Heavy bleeding post ET- what meds were people prescribed ?

[Saya85]

Hi again ladies,

I decided to put this Q in a separate post because it's a long one!

I'm really sorry for this but I'm at a loss of what to do- I was so focused on the IVF and getting 'fertilised embryos' that I never considered past ET and the possibility I may not be able to have implantation or carry a baby to term. Now this has opened a whole new can of worms!!

Quick background- I'm 32, ttc 7 yrs, PCOs and hypothyroid.

I have had heavy periods since teens - but all periods stopped in mid 20s for few years after I came off c pill, and was later diagnosed autoimmune hypothyroid. Since periods restarted 2 years ago- they have increasingly become

Heavy again- they are irregular and I often get bleeding in between. Periods/bleeding can also last 2months!

I was given microgynon pre IVF to regulate my cycle but I started bleeding whilst on it! Heavily. Which delayed my IVF so I didn't start cycle on day 2, but randomly on day 10 once my bleeding stopped. Did short protocol.

Fast forward to post IVF:

I had heavy bleeding 5dp5dt after first fresh IVF cycle and resulted in BFN 😞

We were very prepared for the IVF not working but I didn't think I would bleed so heavily and so early - despite still being on the post ET progesterone and oestrogen meds.

The actual IVF cycle went amazing (1 embryo transferred and 10 in freezer. 1 A grade left and rest Cs)

I have my post IVF appt with consultant tomorrow and I was wondering how many ladies experienced same thing? And what meds they are on/were on and which improved chances.

I was given progynova (2mg) tabs and utrogestan vaginally capsules (200mg) both to be taken 3 x day. This doesn't seem enough considering my past history? (Or is it other way round and too much?). I did have some complications with ET- (written on another thread) but it seems like my bleeding is not being taken as an actual sign but a side effect/inconvenience.

I'm thinking possible endometriosis.... Not sure how likely it is since I went 4years without having periods (!) in between. But I do have a lot of other signs. And I am convinced I have blood clots from

Bladder also! Wondering if I should push for laporoscopy first before next FET (which will now be self funded).

I also Wonder if the meds given after ET are tailor made to the patient or just given generally.

Oh- and to top it all off- because I didn't start IVF on day 2 of my cycle - my 'period' at 5dp5dt actually came when it was supposed to- a month after my last period! (Now my body decides to have a regular cycle??) so I don't even know if that has actually caused it too??

So many unknowns and I was hoping the uncertainty would be over by now! But it seems I will have to push for more tests- I am determined not to let them fob this off without investigating and just launch into an FET and play trial and error with the rest of my embryos!

I know I am very fortunate to have so

Many Frosties but I am so wary now that we could easily lose them all if things aren't investigated.

I have also decided to take a longer break until FET. I need to build my health back up and take a long holiday!

So my Qs:

1) could bleeding be endometriosis? Shall I push for laporoscopy ? (HSG was fine, tubes are clear, ultrasounds all ok. But possibly bicornuate uterus?)

2) should I query the post ET meds. And push for progesterone injections instead for better chances?

Thanks in advance xx

[Music1]

Hi, I'm not answering this with any medical advice... just my opinion and my experience I'm afraid.

I think bleeding could be from endo ... certainly sounds similar to what I have. I would think twice possibly re the lap. I find each time they do any surgery or proceedure it leaves me with more damage inside - not immediately obvious such as adhesions. They now think my bowel, ovary and possibly the back of my uterus are stuck together with adhesions but have been told seperating them could cause a greater bleed and poss more damage internally.

2) ALWAYS query any meds. Sometimes they change their minds. Also a friend on here recommended I ask about Lubion (projesterone) injections in addition to cyclogest pessaries. I started on these and although quite uncomfortable after I would have done anything to make it work.

Just been told I have high antibodies for TFT and my FET was cancelled last week. Totally gutted, but would def have carried on with injections as well as pessaries. Best wishes x

[Saya85 in reply to Music1]

Thanks again. Yes I think injections might be the way to go- pills and capsules obv have no effect on me.

Hope you managed to get back to the clinic about your thyroid results and they're actually co-operating with you now! Good luck xx

[Music1 in reply to Saya85]

I'm still waiting for them to 'draft a letter' for maybe the GP. They've been very quiet since. Almost think they've given up on me. I think the injections may be the way to go and transfer under anaesthetic. The things we go through. Best wishes Saya x

[Saya85 in reply to Music1]

Ah good- keep on top of them. There's no reason for them to give up on you. Quite the opposite! This explains things and treatment can help your chances - so don't give up!

[Cinderella5]

I cant answer you first question but I would be really interested to hear what response you get to the progesterone query. I have bled twice after fresh transfer, both on exactly the same day 7dptdt. I asked my clinic before the second round if they were concerned that I bled and they said no. First round I was on crinone gel and due to my concerns they let me lutigest pessaries this time as you do these 3 times a day but had to go back onto the gel as I had irritation. Bleeding arrived as expected! I called the clinic as someone suggested perhaps they could give me injections although Im sure the damage was done by then and just got brushed off saying it was unlikley to be anything to do with my progesterone levels and that you really only need them for the 1 weeks anyway so Im none the wiser. I havent had my review but I will be bringing this up for sure! Good luck and I hope you get some answers.xx

[Saya85 in reply to Cinderella5]

Yes I would def query it! I think injections are a little more expensive but think it's worth trying. Hopefully you'll get more support at your next appointment

[Saya85]

Hi ladies - just to update you.

I had a really good convo with my consultant yday.

I actually typed up a medical history summary for her so she had the whole picture!

I mentioned that I don't feel my body is responding to the drugs properly as it overrode the microgynon and it seems the progynova and utrogestan past transfer also. And would injections be better

She agrees with me- we def need to review it- and also train my cycle well in advance with contraceptive pill. And most likely injections as they have higher success rate.

She doesn't think I have endometriosis, heavy bleeding is more a sign of the pcos rather than endo.

But my uterus might be bicornuate and she's going to do a laparoscopy anyway and ovarian drilling- so can investigate all three.

I'm glad- I didn't want to rush into FET with these doubts in my mind so hopefully in 6 months il

Be ready to try again ☺️

[Hidden]

I'm so glad your appointment went well- your consultant sounds really good and on the ball-we always feel much better when we see our consultant.

It is brilliant news that she's booked you in for a laparoscopy. My consultant didn't think that I had endometriosis-he thought my pain was bowel in origin but he felt it was important to rule endometriosis out. He suggested a laparoscopy to : check my tubes were clear (they were) to drill my ovaries ( intially he thought I might have pco but I don't have pco) and to check and treat endometriosis. As you know he did find endometriosis and did treat it. Will your consultant treat any endo if she finds any? Usually they like to do it whilst they are there. It is brilliant to have endometriosis ruled out anyway-i can't understand why it isn't standard procedure for fertility investigations.

You will feel much better when these through investigations have be done- and with these investigations/treatment you will you know that you gave yourselves the best chance. That's how I felt when we were offered further investigations.

All the best with your laparoscopy. I hope you get a date soon! I phoned hospital regularly and I was offered a cancellation ( I had a months notice enough time for us both to book time of work). You can phone every 2 weeks to see where you are on the list and ask to be offered a cancellation should one become available!( I waited 9 weeks from referral to surgery date. Not too long at all )

xoxo

[Saya85 in reply to Hidden]

Oh wow! @ waiting list. Yes I need to get onto my GP and hopefully get ball rolling soon- I hate chasing up appts and doctors - such a drain.

I will def do that @cancellation list. I don't want to waste too much time - wish I had just done it when it was talked about 2 yrs ago- I let the old consultant dissuade me then.

She really doesn't think it's endo but I'm sure if she sees it she will treat it. She will treat the uterus septum and ovarian drilling if need be too. She's quite proactive like that.

I don't really have the severe pain symptoms with endo- but do have moderate symptoms of rest so worth ruling out regardless.

Thanks for your well wishes cx