Looking for information on chromosomal testing

[CharlS28]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and looking for some advice.

After a chemical pregnancy, miscarriage and now a failed IVF cycle (due to all 7 of our embryos ceasing to develop further than the 4 cell stage) since 2012 I am considering getting some further tests done before we commit financially to a further cycle of IVF. I have had a little look online and have seen some tests - karyotyping, antibodies etc which I think would be helpful, however, they seem to only be offered if you have had three or more miscarriages.

Has anyone on here had these tests done without having to have three miscarriages first, or paid to have them done privately and if so what was the cost?

Any assistance would be greatly appriciated, I'm new to all this and wish I had done more research into these issues before embarking on our one and only NHS funded IVF cycle.

Thank you xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi CahrlS28. All clinics have their own set of criteria regarding having things like your immune testing performed, and these are not considered a priority with NHS treatment. I am sure that your clinic should be able to offer it to you, but of course you are best guided by your consultant on his/her recommendations. If they don’t have the facilities to do this and feel it may be beneficial to you then they will be able to arrange for you to have the blood taken to send off to an appropriate laboratory – at a cost. Unfortunately, all the immune problems including looking for natural killer cells have not altogether been proven to cause recurrent treatment failures or miscarriage, and this may be the reason they don’t offer the test. However, if they were found, then you would probably be offered a treatment involving intra venous drugs such as immuno-globulin and also dexamethasone and prednisolone (forms of steroids). The side effects of their use, you would need to get thoroughly explained to you. I have heard increasing successes with couples who have had repeated failures undergoing treatment following a positive diagnosis to the natural killer cells and have gone on to have ongoing pregnancies and births. Sometimes, as explained, the “above” treatment has been offered without testing first!

Remember that if you do decide to go through the tests, they can be expensive, as often some bloods are sent away for testing. Chromosome testing on both partners might be another option, so that if a defect were to be found, PGS (pre-implantation Genetic Screening) could be offered to ensure that “correct” embryos were transferred. Not much information, I know, but you can’t help but want to try everything if you have had disappointments. I wish you well with whatever you decide. Diane

[CharlS28 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you for your advice.

[Orla9298]

Have a look at Care Fertility x

[CharlS28 in reply to Orla9298]

Thank you. I have actually been looking at their website and are considering them for our next round as the clinic we have just used for our first round I haven't found very informative, the whole process seemed very rushed like they just wanted to get it done and send us on our way! x

[Orla9298]

I'm pretty certain we are going with care, I went to their Manchester open day and was very impressed, we aren't eligible for any nhs as my AMH is only 2.6 at the age of 32. My mum is a health visitor and has heard a lot of success stories from people who used Care.

Good luck to you!

X