Questions for embryologist

[GiantPanda]

Had EC on Friday from one decent looking follie. Unfortunately even with icsi this time, we didn't get fertilisation - embryologist said the cytoplasm looked grainy and after the icsi the egg started to implode on itself.

We had 1 egg collected a year ago - just ivf - and that didn't fertilise either. Eb said it's the luck of the drawer and another egg might be ok. He's said I can contact him with questions, but I'm not sure what to ask. We have one cycle left, but feeling like there's no point, especially after it took a year to get to the second. I'm 42 with low amh. Any pointers on qus for the eb greatly accepted. Thank you.

[CAS2]

How frustrating for you. IVF is a difficult journey

I'd be asking what they think has caused it. I know they say age, but it's either the quality of the eggs or the protocol you are on. I'd ask if the egg was mature or not. What size was the follicle? Could anything be done to improve your odds (supplements for egg quality, a different protocol, a change in trigger shot etc). Can they change your protocol to get more follicles growing?

What protocol are you on and what was your AMH and antral follicle number? I only ask because a lot of clinics cancel with less than 3 follies (unless you are doing natural IVF which is a bit different).

[GiantPanda in reply to CAS2]

Thanks for your advice Cas. I will ask all of that and think will ask him to compare with what data they may have fron my first one. I am with a clinic that does natural /modified and I've been on several different protocols. The first EC was from tamoxifen but consultant moved away from that due to cysts. He tried me on a few natural cycles but lh kept surging too soon. This last one was bemfola 150 and cetrotide with ovitrelle trigger. I've been taking dhea and ubiquinol since Nov. My amh was 1.99 over a year ago, and I'm guessing it's not gone up!

[CAS2 in reply to GiantPanda]

Ah I see. I've always done the traditional ICSI, not natural or modified so don't know much about the protocols there. I also take melatonin 3mg, L'argenine, Vit E, D, B and omega. I think I rattle! Good luck with your questions, I hope you get some answers x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi GiantPanda. I can send you a list if you want in confidence. Email me at [e-mail] and I will send them you Diane

[GiantPanda in reply to DianeArnold]

Brilliant! Thanks Dianne. I will do that straight away. X