We had our consultation this morning. Much more informative than other consultations we've had.
Main things that were discussed was that number of eggs and quality of eggs seemed good (11 eggs, 9 mature, 7 fertilised), but with only getting 1 good quality blastocyst that it was more likely sperm quality on this round (although that doesn't mean it would be sperm quality on further rounds).
She said the 1 blastocyst that was put back was one of the top grades (3BB, which I know some on here have also been told is average, so I guess it depends on your clinics thoughts). I also had a compacting molar (?) and a 3DD (both discarded).
I was spotting 6dp5dt and so they are going to take me off clexane and aspirin which they had put me on for this cycle (thank god, I hated clexane), and up my progesterone. I asked if they can actually test how much progesterone I need, if I need clexane etc. and they are now going to test my progesterone next time around, which they haven't done before.
With getting quality blastocysts being the issue, the consultant recommended Impryl anti-oxidant supplements for hubby, and IMSI instead of ICSI. Also, time-lapse (GERI) recommended so that they wouldn't disturb the embryos as much.
I asked about ERA testing, but that's not something they really do much of. Also discussed embryo glue, but wasn't suggested as the consultant's main concern was getting blastocysts. My main concern is implantation!
Asked about my cyst which I've had for years, and the thoughts were always what they have been, which is shouldn't be a problem.
There was more information - more than this, even! But, this is a "quick" run down, in-case anyone has anything similar, advice to give me, or questions on any of the above! Lots of love xxx
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Just wanted to say that both impryl and timelapse incubators made a huge difference to us. I wouldn’t do another cycle without time lapse now as our embryos definitely fair better in a more controlled environment.
Also hooray for no clexane! Hate that stuff 🙌🏻 and awesome they are going to test your progesterone. All exciting stuff for when you can do your next round xx
Thanks KiboXX! That's really helpful to know. It was a productive follow up and I am obviously keen to get going again, although that will be many months away! It's good to hear others on similar journeys with successful outcomes! Okay, so impryl and timelapse are recommended by you. Good to know. 😊 x
I know you cant be certain what worked for us but if i share my experience it might help.
Myself and hubby were on Impryl for about 3months prior to our most recent successful round. Super pricey, but absolutely worth it if it helps.
We were called for egg collection at short notice because of my oestrogen levels suggesting OHSS, and the last time hubby ejaculated would have been 5 days at time of egg collection. We made the decision for him to ejaculate the evening i took trigger so effectively there was about 38 or so hours of abstinence before egg collection. They normally recommend 2-5 so it was a gamble. I figured i would rather have fresh excited sperm eager to fertilise rather than sluggish 5 day old sperm!
Not sure whether it was that or the impryl or both but we ended up with 6 top quality blasts compared to 1 poor quality first round and 1 embryo transferred at day 2 that was unsuccesful so probably didnt make it!
We also opted for embryo glue. Consultant was very honest and said she didnt really believe in it but supported our decision to opt for this (at an extra cost of course - was only £150 which in the grand scheme of things we thoughts was ok). It does no harm so its not like its a gamble? Worth it in my opinion if to give you a bit more hope if nothing else.
I’m almost 9 weeks pregnant (at least i hope i still am).
I’m not sure what it was that made this round better all round, could have been none of those things but could have been all! But i know we did everything we could xxx
We were actually recommended by our new clinic on our last round to do the last ejaculate along with the trigger shot so maybe there is something in it! Was a really good round for us too x
A very productive and hopeful consultation, yes. 😊 Good to know another one on the impryl (oh and time lapse as well!). I've only really found one place selling it, though - FertilityFamily. An extra cost (what isn't?) but hopefully will be worth it. I have also considered embryo glue which our consultant also wouldn't recommend (but wouldn't not recommend). Hopefully I can be in your place soon!
Wow what a detailed lengthy consultation. You will be good and ready to try again once this virus thing is over. You must be pleased that there are next steps in place which should improve your chances should you need a fresh ivf cycle. Xxx
I know! A really good consultation! Can't wait to get back on the IVF journey, but it's natural TTC for now. Really pleased that this consultation they have made some specific recommendations based on our personal history and results.
Hey, just wanted to say I'm glad you had an informative follow up, and it looks like your doctor is on top of making a plan and a way forward. That's so great! I had a follow up phone consult with my doctor recently too, not really very helpful like yours, but looking forward to next cycles and feeling hopeful regardless! Praying for the speedy return of normality so we can get started again soon!! 🤞🙏 xxxx
Thanks Chel. It's the first useful follow up I've had! Looking forward to next cycles too, but fear it could be some time away. Just need everyone to do the social distancing hardcore now so that we can get back to normality sooner! Best wishes. xxxx
Really positive follow up consult, mine was brief and very disappointing with no helpful advice at all of what we could change. Out of interest what clinic are you going to?
Sorry to hear about your consult - I had a similar one when I went to Thames Valley Fertility in Maidenhead - no useful advice. We are at Bourn Hall (Wickford) in Essex currently. They're very good - just a bit over subscribed! But what clinic won't be after all this?!
Glad it went well with your appt. You are sounding pretty positive after your review which is no bad thing, bit like a re-set! Hopefully it wont be long till we can all get back on the horse and get fighting again!xxx
Thanks Cinders. Trying naturally for now (the only positive of unexplained infertility as a diagnosis? - the potential to get pregnant). Have positive steps and a view forward when we do start IVF again at least. 😊
Just saw this. This is great news!!! I’m sure it’s made you feel so much better having some clear answers. Keep at it naturally and you never know! I know some women already on here that are pregnant in last 1-2 months not from Ivf!
Thanks. Yes, having some guidance and a plan forward definitely is helpful. x
Hi Emmie thank you for sharing this. Do you have a consultation after a failed round (no more frosties left) or after every transfer. I was not offered one after failed fresh transfer.
Its hopeful they want to tweak your protocol and i hope it will work this time around. Ive read some positive things about keeping an eye on the progesterone testing so that is definitely something that might put your mind at rest a bit. Praying for everyone to be able to return back soon to their journey xx
You should definitely be getting a follow up with your doctor after a failed fresh cycle, even if you have Frosties left. I would definitely push your clinic for one xx
Thanks Mimisami. I've had a consultation after the last couple of transfers, definitely. Can't remember before then. I did ask for them, but I don't know if they're just standard anyway? This one was useful, thankfully, but I feel they're quite important just for me to know the clinic is going to actually look at my cycle and discuss it with me. Hopefully we can all return to our journeys soon. xxx
Thanks both. I was asked to ring back after two periods. But we know what happend in april so. Perhaps its NHS protocol. I will ask for this when they are back. Xx
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Egg quality 
DE consultation done 😊
No embryos day 5 - hope lost
3rd failed IVF cycle - what can I do next? Devastated
To transfer one or two ?
