Patient's question:
I did an ovary monitoring, and the results showed that the eggs did not grow at all and disappeared. There is a problem with ovulation, so the doctor gave me four injections of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), but the follicles did not grow at all. I want to know if I can still be treated? If not, can I do a donor egg IVF? How much does this cost? Where can it be done? What conditions are required to do this?Doctor's answer:
The causes or factors of anovulation are diverse, but the manifestations are the same. Whether in a natural cycle or with medication-induced ovulation, some individuals have follicles that grow beyond 2 cm but still do not ovulate, continuing to grow, and even exceeding 4-6 cm. In some cases, ovulation does not occur even in the following menstrual cycle. This is medically known as Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFs). Why does this phenomenon occur? For some people, monitoring over several months yields the same result, becoming a mystery that baffles both patients and doctors. Clinically, it has been observed that some individuals have obvious underlying conditions, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or pituitary or hypothalamic diseases. For these individuals, treating the primary condition resolves the issue. However, for others, it is not easy to quickly identify the factors or causes, which makes treatment challenging.Regarding anovulation with unknown causes, Antai Hospital has developed an interventional therapy: tracking and monitoring the follicles, puncturing them with ultrasound guidance once they mature, and then proceeding with artificial insemination. This approach often achieves pregnancy within the same month, allowing the underlying condition to be identified and treated after giving birth.
In reality, the ovulation mechanism is complex, especially at the moment of ovulation, where hormonal and local ovarian changes are subtle. First, LH must reach a peak level, and second, the follicle must be sufficiently tense. In a natural cycle, usually only one follicle develops, and ovulation occurs when LH levels are around 90. If this threshold is not met, LUFs may occur. In contrast, during ovulation induction, multiple follicles develop, and the body's own LH production is insufficient to trigger ovulation. Exogenous HCG (which contains 50% LH) must be administered to induce ovulation. A typical dosage is 1,000 units per follicle, with a maximum of 15,000 units. If exogenous HCG is insufficient, it can also lead to LUFs.
Another contributing factor is sexual intercourse. During a female's orgasm, a significant release of LH occurs, and strong uterine contractions help mature follicles to rupture. Clinically, anovulation primarily falls into two categories: Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFs) and delayed ovulation, where the time of follicle rupture is postponed, leading to overripe eggs. Both conditions prevent pregnancy, but both can be addressed with interventional puncture to assist conception.
This is precisely the principle: "The causes or factors of anovulation are numerous; if (eager to conceive), do not seek the root cause; interventional puncture followed by fertilization; treat the immediate issue first, then address the underlying problem." If you still have questions, feel free to ask again or contact us.