Embryos not growing after Day 2, any experiences?

[Shivaya2020]

Hi, I have had 2 IVF Cycles where we got 8/9 embryos which were frozen on Day 2. But when thawed next month for transfer hardly 1-2 are growing to Day 3 and those too have not stuck. Any idea what is the key issue behind embryos not growing beyond day 2? If i am able to identify the issue then hoping to find a resolution as well.

Thanks a lot

[ToughCOOKIE78]

Hello there, it’s surely an issue with your eggs- I would speak to your consultant and agree a way forward. Unfortunately eggs quality decreases with age and there isn’t much you can do, but maybe changing protocol will help producing better quality eggs.

Good luck! 🍀🍀🍀🍀

[Shivaya2020 in reply to ToughCOOKIE78]

Thanks ToughCOOKIE78 for your reply. Yes the embryo quality did turn out better in the short protocol (1st was LP). We also have 21% dna frag and some parameters of sperm also not normal, so we are doing icsi.

Any reason you are sure its egg? Most doctors seem to say they cannot tell what is causing this, which is frustration as i do not know what to change before getting into cycle 3. Any suggestions you have, i would be grateful.

[ToughCOOKIE78 in reply to Shivaya2020]

It was explained to me that until day 3 of development it’s the egg that ‘drives’ it, after day 3 the sperm DNA kicks in...so yours are arresting before day 3, right? Can I ask how old are you? X

[Shivaya2020 in reply to ToughCOOKIE78]

Hi i just turned 35. Yes the ones that do grow till Day 3 and are transferred (have done 2 transfers of 3 embies each time) are not sticking. And the remaining are arresting on Day 3.

Sure, i will try and spk to my clinic on what best can be done wrt protocol. They were recommending duostim which apparently gives better quality eggs.

[Ivfgotadream]

So from 8 or 9 on day 2 you got 1-2 blastocysts? Unfortunately that sounds about right - most people only get 1 and 1 to freeze if they are lucky (unless they are under 30) Problem is I don’t think they grade them on day 2 - I’d perhaps ask them how many cells they were?

Of mine only grade 1 and 2 on day 3 made it to blastocyst

[Shivaya2020 in reply to Ivfgotadream]

Hi thanks for your reply. Do you think its normal to get only 1-2 blastocyst from 8/9 embryos? I thought that it was lower and that most get more

[Ivfgotadream in reply to Shivaya2020]

Yes completely normal - I had 2 cycles where I stared with 14 and ended go with 2 and know loads of people who started with a similar amount or more and only got 1-2I think there is a big misconception/clinics aren’t honest about what the likely outcome will be and we see people get 5 embryos but that really is the exception rather than the norm.

[Shivaya2020 in reply to Ivfgotadream]

Thank you, this is so relieving to know!

[IVFat40]

You may already have heard of it but I would really recommend the book 'It Starts with the Egg' for improving egg quality. I was able to see an improvement in my embryo development (which I think for me was down to more 'energized' eggs, as well as good sperm) by using DHEA (after first getting a blood test to check my current levels), Ubiquinol, a good fertility supplement, and a high protein/vegetables diet (I saw a fertility nutritionist who put me on a plan). All of that said, don't get me wrong I'm far from perfect diet wise, and for example still eat quite a lot of sugar 😬I'm currently in the process of transferring my frozen embryos, so unfortunately still waiting to see if I get the real prize.

Wishing you so much luck 🤞

[Shivaya2020 in reply to IVFat40]

Hey IVFat40 Thank for your reply and all the very very best for your cycle. Yes i have read the book and am taking coq supplements, etx. The changes i made definitely improved the overall embryo quality between my 1st and 2nd cycle. I am not sure if it was just these changes or more to do with the protocol (switched from Long to Short).

[Applepie7]

Hello Shivaya I have had 2 failed IVF cycles I was on the short protocol my consultant believes there is a better chance for Embroy sticking with long protocol. Both times I had a around 25 eggs collected and and only 1 to 2 embroys made it to freeze. He said this is mainly based on egg quality. Wish you all the best in your journey. Take care 🙂 ❤

[Shivaya2020 in reply to Applepie7]

Thanks Applepie7 for your reply. For me actually short protocol seems to work better, but I will look into this