ERA test or just transfer final frosties?

[Purple276]

Hi all,

We've just had our review after the last transfer ended again in a BFN. While had the usual list of things it could be but no certain answers about why this one didn't implant, our consultant actually recommended the ERA tests.

A bit of a summary - I'm now 40, have low AFC so only ever got 1 or 2 eggs from stims but over our 3 fresh rounds got 4 embryos all mid grade, all BFN. We moved to donor eggs and first transfer BFN and have 2 final frosties and have agreed will accept a future without a child if those don't work.

I've had immune tests and have MTHFR, 4G/5G mutation and high TPO so got thyroid levels down and took steroids and intralipids for the last 2 rounds.

I also had a surprise natural pregnancy last October which sadly ended in MMC so while heartbreaking I finally know I can implant an embryo and assumed lost it due to egg quality.

So...eventually....this is my predicament. Do we pay the £2000 for an ERA to check implantation window or just transfer both remaining in one last go. It's more money and a delay and not sure if the evidence is strong enough that it will make all the difference. But my natural pregnancy was from sex on day 7/8, ovulation day 11/12 so would this indicate that I should start progesterone earlier or later than the standard for implantation?

I'm a bit ready for the journey to end but know that sounds bad and should focus on doing everything to get the baby we really really want but I'm just a little exhausted by it all. Know that you lovely people will know how that feels and feel terrible saying it out loud to my OH.

Sorry for the long post - thank you for reading this far! Any experience of ERA outcomes and it working - or not would be really helpful or anyone in a similar place and just fancies an offload of your thoughts happy to chat.

Thanks very much 😊

[Millbanks]

Oh love, such a hard thing to decide.I’m sorry you’re still going through it.

It’s a tricky decision I know.

I did the ERA test because I knew that I ovulated late in my cycle normally - so I suspected that my window of implantation could be out and I was right - it can back as needing a full extra day of progesterone.

I’m not saying that this hunch was accurate but it did seem a coincidence…

Much love xxx

[Purple276 in reply to Millbanks]

Thanks lovely. I had a hunch about progesterone which was right so agree sometimes we know our body best.

Since my MMC I've been definitely thinking as I ovulated early and have short cycles that something might be out and was thinking do I just adjust it myself rather than do the test but pretty sure I don't know more than my consultant!

Hope everything is going well for you and thank you so much for still being here for support from us still in the journey 😊

[Millbanks in reply to Purple276]

Yes I had the same about progesterone too. I knew that I had a short luteal phase as I always started spotting early, so asked them to test and lo and behold, very low progesterone…I think go with your gut.

It is tempting to adjust yourself, but as it’s your last one I’d be more inclined to do the test, the ERA is accurate to within 3 hours so you could get it slightly wrong!!

Aww I’m so happy to be able to support where I can. It’s a shitty journey and I just want everyone to get their miracle xxx

[McQueeny]

Heya. Such a hard time, I’m really sorry.

Until a little while ago, my only ever BFP was from a fresh transfer. Trying for a sibling, I never believed frozen transfers would work for me as by that point I had 5 frozens resulting in BFNs.

We did the ERA test, and it came back as needing to transfer 12 hours earlier than the standard. We did that, and did get a BFP - it sadly ended in a chemical, but at least the implantation worked…. I can’t say that the ERA made a difference, it might well be just luck of the draw with embryo genetics.

I think the question is more whether you’ll beat yourself up if you don’t. One of my reasons for spending the money and enduring the delay was that I thought I’d wonder ‘what if’ if I hadn’t…. But it’s a really hard call ….

💪🤞🍀 x

[Purple276 in reply to McQueeny]

Hey McQueeny,

That's such a good point. We don't want any what ifs if we do have to close the door on this- or waste the DE embryos we spent time and money on.

I'm really sorry about your chemical but glad you at least you have some.more information on timing. Have you got another frostie to try again? Xx

[McQueeny in reply to Purple276]

Yes, absolutely. You need to be at peace with whatever you end up doing.

Thank you. No, it was our last one - we’re going back for another fresh round in a week or two xx

[Purple276 in reply to McQueeny]

Well good luck and let us know how you get on 🤞

[McQueeny in reply to Purple276]

Thank you, will do - you too ☺️🤞 x

[Cinderella5]

What a tough decision. We decided on an ERA after a few BFNs, a BFP which we got after messing around with progesterone timings then another chemical. It turned out we needed a full 24hours of progesterone....I've stuck up on old post about it if you look back my posts which goes into more detail. We now have twins and completely feel it's down to this test so for us it was worth it. I guess there is always the chance they may not find anything but we were also getting to the point of walking away! Good luck with what you decide.xxx

[Purple276 in reply to Cinderella5]

Thank you Cinderella. I remember your journey and the exciting news when you had your BFP 😊 I'll have a look back on your posts - thank you. Hope you are your twins are well 😁 xx

[Peonie100]

Hello, I would do it if you can spare the money. I would also add the Emma and Alice tests. My ERA came back normal but my Emma test showed I only had 35% good bacteria in my endometrial lining (90% is the optimum). I had this treated in February and got up to 77% (possibly more as I carried on the treatment after the test) and I’m now pregnant (very very early days) from natural pregnancy. So I would say if you’re having a biopsy anyway, then do all 3 at once just so you know for sure as they go to the same lab anyway!

Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

[Purple276 in reply to Peonie100]

Thanks Peonie, that's very helpful and congrats - super happy for you 😃 My clinic do add the ALICE and EMMA too (sure there are mattresses called that too?!) so if did ERA like you say makes sense to do those too. Think my OH is definitely leaning towards that and think I am too. 🤞 xx

[Peonie100 in reply to Purple276]

Thank you! I’m a bit freaked out. If it’s your last chance then I would throw the kitchen sink if you can. If you don’t need treatment it will only delay you a month or two. Hope all goes well xx

[Bump12]

Hello, sorry to hear that you are in this situation. I was in a very similar situation and I know it feels like it’s eating you alive when you have to make a decision. I just had all 3 tests done last week and feel at peace now and feel like atleast I’ve done what I can.I went abroad to get it done and it’s a lot cheaper including flights feel free to DM if you want any information.

I wouldn’t really go into too much detail about whether it’s evidence based or not mainly because there isn’t the funding for these tests as much as we would like to do the research. So it’s not that there isn’t evidence it’s just that they don’t know if there is evidence or not.

Hope this helps and good luck with everything xx