November 23- Embryo update

I got a phone call this morning from Debbie, one of the embryologists. She informed us that all 17 eggs which were retrieved were ICSI'd, however, only 9 have fertilized. Typically they see approximately 75% fertilized so this is a bit low, but the amount of eggs that they were able to retrieve is high so I am back to average. Even though this is "good", it concerns me that the attrition has been so high already. 

Tomorrow I will receive a phone call again, in the morning with an update on how the embryos are doing. I am feeling more anxious about this now as the attrition rate is so high. Debbie indicated that the goal is to get to day 5 with 2 good embryos, embryos which are dividing and growing. One to freeze and one to transfer. However, depending on the attrition and quality of the embryos they may do a day 3 transfer. They only freeze embryos at day 5, which I didnt realize, this concerns me. 

I need your thoughts and prayers over the next few days, please. 

Today I start Estrace and Prometrium, as well as the typical folic acid and baby asprin. 

I take Estrace 2 times daily orally, 2 pills total per day. 

Estrogen supplementation during an IVF cycle is now commonly used by many infertility specialists. One of the major hormones of pregnancy, estrogen helps maintain the endometrial lining of the uterus. While some early studies have shown that patients taking both progesterone and estrogen supplements during an IVF cycle after the egg retrievalhave higher clinical pregnancy rates, newer studies seem to dispute this. However, as more research is still needed to study this, some Reproductive Endocrinologists (REs) prescribe estrogen supplements to help support the growth of the endometriulm.

Prometrium I will take 3 times daily, vaginally for a total of 6 tablets, daily. 

what is progesterone and what does it do?
It gives support for the lining of the uterus and is needed to maintain an early pregnancy. There may not be enough progesterone made by the ovary during an IVF cycle, and so more progesterone is routinely given. Crinone vaginal gel, intramuscular progesterone, and Prometrium capsules are natural progesterone preparations which are safe to use during pregnancy. You will be given instructions as to which medication to use.