Next steps after failed IVF with NK cell protocol

[Poppyhb]

UPDATE

Hi everyone,

I’ve had a couple of messages recently about immune treatment after this post and thought it might be helpful to update.

After finding out about various immune problems and undergoing LIT, IVIG and taking an assortment of medication we finally got our little miracle. Our little girl was born in November.

This time last year I was recovering from an ectopic (our first ever BFP) and feeling pretty resigned to the fact that we might have to think about other ways to create a family. In January we had to start from the beginning again and create more embryos. Fortunately that worked and we transferred one in March.

I’m happy to share more details of the immune process and treatment plan if useful.

Take care x

Hi All

This is my first time posting.

Had all the tests and no egg, sperm or tube issues. I've had 3 failed rounds of natural IUI (age 36-37), before moving to IVF and went through egg collection last year. We had a good number of eggs that fertilised (90%), then made it to 5 day blasts (100%) we had them PGT and 4 of 7 were euploid. I turned 38 and we transfer one last October for a natural cycle that failed. I had a uterine biopsy that showed high NK cells and the need for extra progesterone.

We transferred a hatching blast on our second IVF, I've been taking 20mg prednisolone, 4 x 400mg cyclogest, 25mg prognova (all daily) and prontogest injections every three days. This cycle has also failed. My lining for this round was thinner than normal at 6.8mm but the consultant felt it looked healthy and was nicely compact for us to go ahead.

We are stuck as to what we try next with our two remaining embryos. Would it be higher doses of steroids or adding another immune element? My lining has always been between 8-9mm so I am wondering if the drugs are affecting it.

Looking at the research it seems we have ruled out all the other reasons for implantation failure. I have a tilted uterus so I don't know if this could impact.

Any suggestions would be helpful or anyone who has had a similar experience and went on to change their protocol or test for other causes.

Thank you

[try2020]

Hi Poppy, I'm sorry I don't have any advice but just wanted to say I am sorry that it hasn't worked for you yet but it's great that you have some stillon ice, do you know what you are trying next? good luck 🤞🧡

[Poppyhb in reply to try2020]

Hiya, thanks for replying. We’ve decided to get a second opinion and are booked in for a consultation with a clinic that specialises in immunology and infection to see what they suggest we do differently. 🤞

[Krystal_43]

I just spotted this post & can see it’s a little old, but there was a big study came out last year that said 95% of women will achieve a pregnancy following 3 euploid transfers. So this means that even with everything right, it can still take 3-4 attempts. I’d still see a specialist in immunology though, I just thought I’d share this nugget of information as i found it really useful personally. Xxx

[Poppyhb in reply to Krystal_43]

Hi Krytal thanks for your message. I think I saw a similar article, I always had it in my head there was this 6 attempts for success. Something was nagging me though so we saw Doctor G and have had a variety of tests. We got the majority of results last week and they showed quite a few immune issues so really glad we did it as it would have been highly unlikely the transfers would work for us without additional treatment. As a result I’ve got about three months of pre treatment (tablets, injections and some of hubbies blood!) ahead of doing our next transfer.I hope it will make a difference but if the next one is unsuccessful at least we know now rather than after. X

[Karinyaa]

Hi, sorry to read this. Unfortunately I was 40 when our 3rd IUI failed. My husband and I agreed that we would move on after that. However, since insurance didn’t cover any part of IVF and money doesn’t grow on trees, to say we were beyond stressed and didn’t know how to take on IVF at the time. I hate thinking back on those months of not knowing what we were going to do! My husband and I sat down and weighed out all the pros and cons (when we were both relaxed and could really talk about it.) We came to the conclusion no matter what, IVF would be worth it. Though had to use donor eggs. Finally got luck with it in Biotexcom clinic in Kiev.

I don’t believe anyone deserves this. It knocks you out from your normal life. Waiting becomes tooo long it's really hard to deal with. Also the great need to self educate to know what to expect. Of course IVF is said to have higher success rates than IUI. But I believe this purely depends on every particular situation. Dr is the one to offer the best solution for you. Just make sure you're dealing with a reputable professional. Not one who wants to loom your money out pushing you onto unnecessary IUI shots. I believe you'll soon get more answers.

[Poppyhb in reply to Karinyaa]

Thank you Karinyaa and really pleased that it worked out for you. It makes all the stress, time in limbo and money worth it.We had our third transfer in October which unfortunately was ectopic. Trying to take the positive that after all the immune therapy we finally got pregnant, just very unlucky odds.

We now need to start again and create more embryos, which nearly 2 years on and at 39 it is a worry whether we will have the same result as last time but trying to stay positive and take one step at a time.