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Together we're better - Finding a Resolution for Infertility Support Community

Where Can I Get the Latest Research?

Note that the bulk of the research shows discouraging news for patients with diminished ovarian reserve (i.e., high FSH). One study cannot reverse this trend, however, the studies indicated below provide an indication that as RE’s experiment with different treatment options, a more favorable prognosis for some patients with high FSH may be possible. Also note that there are new studies coming out every day. I highly suggest that in addition to perusing the articles listed below, you search for studies which may apply to your particular situation at this site.

High FSH and egg quality

  • Research indicating quality eggs may co-exist with high FSH

High FSH/Diminished Ovarian Reserve and general response to fertility treatment

  • Research indicating patients with high FSH should not be excluded from fertility treatment
  • Research indicating the low reliability of all factors in measuring ovarian reserve and predicting IVF success rates
  • Research indicating that ovarian volume and antral follicle count are among the best measures of ovarian reserve

Potential other causes of high FSH besides DOR

  • A study that speculates on potential other causes of high FSH besides poor ovarian reserve

High FSH and Age

  • Research indicating patients under 40 with high FSH have better pregnancy rates than those over 40:
  • Research indicating young patients with high FSH have worse pregnancy rates than their normal FSH counterparts but that pregnancy can be obtained with treatment for some patients

High FSH and Low Stimulation Protocols or Natural Cycle

  • Compilation of research studies presented at the first World Congress on Natural Cycle/Minimal Stimulation IVF in London in December, 2006
  • Compilation of research studies presented at the second World Congress on Mild Approaches in Assisted Reproduction in London in April, 2008
  • Collection of research studies from the website of the International Society for Mild Approaches in Assisted Reproduction.
  • Research showing promising results for modified natural cycle using GnRH antagonist
  • Research showing promising results for minimal stimulation protocol using clomid and oral contraceptive pill
  • Research showing promising results for minimal stimulation protocol using clomid and gonadotropin
  • Research showing a comparison between micro-dose protocol and natural cycle
  • Research showing promising results for using low-dose GnRH and r-FSH with patients with DOR

High FSH and Micro-dose Protocols

  • Research showing promising results for patient swith DOR using micro-dose GnRH agonist and gonadotropin
  • Research showing promising results for patients with DOR using micro-dose GnRH and FSH plus growth hormone
  • Research showing promising results for patients with DOR (indicated by ovarian volume) using micro-dose GnRH agonist protocol
  • Research showing promising results for patients with DOR using micro-dose GnRH agonist flare protocol

High FSH and Acupuncture

  • Research showing promising results for the use of acupuncture for fertility (#1)
  • Research showing promising results for the use of acupuncture for fertility (#2)
  • Research showing promising results for the use of acupuncture for fertility (#3)
  • Research showing promising results for the use of acupuncture for fertility (#4)

Estrogen Priming

  • Research showing promising results using estrogen priming for patients with ovarian failure
  • Research showing the utility of estrogen priming via birth control pills
  • Case study showing the successful use of estrogen priming patient with imminent ovarian failure
  • Case study showing the successful use of estrogen priming with extremely high FSH:

Sperm, Embryo and Egg Freezing

Freezing technology can impact any patient involved in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Patients with high FSH are particularly sensitive to this issue, however, because different freezing approaches result in some level of loss of the item being frozen. Patients with high FSH can have difficulty producing quality embryos and eggs and therefore want to minimize any damage or loss.