ERA AND IMMUNE TESTING

[Harley1977]

i have been advised that due to implantation failure. (had 3 embies put in- donor eggs. great quality- on both occassions- failed to implant)--advised to have ERA test done.. i think maybe a good idea. but they have also suggested immune testing.. NK cells IL8,5 TWEAK AND fN 14. can all these be done at the same time as the ERA biospy is taken. also i had intralipis before and after each of the donor egg transfers.. do i really need immune testing??

any thoughts would be helpful. thanks

[LifetoCherish]

I’m not sure about intralipids but others can answer that. However my era test biopsy is what found I had an imbalance with my lining aka killer cells so they put me on steroids. So I think they era is the immune test unless someone says otherwise? X

[Harley1977 in reply to LifetoCherish]

Well what I have been told is that era biopsy is different from immune profile,,, I’m a bit confused 🤔

[Millbanks in reply to Harley1977]

The ERA Is for timing but you can have a killer cells biopsy done at the same time as it’s the same procedure xx

[KnittingNeedles in reply to Harley1977]

I've had both. The immunology testing is blood work. It's completely separate from the ERA. They just draw your blood and send it off for testing for many different things.

[Harley1977 in reply to KnittingNeedles]

Hey thanks a bunch ! So no biopsy needed for immune testing ? Got it ! Where did u have ure immune testing and era done ?

[KnittingNeedles in reply to Harley1977]

The way they had me do it was biopsy only for the ERA. The immunology was bloodwork and one thing (of many things) that they tested for in the bloodwork was NK cells. I'm in the U.S. so I had both tests done at a fertility clinic here. I wasn't a patient as I travel abroad for the transfers. So, they classified me as "outside monitoring" but still allowed me to have the tests done. The U.S. fertility clinic did both the ERA and bloodwork. I don't know if you're in the U.S., but if so, there is a place called LabCorp that isn't a fertility clinic but they do a lot of blood testing, so if you can't get into a clinic for that, you could try there. I know they test for NK cells, but not sure about the other stuff for the blood test. The only place I could find who did the ERA was a fertility clinic. My ERA results only showed the timing I needed on progesterone. One thing to make sure of at any clinic doing the blood tests is that they do all the testing that's required. I would get them a list of what you need and make sure they test for everything you need.

[Jrss1]

I’m prepping for the ERA, Alice & Emma test at the moment. I think you should do it. I know it’s taking a month away from trying but it might give you insight as to what is happening. Best of luck xx

[Sezvic in reply to Jrss1]

How much does it altogther( ERA, Alice and Emma tests)?

[Harley1977]

Hey jrss1, I’m going to do the era , Alice and Emma . I’ve been told to come to Greece for the ivf but fo the era here under one of their consultants. But I have no idea but was told checking Nk cells and immune s would be a good idea . Does the above era, Alice Emma check fir all of that or do I ask them to do the immune testing , il8 cells etc and Nk cells separately ? Pls advice

[Jrss1 in reply to Harley1977]

Hi Harley1977, the E,A,E tests are to check your receptivity, bacteria which causes endometriosis and to check if the environment is optimal for implantation. I got my NK cells tested separately by a blood test and they were slightly raised. I took steroids and intralipids to help with this. Are you just starting IVF? I would do all tests before starting. I wish I knew this before I started as I think it would have made a huge difference. At least I would have known what I was up against. All of it will be worth it when you see those 2 lines telling you that you are pregnant. I wish you the best of luck & I’m here to help if I can xx

[Harley1977 in reply to Jrss1]

Thanks ! Yes I’m doing the triple test (era Emma Alice ) this month when my period starts and then I have been told to start with the meds and the biopsy is with dr tozer here in london . But I’m doing my DE at Athens with ovum ivf . Not sure how great they are but going through as coordinator . Any thoughts anyone ?

[katiehopeful81]

Can anyone explain the timeline for ERA and Alice etc? Can you do it within a natural cycle as I have risks taking the FET medication and all my future FETs will be natural because of this

[Jrss1 in reply to katiehopeful81]

Hi Katiehopeful81, I’m not really an expert on this as I’m just doing it now myself but I’ve been told to do the following- you start estrogen on day 2 of your period 3 x 2mg for 3 days then you increase it to 4 x 2mg until the biopsy. You add in progesterone morning and evening 14 days after you have started the estrogen and keep that going until the biopsy. I have to say, the drugs are not really agreeing with me but I know it’s the only way I’ll get real answers and I actually think this should be part of the Ivf process as it would eliminate a lot of things from the start. I’ve wasted so much time and money already, that’s why I think anyone starting off should consider these tests. You can do these tests on your next period so you do miss out on a month of trying but I think it’s really worth it for the answers. Have you been trying for long? xx

[Jrss1 in reply to katiehopeful81]

Also, do the 3 tests together, price wise it’s better value. So ask for ERA, Alice & Emma xx

[Eternalwarrior in reply to katiehopeful81]

Yes, I cannot take oestrogen and did the ERA, EMMA and ALICE test on a natural cycle. Good luck!