Anyone else with Type 1 Diabetes going through IVF?

[Ajl46]

Hi

This is my first post so please bear with me! I’m 39 and I’ve been TTC since 2015. I have type 1 diabetes which is well controlled (HbA1c of 6.7). We were referred for IVF at the start of 2018 due to my low AMH level (6.6) and some issues with my husband’s sperm. We had our first cycle in January 2019 and this was with ICSI, using menopur (max dosage) and cyclogest. We got 6 eggs collected of which 4 were mature and 3 fertilised, making it to blastocyst stage. We transferred one 5AA blastocyst in that cycle and froze the other 2 which were also highly graded. The fresh transfer failed and a subsequent frozen transfer (using progynova and a higher dose of cyclogest) also failed even though the lining was thick with the right pattern and the blastocyst was starting to hatch. I am not sure what to do next - has anyone been in a similar position? Are there any tests / supplements you’d recommend before we risk transferring the third blastocyst? Are NK killer cells likely to be more of an issue given I have an autoimmune disease? All information welcome! Many thanks

Ajl46

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Aj. If you have had a few failed cycles, then you could ask whether using Clexane/Fragmin (heparin) might be helpful to ensure the blood flow to the womb lining flows freely and also hopefully prevents any clots forming, often a cause of implantation failure. Low-dose soluble aspirin is also sometimes used and has a similar effect. Obviously, I wish you every success next transfer. Diane

[Ajl46 in reply to DianeArnold]

Many thanks Diane - I was on low dose aspirin for the last FET (which I forgot to add above) and it seems to have made no difference. I’m rather at a loss given the process seems to fall over at implantation with no obvious reason! But then I am on the older side and I realise every cycle is different. I’m just worried that the next frozen blastocyst will meet the same fate. Thank you for your good wishes and support, Ajl46 x

[Elfine]

Hi! I'm sorry it hasn't worked so far. I'm not type 1 diabetes but my husband has it. You probably know but just in case, folic acid dose recommended for women with type 1 diabetes is much higher. I don't know of any other suggestions. I've read quite a few research papers about type 1 diabetes and fertility, but the isn't lot of research out there. I wish you all best, all fingers crossed!