I recently started using Gonal-F stims as part of my fertility treatment journey, and I wanted to share my experience so far with this medication. I’ve had a mix of emotions and uncertainties, but I’m finding comfort in connecting with others who may be going through a similar situation. Can anyone else relate to the rollercoaster of emotions that come with starting a new medication like Gonal-F? Let’s support each other through this!
I have completed one cycle of IVF and am currently waiting for the final retrieval results. So far, we retrieved 47 eggs, 41 of which were mature and 26 fertilized. I have also had two IUIs using only gonal-f as part of my protocol. Not much additional information to share on quality at this time.
In my experience, the first round of Gonal-F did not produce the desired results, with a low number of quality eggs retrieved. The second round with menopur yielded better results, but genetic testing revealed only one unaffected embryo. Each individual’s response to medication is unique, and success in IVF often relies on luck. Keep trying and stay positive, I wish you the best of luck.
I have not personally used Gonal-F, but my doctor informed me that during stimulations, they can only focus on obtaining a higher quantity of mature eggs rather than improving quality. This aligns with information I have come across. It is possible that they can work on the maturation rate. Have you been informed about the number of mature eggs you have?
The doctor advised us to take some supplements for quality, and we noticed a difference with two successful ERs after two unsuccessful ones. The cycles included menopur and gonal, along with supplements like DHEA, coq10, and l-argenine. Though she mentioned they weren’t magic beans, they couldn’t hurt either.
I don’t have the experience of the other side, but I’ll share my own - I am 33 with an AMH of 1.2. My first stim cycle used only Gonal-F as that was standard at my clinic. I didn’t question it and ended up with 13 mature eggs and 4 blasts, including 2 4BBs, a 5BC, and a 1BB. However, I didn’t do PGT-A because it’s not common where I live and my doctor didn’t recommend it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯,
I completed a cycle with letrozole CD 3-7 and only used gonal-f, resulting in 5 embryos, 3 blasts, and 1 PGTA euploid. My first cycle with gonal-f and menopur was unsuccessful due to only 1 follicle and retrieval had to be cancelled. The improved outcome with just gonal-f stims resulted in a successful embryo, and I am currently 26 weeks pregnant.