Tests worth doing

[Zuzzzzy]

Hello ladies. We are preparing for and ICSI no. 3 abroad (as soon as we are allowed to travel again). The clinic offered some tests to be performed beforehand, they are not mandatory only optional. I am wondering has anyone had any of these done: Thrombophilia mutations, Immunological testing, Karyotype test, hysteroscopy and Carrier Test. I would like to get some feedback on them of ladies who got them done. Did they change anything for you? Was it worth it? Any and all feedback is highly appreciated. Thanks! x

[KiboXX]

Hi Zuzzy,

We changed clinics for our fourth round of ICSI and our new clinic wasn’t happy with the fact my previous one had put me on clexane and aspirin without any evidence I needed it so they recommended the Thrombophilia blood panel which showed I had no issues and didn’t need to take either of those. Really glad we had it and know for sure we don’t have any issues in that department!

We also opted to have karotyping done, again I just wanted to be sure that there wasn’t genetic issues with myself or my partner.

They are both on the expensive side (although I’m sure they are much cheaper abroad!) but gave me so much piece of mind, especially when you’ve gone through repeated failed rounds. I went into my fourth feeling a lot more positive as a result.

I have also had a hysteroscopy but only because I had a fibroid which showed up on a scan. I don’t think I’d have one without needing it for a purpose though.

Hope that helps!xxx

[Zuzzzzy in reply to KiboXX]

Hi KiboXX,

thanks so much for your answer! Amazing to get "real-time" experiences I have just read your posts - HUGE congratulations!!! So happy for women who don't give up and succeed no matter how many times, tries and tears it takes. Wish you are you baby health xx

[KiboXX in reply to Zuzzzzy]

Thank you so much! Feeling very lucky and grateful right now 😊

Really hope it’s third time lucky for you ♥️ xxx

[alittlelife]

‘Hi Zuzzy, I had the thrombophilia mutations test which showed I had two blood clotting mutations. The results of this was to then go on clexane and baby aspirin. I had a bit of a head start as my

sister had tested positive for these after sadly having a miscarriage. She has since gone on to have two children using clexane (but not actually needing ivf).

I have also recently had clexane added to my ivf protocol. It’s hard to know if it will make the difference but for me it helped having some new info that may play a role. I would say however that these tests can be quite expensive so if there’s any way to get them on the NHS it might be worth getting the ball rolling on that side too (of course I appreciate that’s also difficult given current situation). I’m not 100% sure but I think the immunological tests can also be expensive and that there’s limited things that can be done with the results. That’s not to say they won’t be useful but id def recommend having a discussion about how the clinic might use any such results and ask them if they can share previous examples of success etc.

Good luck with everything xx

[Zuzzzzy in reply to alittlelife]

Thanks a million for all the advice. I wish your next cycle to be top success 😊xx

[Livinginhope2019]

Hi Zuzzzzy,

I had immunology tests which was recommended by my clinic in Spain after 2 miscarriages. It was discovered that my insulin levels are very high and my body isn’t able to deal with a high carb intake and I’m very low in vitamin D.

I’m now on a low carb diet, taking metformin for the glucose and vitamin D. They have also prescribed me clexane and aspirin the month before transfer.

I sourced all the blood tests in the UK and the cost was just under £3000 so instead had them done when we were over in Spain for just over £1000.

Hope this helps xx

[Zuzzzzy in reply to Livinginhope2019]

Thanks for that! I'm also on metformin. I was on it for 3 months before my second round and have started it again now. It's a tricky one on a tummy 🙈xx

[Livinginhope2019 in reply to Zuzzzzy]

I find taking it in the middle of my meal helps a lot xx

[Ropa19]

Hi zuzzzzy sorry I can’t help with any of the tests but we are looking at new clinics for our next icsi so would be really interested to hear where you are going? Would you mind sending me a private message please? Good luck with it all! 🤞