Friendsoffertilitycare.org

TITLE: Case Series – THREE COUPLES WITH LOW AMH LEVELS ACHIEVING
SUCCESSFUL PREGNANCIES USING NAPROTECHNOLOGY1.
Authors: Dr. Phil Boyle MICGP, Dr. Philip O’Dwyer MRCOG, Dr. Caroline Guindon MD Nantes,
NaProTechnology and FertilityCare, Suite 11, Galway Clinic, Doughiska, Co. Galway
Contact: Dr. Phil Boyle, e mailhone 091-720055
BACKGROUND: AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormone) levels are commonly measured in fertility
clinics to assess ovarian reserve and give an indication of female fertility potential. AMH levels are
useful in deciding on stimulation protocols for IVF cycles2. In addition high AMH levels are useful
to confirm a diagnosis of polycystic ovaries. Currently AMH levels cannot be used to predict a
couple's ability to conceive naturally but in practice those with low AMH levels are often advised to
consider donor eggs through IVF, with minimal attempt at natural conception. This paper attempts
to show that natural conception with ovarian stimulation is a good option to consider for women
with low AMH.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of couples with low AMH, who were previously
advised that their best option for conception was with donor eggs through IVF. Each couple had low
AMH levels consistent with reduced ovarian reserve indicating a poor chance of success with IVF
using their own eggs. AMH levels were 0.07pmol/l, 3.2pmol/l and 2.8pmol/l respectively. The first
couple was advised against trying IVF with their own eggs and to consider donor eggs or adoption.
The two subsequent couples had failed IVF using their own eggs and one had an additional failed
cycle of IVF using donor eggs. Each couple attended our fertility clinic for treatment during 2012.
We used the NaProTechnology approach pioneered by Professor Thomas Hilgers and practiced in
our clinic for over 15 years. Couples learned how to monitor their biological markers of fertility
using the Creighton Model FertilityCare System3(CrMS). They had ovulation induction with
letrozole or clomiphene and were instructed to attempt conception during days of best mucus
quality. In addition they were advised to have ultrasound follicle tracking to confirm follicle rupture
and to have a monthly blood test for progesterone and oestradiol on day 7 post ovulation to confirm
optimum fertility potential.
RESULTS: Each couple had successful ovulation induction and natural conception without the
need for any artificial intervention. One couple had a full term live birth of a male infant weighing
9lbs (4,082g) in March 2013. The remaining couples are due to deliver in August and November
2013 respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Women with low AMH levels should be given a trial of ovulation induction
with letrozole or clomiphene combined with ultrasound follicle tracking, monitoring the biological
markers of fertility, and timed blood tests on day 7 after ovulation to assist with natural conception.
References
1. Tham, E.,Natural Procreative Technology for infertility and miscarriageol 58: 2. Bhide, P., The role of anti-müllerian hormone as a predictor of ovarian functi y 2012 Volume 14, Issue 3, pages 161–166 3. Howard MP, Pregnancy probabilities during use of the Creighton Model Fertility Care System.

Source: http://friendsoffertilitycare.org/documents/ABSBoylePIFS13.pdf