3 cycle vs single cycle packages - confused

[Fingerscrossed38]

We are very new to this. Currently on day 4 of stims & clinic wants us to decide if we're doing a single cycle or 3 cycle package. We are getting pgs testing done after egg collection next week, freezing any embryos and then we're hoping to transfer in June after a month off all medication.

We thought we would do the 3 cycle package by trying to see how many embryos we could freeze this cycle and after testing we'd transfer one and so on until all of the frozen embryos (dream scenario being we have two or more of course) were used before attempting the second IVF cycle. However the clinic says we have to do back to back IVF cycles and only allowed to transfer one at the end of those 3 cycles! I don't understand why we'd go through 3 cycles and potentially batch dozens of eggs (we don't need that many)when we don't know how many the first cycle produces and wanted to see if that works first. Am I missing something? How do these packages work?

[Kyell2]

That does sound strange.

I’ve just signed up for the three cycle one and they said that I need to use all frozen embryos before I can move on to the next IVF.

Maybe give them a ring and see why they want you to do it all first? Maybe they have a good reason? x

[Fingerscrossed38 in reply to Kyell2]

I think I will because it's so confusing. The lady I'm dealing with seems annoyed with my questions but it's over £18k we're talking about and that's not including the transfer, meds, bloods, testing etc! Best of luck

[Kyell2 in reply to Fingerscrossed38]

Yeah it’s a lot of money (although we aren’t anywhere near that) you should definitely question it and not do anything until you are happy x

[Mamaofstevie]

So my clinic offers the 3 cycle so they can choose the best blastocyst for transfer. FET(frozen embryo transfer) vs a fresh cycle has proven to be less stressful on your body and proven to have higher implantation rate as there is less hormones and medications in your body than with a fresh cycle. In saying that I think you need to know what you’re dealing with off the cusp in terms of what you have right now, Sperm quality, your age, how many follicles and your blood results and of course what the underlying infertility issue! If you’ve got a pretty good chance of getting good quality eggs first time around and there is nothing wrong with the Sperm then one round should suffice... if you have low reserve, have low quality Sperm and poor blood results and are over 36 then maybe 3 cycles is a better option. I would definitely know exactly what your results are before challenging them with questions so you can be sure of your decision. We chose one round as I had 4 follicles maturing properly, my bloods were good we already knew Sperm was good but I am 40. We were advised 3 rounds but declined as I said this is my final shot! With not being overstimulated I managed to harvest all 4 embryos and all for fertilised. I’m currently 14 weeks with a frozen embryo transfer. Don’t be afraid to freeze and give your body a rest after a fresh cycle harvesting, I really believe that’s why I got pregnant as my body was completely free of hormones and stress when I had the fresh embryo transfer. If after the first round you have little or not so great quality to work with then ask for another round but I recommend starting with one. Feel free to inbox me for more information. I do think it’s a bit of a money making thing this 3 cycle choice!

[Fingerscrossed38 in reply to Mamaofstevie]

Many thanks for replying Mamaofstevie.

I think you're right. We will probably just do this first round and see assess what we're dealing with. Although by then it's too late to get a 3 cycle package.

I'm 38 (39 in August) and have been TTC since August 2017. I've had two early miscarriages in the first 6 months and nothing since then.

Failed unmedicated IUI last cycle so jumping into IVF for the first time this cycle with pgs testing after Dr suggested we do it.

My baseline bloods were:

AMH 18.9 (though if have polycystic ovaries not syndrome that'll account for the higher AMH)

FSH 6.5

E2 78

LH 7.5

We've had every blood/semen analysis going and everything comes back good. No idea why we're not conceiving anymore or why we lost the two earlier pregnancies. Dr thinks is chromosomal.

Had my day 6 (5 on stims) scan this morning and only 1 of the 23 follicles is 12mm the rest are only around 7.5mm. I'm waiting on my bloods. I'm worried my body isn't responding to the medication because surely they should be closer to 12mm by now? What's your story?

[Mamaofstevie in reply to Fingerscrossed38]

Sounds like you’re making the right choice. Have a look into the antibodies test as that can make you miscarry too.

Hubby has infertility issues me just geriatric mom. Was aged 35 on first cycle IVF with ICSI from surgical Sperm retrieval in Feb 2015 - 18 follicles, 8 eggs collected, 4 fertilised, 1 embryo survived and transferred on day 2 of fresh cycle, Daughter born November 2015. Second cycle (too cock sure of myself after the success of my first round) me aged 39 very lightly stimulated IVF with ICSI from frozen sperm in September 2018 - 4 follicles, 4 eggs collected, 4 fertilised, 3 frozen, 1 4Bb transferred in fresh cycle - BFP resulting in blighted ovum, devastated and completely broken. 1 x 3Bb transferred in FET in January 2019 resulting in a BFP, baby due October 2019 🥰

I do wish you well with this cycle keep me posted! Best of luck... you only need one!

[Fingerscrossed38 in reply to Mamaofstevie]

Congrats! That's wonderful news!

Yep I have a feeling I'll need a lot of luck! I've had nk cells tested twice. Once were high now they're fine sho if I ever you get a bfp I'll do intralipids to be safe.

All the best!