Does anyone have any experience of their clinic losing an embryo before transfer?
We had 3 embryos reach day 5, one really good one to transfer, one not too bad and the other which needs a little time but is looking unlikely.
Before transfer they were taking AGES and I could see people panicking which was the worst but they managed to transfer and all good.
I then found out that they lost the first choice good one in an freak error when moving it so had to go with the second choice. Now I've found out the 3rd one isn't likely to good enough to be frozen at all.
I know I wasn't starting out with many and I had a good transfer but I can't help but be devastated that I potentially have none to freeze and that an error like this happened??
If anyone has any similar experiences or any advice, it would be super helpful.
Thank you xx
Written by
RT0516
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I’ve never experienced this in 5 cycles but I would be MAJORLY pissed and also I would be demanding some kind of compensation from the clinic - either the whole cycle gets refunded or you get another totally free go to replace the blastocyst with another of equal grading. They rank the embryos for a reason - they lost your “best chance” and have given you a second choice one.
If the clinic doesn’t compensate you I’d consider speaking to a lawyer
Extremely worrying that an error such as this happened! I would be requesting some kind of investigation and written account of the events and procedures that took place in the run up to this happening - I’m not normally a complainer (about anything!) but this is absolutely unacceptable and would make me question what other mistakes they have made with potentially life changing consequences. Not to mention the ethics of transferring something into your body that you had not actually agreed to on that day(a different embryo to the one you were told), and only finding out afterwards!
I have never heard of this before and its awful! I would be expecting some kind of explanation and a full apology along with some kind of compensation....would they be willing to give you another cycle if you need it etc. Hopefully that little one you had transferred is a little fighter.xx
I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'm in agreement with the above. Negligence on the clinic's part. I'd expect some sort of compensation. Wishing you well for this transfer. X
I'm so sorry. That's just terrible. What's the value of an embryo? Difficult to say... It's so hypothetical but you only had 2 good embryos. I think the minimum would be a full refund or a new cycle and transfer free of charge.
How can one lose an embryo.. something so precious...
Good grief! This is shocking... I agree with the other posters, I would kick up a fuss here and insist on some sort of redress or compensation. It's an embryo, not a laptop in the shop for repair - doesn't get more precious! I'm hoping this transfer works for you🤞and really sorry you experienced this. For them not to be transparent at once is just crazy... some bad clinic stories on here this week 🙁xx
That is completely unacceptable, never mind the ethics of it. There are supposed to be checks and balances in place to prevent this type of thing from happening. Definitely follow it up. So sorry that you had to go through this. Xx
Thanks so much everyone. It's such a really sh*tty situation.
Will defo look at complaints procedures etc but hubby is adamant to leave it for the next week as stress won't be helping post transfer. They confirmed that the 3rd egg wasn't suitable to freeze so guess he's right in ensuring I'm as calm as possible.
It's bad enough to have to go through this process if the first place so for this to happen is just a kick in the teeth.
To be honest I’d put your complaint in sooner rather than later even if it’s just an email to say you aren’t happy and will be looking to take it further and you expect someone from the clinic to contact you x
I am really angry on your behalf. Obviously try to stay calm due to your situation but definitely think about reporting them to the HFEA. Do you have a choice to go to a different clinic? I don’t know if i would want to go back go them.
Sending such huge hugs and hope that your little one is extra sticky!
This is awful! I’m really sorry your going through this - as if the whole process and the 2WW isn’t hard enough! I’m not normally a complainer but in this scenario I would definitely be looking for some sort of compensation - a whole new cycle at a minimum or a refund of this cycle.
Try not to stress now you need to stay calm but Definitley look to send an email with a timeline of events on so you have some evidence once you’ve got through the 2WW.
I really hope the 2WW goes fast for you and this little one sticks ❤️ Xxx
I agree with others that you should put in a formal complaint, in writing. I would not suggest waiting to find out if the 2nd choice stuck as this should not come across as a complaint simply because the cycle did not work. Specify that you expect a free round or at the very least significantly reduced fees if this one does not work. And also ask what steps they will implement within the clinic to ensure this does not happen again (to anyone), as this type of error should trigger some form of an investigation with an outcome that limits the potential for recurrence. xx
I’m so so sorry to hear this, as if this journey isn’t hard enough. I’ve never heard of this before but I would put in a compliant ASAP and also speak to the HFEA for advice. The whole process is highly regulated so they should be able to give you a detailed explanation as to what happened.
I agree with ivfgotadream you should log your complaint sooner rather than later. The process takes a long time so at least if you’ve written to them while it’s fresh in your mind you can leave it with them. You should definitely get compensation and they want you to be happy I’m sure as if you took it further it could have a huge impact on their reputation. Wishing you lots of luck xx
I'm going to take a little break from here too as it's just a bit much right now.
Hubby and I are in two different mindsets and whilst I agree with you all, he doesn't seem to and wants to wait until the tww is over which is leading to arguments. 🤦🏽♀️
Thank you all for your insight. I really do appreciate it. Xx
I’m so shocked and sorry that this happened to you. That seems like complete negligence on the part of your clinic. I would expect to have the whole cycle refunded or a repeat cycle for free. For now, plan to deal with that after the tww and focus on being super positive for this little one. Best of luck🤞🏻⭐️ xxx
We had a clinic lose our sperm sample or rather - they never froze it in the first place. We had the invoice to say it was frozen. Basically they tried to say it was a miscommunication... you can’t really have that when it’s a medical situation - it’s not the same as a mixed up food order. We wrote a letter of complaint and they agreed to pay for all the drugs to get the sperm back and all the tests. We didn’t want to push more as we still wanted to use the clinic and didn’t want extra undue stress. In our situation we were advised we could go to court but chose to just go ahead and keep trying. Try talking to them or write a letter explaining your concerns and see what they come back with? Good luck xx
I’m so sorry this has happened to you, first you need to put yourself first and stay relaxed & calm for your TWW. Fingers crossed for you.
I also had a lab incident in my first round & put in a formal complaint & received an extra round at no cost. At a fertility expo I spoke with an HFEA rep, he advised that it’s important to let them know about any errors /malpractice etc. If it’s a British clinic, then they should report this themselves to the HFEA. However, it is worth you also letting the HFEA know. Good luck Xx
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Embryo Glue and Probiotics 
All 3 Embryos Thawed! 
Two embryos transfer experience
About to start 3rd embryo transfer with steroids
Embryo Transfer Done!
