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Question - Hyperstimulation & Endometrial Lining:
"I am just wondering if you might know something about hyperstimulation. My DH and I just went through GIFT. I have heard that if you become pregnant that the hyperstim gets worse. I guess I fear that we are not stimulated enough to have had success. My procedure went well and three of seven eggs fertilized and were frozen, while three eggs were replaced in my tube. The doctor said all went well.
Before the procedure my lining was 10 and today, five days later and four progesterone shots later, it is only at 11. What do you know about that? The RE says things look fine, but I think they say that to everyone."
Answer:
First, to clarify, the term "hyperstimulation" can have negative connotations, depending on its use. It is often used to refer to stimulation of the ovaries to an extent that is considered excessive, and potentially unhealthy. Specifically, the term "ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome" (OHSS) is used to refer to a situation in which the ovaries are too stimulated by fertility drugs.
In OHSS, the ovaries become painfully enlarged with resulting excess fluid released into the abdomen, causing dehydration, and in severe cases, serious thrombosis. The main symptoms of severe OHSS are breathing difficulty, vomiting, or diarrhea.
In regards to your question on pregnancy and the effects of hyperstimulation -- in general, yes, signs and symptoms of any hyperstim that occurred prior to conception may increase with conception.
As you know, the purpose of stimulating the ovaries with fertility drugs is to cause ovulation of more than the usual amount of mature eggs. If you were able to retrieve the number of mature eggs that make you feel satisfied, then it is safe to say that you were 'hyperstimulated enough.' Once you have had your eggs retrieved, the stimulation effect should start to diminish over time, but may last throughout the cycle.
On your endometrial lining -- you probably already know that the timing of your treatment cycle's drugs is crucial to the synchronizing of your uterus' lining with the production of mature eggs. That said, 11 is a good number, referring to the millimeters of thickness that the lining of your uterus measures. Regarding the response of your endometrium to progesterone, I can only say that there are a number of reasons that one's endometrium may need more boosting, and progesterone is but one treatment.
Going through any ART procedure is emotionally taxing, and it is more common than not to be worried about every little detail. You are right to try and stay on top of things and be a good medical consumer. Be sure to ask your practitioner for explanations of everything that is done throughout your ART process.
© Tracy Morris
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