Need some advice please...

OH & I decided not to continue with treatment after having 5 unsuccessful cycles of IVF/ICSI. We were referred for treatment after Initial tests showed very low AMH, below 1, and slightly lower sperm parameters than usual. Haven't been back to GP since initial tests and referral 2+ years ago.

Decided to stop due to money and the emotional and physical stress. We have taken a few months off. I have recently been wondering if we should go to GP and see if there are any other tests that can be done. OH is getting an updated sperm analysis soon. And although my AMH is low they have collected eggs on 4 out of 5 cycles and got two good quality embryos that failed to implant so trying not to focus on AMH too much.

Has anyone had any experience of asking for additional or specific tests from GP? I've heard thyroid tests mentioned a few times...

Any suggestions welcome. Thanks x

[Scarlett13]

My gp did a thyroid test for me on nhs. Just ask them what fertility blood tests they could do to help you out x

[Hidden in reply to Scarlett13]

Thanks x

[Kari55]

My GP has done intial tests but then refused to anything else. They should be able to do basic thyroid tests though. I’ve had it done but didn’t say it’s to do with fertility. I think it all depends on your CCG as some can be very strict especially in London area. Do you have a private insurance by any chance? I didn’t realise that mine covered fertility investigations and I could have got more answers sooner. Best of luck xx

[Hidden in reply to Kari55]

No private health insurance unfortunately. Will see what GP says 🤞x

[Crista240411]

Hi, I have had 3 failed IVF cycles before doing more in depth tests (I had already done the thyroid test), which were private and costed £2k as they are very specialized and the bloods go to US to be analysed. These were the 'Natural killer cell' tests, which basically means that the immune system things that the embryo is something that it needs to fight and rejects it. I had noticed that in every cycle I was feeling really unwell on day 2 after egg transfer, like really bad flue like symptoms. Turns out that I had high rating on these cells and on my 4th cycle my protocol changed in order to suppress my immune system. That was my first BFP with IVF, although sadly I miscarried at 11wks. Now we are back into thinking ...should we do it again one last time??? But we are already in debt after all these cycles...

Good luck whatever you decide