Not reaching blastocyst - is that it for us?

[TTCWithCHSweetheart]

Hey everyone.

I’m really struggling to understand and come to terms with 3 failed IVF/ICSI cycles.

I seem to get an ok number of eggs (9-14) and they fertilise but they struggle to reach blastocyst.

We have looked more into things and found a few people suggesting after day 3 it could be sperm related but the clinic haven’t mentioned this at all. They have mentioned egg quality though.

I’m 30 years old and have an AMH of 18. I’ve lived a pretty healthy lifestyle and I’m just s confused.

The husband is booked in for DNA Fragmentation and then we will speak with a urologist but again I feel like it’s my eggs because that’s all the clinic have mentioned.

I’ve asked about DHEA and the consultant said it won’t do any harm but there isn’t much evidence behind it working.

Any advise or experience would be amazing.

Thank you!

[KiboXX]

Hey lovely,

I’ve been in a very similar boat to you, I had three failed ICSI rounds. Similar age when I started and similar number of eggs collected. First two rounds we did an early transfer because of the drop in numbers. Third time we added the time lapse incubator and we managed to go to day 5 and got one blast.

We then made the decision to move clinics as we felt like we weren’t getting anywhere and we wanted to give it one more shot. I also felt like my eggs were the problem and wanted to get some answers. Was the best decision we made. They changed my drug protocol and honestly I just think they were just much more progressive, had a better lab and a better embryologist which makes a huge difference. On my fourth round with the new clinic, we got three beautiful hatching blasts, the first one of which I’m currently 37 weeks pregnant with.

I would really recommend at least having a conversation with another clinic, sometimes a fresh perspective can make a big difference. The new clinic I moved to is in London, if that’s at all useful to you I’m happy to dm you their name xxx

[leo1980 in reply to KiboXX]

Hi

Please message me the clinic in London if that’s ok. Also had a question on which drugs you were on please. Thank you

[KiboXX in reply to leo1980]

Of course, no problem 😘

[6years_nobaby-lowres]

We have had the same experience in the past. And ended up moving clinics as they just didn't seem to have any answers or suggest any new ideas. Currently going through a cycle and was prescribed testosterone gel as there are some studies to suggest this can improve egg quality. Only have 2 follicles so would love that to be true and them be the golden eggs 🥚good luck with any future cycles.

[Luna_79]

Sorry im afraid I don’t have much advice other then saying defiantly worth a second opinion or speaking with another clinic, I was told last week that implantation failure due to egg quality and nothing to be done, I’ve spoken to a clinic abroad and she had quite a few suggestions including dhea and co q 10 , I’m much older then you with a much lower amh and she said whilst not easy it’s not impossible. I’m sure with your amh and age there is lots that could still be done.

Sending you a huge hug though as it’s so tough coming to terms with a failed cycle and to go through it 3 times is so hard, I truly hope you get some answers at your next review /consultation xx

[Peony85]

We have had a similar situation. There are things that can be done for egg quality, but unfortunately we have found it to be a bit trial and error. For me, the 2 cycles where Menopur was used resulted in no blasts and I do much better on Gonal F only. Some ladies do better on short vs long protocol or vice versa. I think the supplements helped a bit - I ended up taking a whole assortment by the time of my last cycle so can’t pin point what makes the difference. We also used growth hormone on my last cycle which did make a difference although many clinics are hesitant to prescribe and it’s highly controlled.

Do you have your day 3 quality and cell numbers from the lab for each of your cycles? We didn’t see the lab sheets until after a few failures but it really helped me see the differences between the cycles and when we had good quality and poor.

If you do end up having fragmentation then it’s also worth ensuring your clinic are willing to accept this as a factor and work with it (some aren’t and say it’s just the egg).

Wishing you the best xx

[Shirazlover2013]

Hi, your situation is most frustrating and confusing 🤨 I wonder if it might be worth investing in some testing and 2nd opinions before attempting another round. The more cycles fail for us the more we’re investing in consultations and testing. We also moved away from out 1st clinic when I suspected our case wasn’t so straightforward (despite it looking as such) and I didn’t believe they had the expertise to deal with it. Then at my 2nd clinic I didn’t get on with the first consultant we saw so switched to another there.

I’m a big advocate of investigating the male side too, most initial investigations look at the female which is necessary but they often neglect male factor thinking ICSI can work around male issues. Unfortunately that’s not always the case. You’re off to a start getting dna frag test done with a urology consult. Make sure you go to that appointment with your other half to help catch the information discussed. I hope you get some more info t too help guide your next moves. Keep us posted on your journey xx