back to back FETs?

[Maui2020]

Has anyone had back to back FETs before? I just got my 4th BFN in a row. So sad because this time I thought I had all the right symptoms and I stupidly got my hopes up.

When the nurse called to give the bad news she mentioned she could ask the Dr if I can start another FET with my next Bleed after stopping the drugs (I hadn’t thought it was possible).. I’m not sure whether to push for it or if it’s even a good idea.

I’m just feeling time pressure as I’m 40 and keep getting reminded of my reducing embryo quality. I’ve had so many failed FETs, even from when I was 36/37 so if I need another fresh cycle I want to do it ASAP.

Any advice would be great. Even for failed FETs . My remaining embryos have lower grading so I’m not feeling super positive, even though you fabulous ladies have written so many success stories of your lower graded ones sticking. It keeps me going.

[Peanutchips]

Hey lovely, following as I’m keen to know the answer to this too. Currently in 2ww for my 3rd FET and if it doesn’t work, I’d be keen to try again asap. Just wondering if you’d had an ERA done? Not sure if that would help. Also, are you doing one embryo at a time or two? Best of luck with your next cycle, hope it’s the one! Xx

[Maui2020 in reply to Peanutchips]

Hey thanks for reply. I did ask about ERA but because I’ve had a pregnancy they didn’t think it was indicated. I was advised 1 embryo this time as it was grade AB but I have 2 BB Frosties and the embryologist advised if this didn’t work I should put 2 in next time. My previous clinic were very averse to this due to multiple pregnancy complications. Also if the principle of normal chromosomes matters more than embryo grades then technically that shouldn’t have been a deciding factor in whether to do a single or double transfer. So I’m a little confused,.Did you have a single or double transfer? Hopefully you won’t have to worry about your next steps after this and your little embie is nestling away! X

[Patches86]

Did you do medicated or natural FET? I had back to back natural FETs which the doctor said is no problem. I triple checked with her after seeing a lot of ladies talking about waiting a cycle. Think with medicated FETs you may have to wait a cycle because the bleed is considered withdrawal rather than start of your period

[Maui2020 in reply to Patches86]

That makes sense. I’ve had 4 natural before, but this recent one is with a new clinic and they only do medicated. Im really hoping I can convince them otherwise for next time, as I found the whole thing comparatively gruelling. And now that seems like another great reason for asking. Thank you x

[Ivfgotadream]

I’ve done back to back FETs but they were all non medicated ones so my cycle came back straight away

[Maui2020 in reply to Ivfgotadream]

Thank you, and I know you’ve been successful! Good luck with the rest of the pregnancy!

[Millbanks]

I’ve done back to back medicated FETs and personally I wouldn’t do it again. Physically it was fine, but emotionally I was a wreck as both were negative. I really struggled with another BFN so soon after the first. I definitely needed a breather to regroup and get my strength back. But I completely get the need to crack on, I always feel like that. Good luck with whatever you decide xx

[Maui2020 in reply to Millbanks]

I think it’s my coping mechanism to be practical and soldier on, even though my first instinct was to take a break. Thank you for the insight. I know in the first lockdown I was the least anxious I’ve been in awhile as the Clinics were shut and I was forced to take a break. I admire all the ladies on here, we have to fight through so much, often silently. I really hope the next one is the one that works for you xx

[Millbanks in reply to Maui2020]

I totally agree. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do for sure. Sometimes it is best to just get your head down and crack on! I definitely feel my strength returning after a bit of a break, however the 2WW is awful regardless...

thank you. I really hope so too xxx

[JulieOcean2]

Hiya!I had back to back FETS. Didn’t physically feel any different to the ones I had with a gap. Mentally I actually felt better than waiting around. Xx

[Maui2020 in reply to JulieOcean2]

Hey thanks for reply. Could I ask were they medicated?

[JulieOcean2 in reply to Maui2020]

Yes all my transfers were medicated FETS I never had a fresh round x

[Peanutchips in reply to JulieOcean2]

Hi Julie, do you mind me asking if you had success doing this? Are the success rates the same as waiting and having a break? Xx

[JulieOcean2 in reply to Peanutchips]

Hiya Peanutchips

I never got positive tests with my back to back round but my third transfer I had one natural period break then had Icsi again and that round resulted in my baby girl xx

[Millbanks]

Hi Maui, Just wondering what you decided to do in the end? xx

[Maui2020 in reply to Millbanks]

Hey there! My Dr called the next day and said he wanted me to wait a cycle inbetween to give us time to discuss next steps and also Xmas break. I was relieved tbh. We’ve had a follow up and he’s happy with the option of back to back in the future as I have 3 embryos left and statistically he thinks only 1 will work. So it’s almost a case of getting through them to find the “one”. That’s helping me emotionally with the thought of failures. But it’s all theory and statistics which doesn’t mean anything at the time. Hopefully will start again in 2 weeks. How are you getting on? Crossing fingers things are going ok xx

[Millbanks in reply to Maui2020]

That's really good - I think having a break does help :)I totally agree about finding "the one" - I think if you look at it that way it helps you to keep going as you say. It definitely doesn't take the emotion out of it, but it does help you rationalise it later if it doesn't work. Fingers crossed for you!

We've just started buserelin for FET in a few weeks, with our new adjusted timing thanks to the ERA. I'm hopeful, but also very much aware that even if everything is right this time, we still have to have the right embryo!! So I'm cautiously optimistic. xxx

[Maui2020]

The Dr went as far as rationalising that at least an abnormal embryo is out of the way and there’s more chance each time as it’s a numbers game.. I’ll take any positive way of looking at it! Looks like you have a lot to be optimistic for, the ERA will hopefully make a positive change and this is “the one”. Great you’ve started as that can be half of the worry in these times. Keep us updated 🙏🤞🏽Xx