Advice after 1st failed ivf - what to do next?

[Claire_2018]

Hi there

Hoping you lovely ladies can give me some advice about what to do next. I had a follow up appointment with my hospital yesterday after 1st failed cycle. They seemed pretty positive as I got 8 eggs fertilised through icsi but only one made it to blastocyst which was transferred and led to a negative.

I had a cyst on my ovary from Endometriosis which was removed via surgery in February but it has impacted on my reserve quite a lot as I'm 35 and they said my reserve is the same as a 42 year old!

So my question is because I was trying to conceive before my cyst was removed should I carry on trying naturally before jumping back in to ivf and risking my endo coming back? Or just go straight back in to it although it's pretty tough mentally to cope with this constant pain!

Any advice greatly received.

Thanks

Claire

[Hidden]

Hi Claire i dont have endo so dont know much about it. What did the consultant recommend? How long did you try naturally before your IVF? Is your partners sperm count normal etc? Its difficult as our fertility begins to drop dramatically after 35 so they normally say after 35 to try for 6 months first and if nothing then speak to your GP. X

[Claire_2018 in reply to Hidden]

Hi

Thanks for your response. They recommended another cycle with the same protocol as before and to start again after my next cycle.

We tried for a year before we found out I had the cyst and endo. My husbands had low mobility and low count so not normal.

Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Claire_2018]

Its so difficult to decide isnt it? Are you self funding? I only had 2 fertilise out of 6 eggs and was told to move on to donor eggs due to my age. I took DHEA the 2nd time round which improved my egg quality i also had acupuncture. What does your partner think? X

[Claire_2018 in reply to Hidden]

Hi

Yes so difficult to know what is best to do when you feel like you're running out of time!

Yes will be self funding only had one round on the NHS.

Would you mind letting me know what dhea is? Did you find this helped at all?

He would like to do another cycle as he's worried about the endo coming back but so difficult to judge!

[Sarah_S]

If you are self funding you don't need to decide yet, take a bit of time. My consultant recommended 2 periods before you have another cycle. This gives you a few months to try naturally, or take a bit longer if you prefer. I'm a big believer in taking time for yourself, preparing mentally and reducing stress. 8 eggs was a good collection so it's really positive that you respond well. You might like to ask about DHEA, I'm convinced it helped my egg quality, and I am similar age and have similar reserve to you xx

[Claire_2018 in reply to Sarah_S]

Hi Sarah

Yes think you're right everything has been such a rush from the operation to failed ivf. Maybe just need some time to let my body recover. Would you mind letting me know how much time you had between cycles?

Just asked one2one about dhea. What is it? Thanks

[Sarah_S in reply to Claire_2018]

I waited for 2 normal periods between cycles, then as you have to wait until a particular day of your cycle (depending on your protocol) to start the next round, so about 3 months minimum. I'll PM you - I've got a fact sheet about DHEA from my clinic x

[Claire_2018 in reply to Sarah_S]

Thanks Sarah will message you

[87Ballerina]

Hi Claire,

I too ha endo and have had laporoscopys to remove cysts Etc for it. Have also just failed my first ivf. If you want to talk as sound like we’re in similar situation please feel free to pm me x

[Sarahlou01]

Take some time to deal with what’s just happened but I would say it depends on how severe your endometriosis is and what type of cyst you’ve had removed as to how much time you take. I have stage 4 endo and have had surgery to remove an endometrioma four times in the last 8 years. I also had to have my left Fallopian tube clipped in December because it was so badly damaged from the endo. Mine has always come back really quickly when we’ve taken a break so unless you start on Prostap or Zoladex to keep you downregulayed and your endo calm, I personally would keep going with the ivf. I’ve had two failed frozen embryo transfers from my first cycle and have just had my first bfp from a frozen embryo transfer for my second cycle after 10 years of ttc and know how difficult the journey is with endo so wish you all the luck in the world. Lots of love x

[Claire_2018 in reply to Sarahlou01]

Hi Saralou

It was an endometrioma cyst on my ovary and endo around my pod and pelvis. I haven't had many symptoms apart from unable to conceive and some painful periods so didn't realise I had it ( I know that's lucky compared to some people with it)

How long did it take for yours to come back when having a break ? I think because I don't have many symptoms makes it hard to know if it's there or not!

Congrats on the bfp! You must be a strong lady to deal with 10 years of trying you're amazing.

Claire x

[Sarahlou01 in reply to Claire_2018]

Thank you it’s been a rough ride. We only found the endometriosis because I was referred for investigations after a year of ttc with no luck. Mines the same on the pod and pelvis but also on my bladder, bowel and diaphragm. My consultant is amazed that i’m not in constant pain but apart from horrific periods I don’t really get any symptoms. The first time I had surgery in the July and then went straight onto Clomid to try and conceive but this caused the endo to flare up and it was back by the October so just three months. It has been similar following the last surgeries. I last had surgery in Dec and the endometrioma was back and already nearly 6cm when we started on ivf in January/February time. That’s why I would just get on with ivf if I were you. Lots of luck, keep us posted on what you decide xxx

[littlebeastshaya]

Hey there! How are you doing? Hope you are doing fine. We are doing great. I think the best way for you would be to opt for surrogacy or adoption. Because as you said you already have a hard time TTC naturally. I don't think you should risk it. It can failed attempt can already have a negative side effect mentally. IVF would be a risk for you because of your age. IVF has a low success rate with women who are above 33 years of age. So I think you put some thought into it. The choice is yours at the end of the day. I just hope my advice helps you and that you become a mother soon. Take care. God bless.

[Hidden]

Hi dear. Hope you are fine. I know you are going through constant pain. But everything will be fine soon. I am not an expert. But I will recommend you to talk to an expert. They can guide in the best way. You should share your problems with them. Ask all the questions you have. I hope everything will be fine soon. Will be waiting for more updates. God bless you. Good fortunes.

[ziannarose]

hi, don't be upset dear. I believe that if one door is closed many doors are open. The thing is we should not lose hope. Don't take the stress. All will be fine. Stay positive and happy. If IVF first cycle failed it does not mean second will also be failed. Try again. Don't lose hope. Go for the checkup. Consult a good doctor. My best wishes are with you. Surround yourself with those who make you happy. All the very best. Lots of love.

[ClayJet]

Hi Claire. How are you doing? I hope its all great. I am really sorry for the failed cycle. I am really sorry I may not be of much help. I had surrogacy due to my infertility. However, I wish you good luck. On whatever you decide. Consult your clinic and see whats better. I know it a lot of pain. But sometimes we have to face it. I am sure everything will be better. Good luck. TAek care and lots of love. and a lot of prayers too.