Embryos didn’t grow

[LiveandLetLive42]

Such a bummer. We had 4 follicles, 4 eggs were retrieved, 3 eggs fertilized but unfortunately didn’t grow. So first round of IVF failed. I guess we’re going to try again. Feeling a little hopeless.

[JoyfulStar]

Really reallly sorry to hear this. It is always so difficult to have a cycle cut short and not get to transfer stage. 😞

A review with your doctor should help you get to the bottom of why a cycle did not work. It is always good to go prepared with questions like was it a sperm or egg issue and what do they propose could be done differently to improve the next cycle?

I know it has helped me feel a little less hopeless when I know there is a plan in place. It also helps to be prepared for things going wrong in IVF. So much is out of our control- even the doctors can’t really affect the outcome! All they can do is try to give you the best possible chance at success. I know it does not make it any less disappointing but for me it reduces some of that pain a bit.

This journey is so tough but you are not alone! Hoping and praying that all goes well for you 🙏🏾🌈

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to JoyfulStar]

This was so helpful. I actually feel a lot better now. It was definitely a HUGE learning experience and hopefully it prepared me better for next time. I also feel I should have been on the meds longer to grow a few more follicles. It felt very rushed. I started on a Friday and was already doing egg retrieval the following Tuesday (so a little over a week). That was really concerning me.

I really appreciate you taking the time to write me and hopefully I can now be of help to other people going through this. XO

[JoyfulStar in reply to LiveandLetLive42]

So glad you are feeling better. 😊

Your egg collection will be based on how your body responds to stims and your hospital’s policy on when they trigger. On average I have done stims for only 9 days.

Worth talking to them about why they triggered when they did to ease your mind. I had a bad round and I worried they triggered me to late! This is not uncommon. Some people think in some cases, triggering early helps improve the quality of the eggs. IVF has so many variations and schools of thought. There is no perfect or right way. I am a bit of a nerd so I did a lot of research coming into it 🤓

I think the bigger issue is your eggs not developing into embryos and exploring the reasons why. You may have 10 eggs and if they disintegrate or don’t develop then whats’s the point? I had a similar thing with my embryos not turning into blastocysts and assumed it was the overstimulation and was told it was the sperm!

I was still sceptical about the explanation so we have a plan in place to tackle both the egg and sperm issue. I am hoping and praying my next cycle is better.

All we can do is continue to have faith whilst be mindful of setbacks. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏾

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to JoyfulStar]

Thanks again for your wonderful words of encouragement. The more I read your messages and do research on my own, the better I feel. And I agree. IVF has no perfect way of working. We’re all different. Xo

[Hidden]

So sorry to read this - everything Joyful Star says is so true, the first round is often such a learning round so whilst it’s hard at the moment try not to despair your clinic will have learned lots from this round and will be able to mix things up next round x

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to Hidden]

I love what you guys are telling me. I feel like it was a practice round too. Hopefully I’m geared up and ready for the second round! Xo

[Hidden in reply to LiveandLetLive42]

If its any help my first round I got 3 eggs and 2 fertilised but were put back day 2 as looked dodgy. I was on long protocol as 'thats what they did at my age'... Second round they swapped me to short protocol and I got 13 eggs, 3 made it to day 5 and I actually got a BFP which I sadly miscarried later. The difference was quite incredible x

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to Hidden]

What’s short protocol? I’m so sorry about your miscarriage. I had one last year. It’s devastating.

[Hidden in reply to LiveandLetLive42]

Long protocol is where you down regulate before you start the stim drugs. Short protocol you dont down regulate and you just start your stims at the beginning of your period. Different protocols work for different people x

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to Hidden]

Gotcha! Thanks again 💜

[Idril]

So sorry to heart that, it is really tough... I just thought I would mention something. I read that you suffer anxiety and depression ? I also do sometimes, some situations got out of control and I can feel overwhelmed, this is when I know I would take some sertraline for a while, adapting the dose depending on how I feel from 25 to 50 mg. IVF is one of these things and really I don't think it will affect the baby, the chances are very low. However if you feel too anxious, I believe the outcome would be different than if you felt good. And from my little experience, I have taken it during my second cycle and I was relaxed and got my best outcome and even a BFP that ended up in an ectopic but I know that once you are pregnant, things also changes inside and I was able to stop very easily, no more anxiety or anything. Maybe if you try an other one, keep your anxiety low and then once you are pregnant you will see?!Good luck, I really hope it will work for you.

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to Idril]

I actually did a lot of research and it’s definitely better for mama to be on Zoloft and feel good than have all the ups and downs for the baby. So I went back on my meds. I want to feel better. I’m like a monster off my meds lol. Just so many yucky feelings. And if I get pregnant that is absolutely not good for the baby. Thank you for your advice. It really means a lot to me!

[Cswanlake36]

Sorry to hear this 😊💗 I’m just at the start of my first cycle with a long protocol. I have prepared myself for it not working out because lots have told me the first cycle doesn’t always work. So I’m taking this as a practice run. The clinic and counsellor both told us to prepare for bad news and be realistic. They aren’t being negative and I’m not either but I’m glad I’ve been told this. I am still hopeful and positive but being realistic and preparing myself for bad news. Good luck for your second cycle. The advice on here is great . Be kind to yourself, treat yourself and give yourself time before you start the next cycle. All the best. 😊💗🌈

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to Cswanlake36]

I keep hearing the same thing! I kind of wish they told me that though. But I guess that’s why it’s a practice round. So I’ll try again! Don’t be too negative though. We don’t want that!! Even though it’s so hard not to go there! Good luck to you as well! Xo

[Cswanlake36 in reply to LiveandLetLive42]

Yes, they should have told you that. It’s a whole learning curve. You think you know things and then it’s like oh right I didn’t know that. I’m just glad to get my first cycle started. Thanks xx