Did IVF Then Got Shingles: Could It Have Caused BFN?

Hello,

I was 5 days into my 2ww after a second IVF (in vitro fertilization). My first IVF unfortunately was a BFN (big fat negative), when I got my first ever shingles outbreak.

Then, my IVF ended up as BFN! Could shingle cause an IVF to fail. I had 4 gradeA embryos transferred. I am devastated! Thank you for your answer. A. From Georgia

Answer:

Hello A. from Georgia,

I am so sorry that your second cycle resulted in a negative and that you had to suffer shingles on top of that. I've had it myself and it is not a pleasant condition at all.

To answer your question: Yes, it is possible that a shingles outbreak could affect an implanting embryo. The immune response would be greatly heightened and could kill the embryo. That may not be the reason for the failure, but is a possible cause.

Good Luck,

Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.

Do Not Measure BBT For Ovulation When You Are Sick

QUESTION:

Hi, I came down with a mild case of shingles (no pain, just itching) last week. I have had a high BBT (I am tracking my BBT for ovulation and luteal phase) for the past 13 days now (my BBT went up a couple days before I developed a rash). Can having even a mild case effect my BBT? I have been checking my temp through out the day too and it doesn't look like I have a fever. Just trying to make sure my high BBT is actually from ovulating. How long can a luteal phase last? Thanks.

ANSWER:

Hello Cathy from the U.S.,

Any inflammation or disease can cause a reaction in your body and elevate your temperature. A BBT would not be valid during that period.

As I have said in a previous posting, I would not analyze the temperature chart so closely anyways. It is not that accurate. Many factors, such as your shingles, can influence the temperature. It is only useful to see if there is a rise in the mid-cycle, which is an indirect measurement of the LH surge, indicating ovulation is going to occur. If you are going to continue using the chart, use it only for that indication i.e. timing of intercourse, and nothing else.

Another option, which I think is more accurate but more expensive is the ovulation predictor kit or OPK. However, with this kit you also cannot evaluate the luteal phase. The only way to evaluate the luteal phase is to do an endometrial biopsy. You will need to begin infertility testing for that.

To answer your last question: The luteal phase is usually 14 days.

Sorry about your shingles, I have had it and it is not a pleasant condition at all!!!

Sincerely,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG

Executive Medical Director

The Fertility and Gynecology Center

Monterey Bay IVF Program

http://www.montereybayivf.com/

Monterey, California, U.S.A.