Can anyone offer hope after failed FET?

[Novice_knitter]

Hey, I’m coming on here after failed FET - I found out on Christmas Eve.

Background - I had 3 frozen embryos left from 2 IVF cycles. I’m 41 yrs old. I have unexplained infertility (but have a baby from my second ivf cycle). I’ve never conceived naturally and only tested pregnant once.

With my FET, we used a single blasto, the best quality of the 3, I had cyclogest and oestrodiol medicated protocol.

I now have 2 embryos left (5day blastos - one from first ivf cycle and one from the second)

My questions are: is there anything that the clinic might do differently next time? Is there anyone out there with positive FET stories against all odds and in their 40’s? Is there anything I should ask my consultant when I speak to them?

I guess I’ve lost hope this week and I’m looking to try to find some again. If anyone can help with an answer - even brief - please do.

Sending baby dust out there to all of you xxx

[Rhwy1456]

I’m sorry your FET failed, I know how sad and disappointing it is. I have a daughter from my first round of IVF. I had a fully medicated FET earlier in the year with the best quality embryo and it failed. I then had a natural FET a month or so after and I am currently 9 weeks pregnant. I’m not sure if the natural cycle had anything to do with it or whether it was random but if you have regular cycles then it could be an option. You have to go for more scans and monitor ovulation closely but for me it was worth it as I felt so much less stressed and hormonal. Wishing you all the best.

[Novice_knitter in reply to Rhwy1456]

Thanks for this. I really struggled with the hormone side effects if I’m honest. It would be good not to have them on a second cycle - I didn’t feel myself on them. Did you still have progesterone though?

Ps - congratulations on your pregnancy and hope things continue smoothly for you xx

[Rhwy1456 in reply to Novice_knitter]

Yes- I still took progesterone (cyclogest) twice daily but I think not until a few days before transfer (and I’m still taking it).

[Fudge1980]

Hey. So sorry your fet failed 😞 I am 41 I’ve just had a natural fet cycle with last embryo and I am nearly 9weeks 💗

I felt so nervy not having all the meds and scans and felt left in the dark but my body was so much better doing a natural fet. I only had progesterone and aspirin. Apart from all the questions I had (totally normal) I was way more relaxed going for transfer and even afterwards.

I would seriously consider doing a natural fet if you are regular and don’t need the other meds!

Good luck with what you decide 💗

[Maui2020]

Hi Novice_knitter. So sorry about your previous FET. Some of your story sounds like mine. I am also 41yrs old and have an ivf baby from a 2017 cycle. We had 5 frozen embryos from that cycle. 2 didn’t survive and 3 failed. We then did a fresh cycle last year and got 4 good quality blasts. All failed. On our most recent cycle we got two blasts, fresh transfer failed. I honestly lost all hope at that point and for the first time felt utterly defeated by it all. Decided to do immune testing as I knew it was probably our last shot and although it was patchy evidence in my case, especially since I’d had a baby already, it showed I needed intralipids, so we gave it a shot. I’m now 11 weeks pregnant from that last frozen embryo and honestly still in disbelief.I don’t know if it was the immune therapy or we just got incredibly lucky- as we keep getting told it’s a numbers game.

I just wanted to share as I had so many failed FETs and the wonderful people on this forum telling their stories made the world of difference to me and gave me hope to persevere.

All I can say is treat each FET with no previous thoughts as you never know what can happen. I also did a natural FET and always find it so much easier on my body and temperament.

I’m still awaiting 12 week NIPT but only ever having one positive pregnancy test prior to this, it’s given me hope that it can work.

Wishing you the best of luck xxx

[Andysa]

Hi my lovely... sorry to hear things haven’t worked out just yet. I moved to Ukraine for my failed FET. My cousin asked me to do my next chance there. I am also doing a natural FET with having a failed fresh in October. I hope to have my surge late in a week. After that I had my scan. I have a dominant follicle measuring at 15 and should be 18 by Friday for ovulation. My lining is at 9.1. I have my transfer next week. Our second FET was successful! So embryos 3 and 4 out of our first fresh cycle both implanted. I’m now 13 weeks pregnant with twins. I remember people telling me that the clinics can learn a lot from each cycle & amend your protocol for the future. The journey is tough and I wouldn’t wish this on anyone so I understand your pain and frustration.... I still believe you have a very good chance and you will get your turn. Wishing you all the best of luck. ❤️ Sending you light and strength too 💕💕💕