We’re planning transfer no.7 for this autumn (an FET) and have been advised to add in steroids (prednisolone) due to my elevated NK cells - I’ve had two NK biopsy/blood tests done now and both times show there’s an abnormal level so I don’t think we can carry on without addressing it.
However my doctor has advised not to try intralipids at this stage due to the lack of concrete evidence. She said to wait and see how we go with the steroids and then there’s always the chance to add on intralipids in another cycle. I understand her reluctance as I agree the evidence is scant but the thought of putting myself through 2 more FETs just to ‘see’ what works after 6 failed implantations just feels too much to bear right now. So i’m considering going against her advice and throwing in the intralipids this cycle….
Anyone have experience of doing cycles with steroids and with/without intralipids? Or that intralipids made a huge difference to the outcome?
Appreciate every situation is different and it’s so hard to know what to do for the best but I’m really struggling to decide what to do. We’ve never been pregnant and have 6 failed implantations now, 2 with PGS embryos so either we’re just having the shittest luck ever or these NK cells really are the cause of our failures and we just need to throw the kitchen sink at them. I have no other issues or diagnosis (ivf related or otherwise!)
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Bistbee
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My friend did both steroids and intralipids at the same time and was successful. It was her second transfer and her doctor said let’s throw everything at this one as they only got one egg through to day 3 or 5 (not sure which) for each egg collection.
I’m on steroids this time around for the first time and got my first ever BFP. It’s early days still so treading carefully but I’d heard on here from many that they believe steroids helped.
Hopefully there’ll be some women here that can advise on using both.
Not sure if this will help in any way but I’ll tell you my story of intralipids / steroids, first three transfers were with a NHS hospital so intralipids / steroids not even an option as not enough evidence. Since then have moved to a private clinic and due to elevated NK cells was advised to have both. First cycle, however steroids were not allowed due to covid so could have intralipids only and had a BFN! Second cycle at private clinic (current cycle) was able to have steroids and intralipids and have just had a BFP…very very early days yet tho so not sure how it will all end!
It’s a very difficult one but I’d agree with you to throw everything into the next transfer so heartbreaking to keep going through all these cycles! xx
Thanks, yeh I do feel like we should just do both so that if it doesn’t work then I can at least say I tried everything! Wishing you all the best following your bfp x
My first three transfers were unsuccessful (third was a CP) and after that, I tried to push for further testing as all “evidence” based tests had come back clear. I kept getting poorly with each transfer, for example I’d have swollen glands and a bit of a fever and whilst the doctor didn’t think it was connected, my gut was telling me there was more to it. Anyway, I spoke to my original referring gynaecologist who suggested I try a new clinic who specialise in more advanced IVF treatment and explore immunology testing incl. NK cells. We did just that and my results came back with elevated NK cells and elevated thyroid antibodies. For my fourth transfer, I’ve had intrapilids and steroids (dexamethasone to start, then predisone and then back to and currently on dexamethasone). I got my BFP and whilst it’s early days, I do believe that throwing everything at this transfer has helped me get this far.
I think it’s worth a shot… I asked my new clinic to throw the kitchen sink at me and whilst it’s been physically tough, I’m so glad I gave it a go.
Thank you, yes it does feel like doing both is the only way we’re going to know for sure whether this whole immune system suppression thing is the key for us. Wishing you the best of luck following your bfp! x
XOXO, i was interested to read your post - esp re the elevated thyroid antibodies. I have elevated NK cells and last FET just had intralipids and got a BFN. Found out today i have a thyroiditis (inflammation of thyroid which can be caused by auto-immune issues). My strong hunch is that immunology issues are the reason why i haven't been able to conceive. Sorry for the ramble! I would be interested to know which clinic you used?
Hello Bistbee, I had my first transfer with just prednisone and it was a BFN ,but gave intralipid a shot and got a BFP 5dpfet transfer, I can gladly tell you that I have my twin boy and girl today, I would strongly advice you to give it a shot too
I had PGS tested normal embryos and I had first FET fail. Then with second we did intralipids but couldn't do steroids due to covid. I got a BFP and the rules changed so I started steroids at 13dpt. I'm now 19 weeks. I can't say for certain but after 5 early miscarriages prior to IVF it could be that the intralipids just suppressed my immune system enough to allow implantation.
Thanks and wishing you the best of luck with your pregnancy. It does seem like people have had successes with both the steroids and intralipids so I’m thinking really what’s the downside in just doing both (apart from the added cost but hey after 6 cycles who’s even counting anymore!!)
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