed with her already.
I think she's just a bit confused about this now.

When they do her op, they'll be doing another biopsy to see if it's spread any further. They've told her this is "highly unlikely" as nothing further showed up on the MRI.
Hopefully the op will get rid of it all, and that'll be that. I'm not quite sure where the IVF comes into it, though.

I'm just wondering if the pill would have an affect on the fertility level results?

[fliptheswitch]

Oh, I don't know. Hang on, I'll find out...

[rowanwitch]

Birmingham cancer centre maybe...possibly to see if she is suitable for selectron treatment... Will be one of three consultants if so all of them lovely

[fliptheswitch]

It was called an Ovarian Reserve Test. Does that help?

[fliptheswitch]

Ah, thanks Rowan :-)

[Sqad]

Yes that does help......not entirely..........but i am going to guess.

Those figures in my opinion, apply to the Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which is responsible in part to ovulation and a figure of 9 is low, not the end of the world, but lowish.

Cerazette only contains progesterone and in my opinion MAY make the levels of FSH unusually low.

To me this is not bad news for future IVF.

I am not an expert.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks Sqad. Yes, that's what the nurse said to her, that it "may" make the results low. I think she wants a proper answer, yes or no. I understand it's not as simple as that, but I think she's just a bit frustrated. She'll know more, after the op, I guess.

I'll pass on what you said. Thankyou for your time, it's much appreciated :-)