Last 2 embryos - what to do …

[XxMrsBXx]

We started our IVF journey in June 2020 and have had 7 transfers … 5 failed , 1 chemical in December 2021 and a miscarriage in April this year .

We have 1 more chance so am happy to try anything … after a review with the doctor they are keeping me on the same protocol and just adding in aspirin if it results in a positive pregnancy .

Last protocol was progynnova 3 x daily , clexane daily , Lubion every 72 hours and cyclogest twice daily .

I had blood tests done last month to check all was ok and they come back all good which was a relief .

Should I be pushing for anything else ? I asked about steroids but my clinic said they don’t offer since covid as it lowers your immune system…

Any advice will be a great help

Sending love and luck to everyone on their journeys 💜💜xx

[Harley1977]

Hi there !I had failed transfers too and then compared all my cycles to see what was done differently.

I checked day progesterone on transfer day and it was historically always low at 5-8 ng/ml inspite of being on the pessary and oral tablets . So this time I decided to take the prolutex injection in the 5 days before transfer and checked progesterone twice to see if levels went up — and it did . I had a 5-5 day transfer as previously I had them in day 5 early or 4.5 days . ( always after 101 -130 hrs of progesterone before transfer ) , this time I opted for 146-151 hrs before transfer . After transfer I kept an eye on progesterone every 3 days and increase progesterone rich foods in my diet as I was already on max meds . ( kale , bell peppers , nuts , spinach )

I also took clexane twice daily as it should be 60 mg twice daily if u are upto 55-65 kg roughly and the clinic only had me on once daily . I also took beta glucans and curcumin throughout

For the first time I’ve had a bfp

( I did an era test prior and it was receptive but the hrs it suggested - I surpassed those this time —-as following the test results recommended time frame didn’t work last time )

[XxMrsBXx in reply to Harley1977]

Hi Harley ,Thank you for your reply.

Do you check your progesterone at home or your clinic ? My clinic doesn’t test progesterone .

I could increase clexane too and increase progesterone rich foods like you did too xx

[Kimbob82]

Hi there, have you had immune testing done? Also, after so many unsuccessful transfers (I’ve had 12 so I know the feeling) can I suggest reading a book called ‘is your body baby friendly’ by Dr Alan beer, I only read it after transfer number 7 failed and I wish I had read it before I did any transfers! Good luck x

[XxMrsBXx in reply to Kimbob82]

Hi Kimbo,Thank you for your reply.

I’ve had immune bloods done for implantation , is that what you mean ?

I’ll have a look for the book

Xxx

[Kimbob82 in reply to XxMrsBXx]

There’s several immune tests… nk cells, mthfr gene, T cells, Ana, thyroid antibodies, APA and SO many more… have they suggested intrallipids for you if they won’t give you steroids? I’ve only been able to find the book online… it’s specifically for people that have had recurrent pregnancy loss and failed ivf cycles… I learnt so much from it. All the best, hope the book helps x

[XxMrsBXx in reply to Kimbob82]

No they haven’t suggested those . I just feel with it being our last chance I want to try everything possible .

They said as all my bloods were fine I wouldn’t need steroids and they don’t offer them anymore anyway xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi MrsB. I suppose ut depends on your embryo thawing whether the second one needs to thaw as well. You could ask about progesterone checks to see if you are producing and absorbing enough. Good luck! Diane

[XxMrsBXx in reply to DianeArnold]

Hi Diane .They have said both need to be thawed together .

My clinic don’t test progesterone levels xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to XxMrsBXx]

Hi. I thought that they would thaw both, which makes it exciting. Just remember that if you put both back and have a bleed at any stage, you have two there, so should you lose one, just keep up with all your prescribed medication until your official test date. Good luck! Diane

[XxMrsBXx in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you Diane xxx

[Mai94]

Hey, I did an endometrial scratch, asprin and fragmin with a positive test for 12 weeks and glue which was a standard with the transfer. Good luck x

[Littlepeax]

Hi lovely, hope you're doing ok. After 7 transfers you'd think your clinic would look into doing something different. I personally would look to get another opinion. My clinic didn't support steroids so I went elsewhere to get them. I also pushed them to check my progesterone (they didn't want to) this is so important to get checked as could make all the difference. Hope you manage to find a supportive clinic who listen and understand your concerns. I know you mentioned before that you feel as if this clinic are just taking your money from you. That really shouldn't be the case and I really think looking at other clinics will do no harm xxx ❤️💫❤️ good luck xxx

[JuicyLu]

I had ERA/EMMA/ALICE tests and for me this made a difference. The EMMA test revealed I had an infection which could affect implantation, which was then treated with antibiotics and then probiotics.Plus what others have said about progesterone- mine was low on the day of transfer so I was given extra.

Good luck x

[Flutterbby]

After several failed transfers I myself did naturopathy and after 4 months of solid diet changes such as gluten free, the transfer worked..maybe worth a shot, good luck

[happilyevershahs]

Hi, I do agree with your consultant, being put on steroids increases the risk of getting covid BUT if you have a NK test and if it shows elevated levels, then you would need to go on them. It's an expensive blood test but worth it in my opinion.

Also, with Lubion, my clinic gave me a dose of daily as opposed to 72 hours. If you have low progesterone levels, I think daily would suit you better.

Another option would be to do PGT-a testing on your remaining embryos. My clinic charge per embryo so even if you had one you could test it. This way you would know if the embryo is genetically viable prior to it being transferred in.