Recurrent implantation failure - Fertility Network UK

Fertility Network UK

51,972 members57,467 posts

Recurrent implantation failure

strawberriesandcream profile image

Hi all - long post incoming so apologies!

Hoping someone in the same position can help guide me in the right direction to go from here. I’ve just had my 6th transfer with 2 embryos and got a negative result today.

History - 1 natural pregnancy (miscarriage), 7 high quality embryos transferred (1 MMC at 11 weeks, heart stopped at 9 weeks) the rest all failed to implant.

Protocols / drugs tried - Lubion, clexane, Humira, Hydroxychloroquine, Predisterone.

I’ve had an ERA which showing receptivity was normal, and EMMA and ALICE both fine.

I have a unicornuate uterus which can be associated with lower implantation rate but think with the number of embryos we’ve tried that isn’t it.

So my questions are….

1. Is there anything else left to test or check?

2. Can anyone point me in the direction of a specialist (I am already under one of the main reproductive immunologists and have had 3 embryos transferred with this protocol) so don’t know if there is anyone specific to recurrent implantation failure?

3. Any holistic therapists or anything else to suggest?

Thanks all ❤️

Written by
strawberriesandcream profile image
strawberriesandcream
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
Star3129 profile image
Star3129

Hi I have posted several times here asking and seeking help regarding RIF so whenever I see such posts I can't just read and run. Were you advised hysteroscopy to inside of uterus also check for some good bacteria tests in the uterus. There is 1 clinic in Coventry where they specialise for Rif,you can get in touch with them if you haven't.

Is your AMH OK for your age,we're you advised for donor route?

Do you have endometriosis? This could also cause RIF.

Atleast you were able to conceive twice which is great to know so may be check for Nk cells that has been the reason for many.

Things you can consider if you haven't to help you find the reason.

I am dealing with RIF too since so long haven't find out the cause myself but have change a few things here and there this time maybe I will get through this🤞

strawberriesandcream profile image
strawberriesandcream in reply to Star3129

Thanks for the reply!

I’ve had a hyteroscopy before transfer of embryos 5, 6 and 7. They removed a polyp.

AMH is normal for my age (now 36 but embryos created when I was 34 and 35). Egg quality has always been good.

Never even told I’ve got endometriosis and I don’t have any symptoms. I’ve had NK cell testing and that has lead to the immune drugs. But have transferred 3 embryos with those drugs which has not changed the outcome.

I’ll have a look into Coventry as that is local to me!

Sorry to hear you’ve had the same, it’s so hard to wrap your head around when you’ve done everything you can!

DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK

Hi strawberriesandcream. Is your bicornuate uterus good to go/ Should it need any surgery then make sure you see an experienced specialist. Anyone recommending specialists, please do so by PM/DM so as not to advertise. Good luck! Diane

Chel91 profile image
Chel91

Your history is very similar to mine unfortunately. I've had 1 MC and 10 embryos no luck.

I'm also working with a RI abroad. Is your RI re-testing your Cytokines (this is TNF to IF ratios), ANA and NK panel, etc., every week or two to continue to monitor everything is in range? Does he make sure it's all in range before each transfer? I hear very good things about 1 particular doctor, PM me if you want his name (not sure if he is already your doctor)!

I was "unexplained", but I just had laparoscopic surgery and they found severe endometriosis that is likely a big contributor to me. Look up "silent endometriosis". My doctor told me it's probably *the* biggest reason he sees for RIF / RPL (which he believes are basically caused by the same things). Have you ever tried an endo supression FET protocol?

The other thing I'm now trying is IVIG, which I'm sure you know is terribly expensive unfortunately. However, it is considered very helpful, probably the most out of any immune treatment so I would definitely consider it if you are able to.

Titawine profile image
Titawine

Same here, 4 failed transfer , never had an implantation not even a chemical pregnancy, although my embryos didn't get tested but they looked like good quality, I have endometrioma and adenomyosis but the down regulation for three months take them away for the time of transfer but unfortunately that didn't work either, I'm asking my doctor for immunity protocol but I don't know if ot will be enough, testing embryo is on the table too but for that I have to go to Spain or Greece as the pgt test is not available on my country

Kimbob82 profile image
Kimbob82

Have you had intralipids? Im assuming you would have if you're under the care of an RI. I would think next step is IVIG. I also have recurrent implantation failure. I've had 14 transfers of 19 embryos over 2 years. 3 chemical pregnancies and my most recent transfer I had a miscarriage at 9 weeks. I'm waiting to get the results of my most recent miscarriage but sadly we are pretty much left with no option but IVIG and it's SO expensive. Are you on low dose naltrexone as well? I totally understand your frustration :( xx

Bookbroad profile image
Bookbroad

Hello. I’m sorry to hear you’ve not been successful yet. I’ve had 6 failed FET’s (all 4bb’s and 4b/cs - 5 day blastocysts) and have basically covered everything you’ve listed above. The only option left that I’m exploring is Pre-genetic testing which comes with a hefty price tag. I was told yesterday that following this they will have reached the end of our options in terms of tests/drugs etc so just desperately hoping the pgt results come back normal or at least mosaic - if we get any blastocysts from this next round. I was told that if all the embryos come back not viable then it’s probably an indication that my egg quality is no longer good enough and it can’t be improve. I’m 38 and haven’t had my AMH checked since my last cycle but it was low when I did my first round over a year ago. Although my clinic said blastocyst numbers is a more helpful measure than AMH - assuming some come back viable. Anyway, hope this helps. Not sure it’s the answers you’re looking for but wishing you all the luck moving forward. X

Koala365 profile image
Koala365

I am in a similar position. I had a MMC in Feb 2020 (baby died at 7 weeks 5 days). Then 6 attempts at IVF (5 egg collections + 1 cancelled cycle) with 7 embryos in total transferred in fresh cycles. Nothing ever implanted. Didn't find out about my immune issues until just before cycle 5 which was the cancelled cycle and was therefore able to do the immune protocol for cycle 6. The only tests I had which you didn't mention above were the thrombotic risk profile test which showed I was positive for the MTFHR gene mutation and the Natural Killer Cells test which showed I had high levels of NK s and high inflammation. However the treatment for those issues is mostly what you are on already 1) clexane for the thrombotic risk profile test and 2) prednisolone and intra-lipid infusions for the NK Cells. I also consulted a fertility nutritionist who suggested some dietary changes based on an anti inflammatory diet and additional protein and various extra supplements but don't think these were particularly for my immune issues. I also went for fertility accupuncture.

Koala365 profile image
Koala365 in reply to Koala365

Also I should add that due to the MTFHR gene mutation I was told to switch to E-methylfolate form of folic acid instead of just bog standard folic acid and increase the dose to 1000 from the standard 400

Gina90 profile image
Gina90

Hi strawberriesandcream I'm new to this community and I've had similar experiences to you. This will be by 6th round of FET (1st double embryo transfer) OTD in a few days.

4 other failed FET's have been single embryo PGS tested transfers that failed to implant.

3rd round was a success but ended up in MMC at 9weeks.

Feel like I've picked and prodded by body with all sorts of testing.

Did an ERA - all came out receptive and normal

Did an EMMA + ALICE - no issues flagged there

Have had 2 hysteroscopys all looking normal though I do have fibroids but not in uterus cavity.

I've had embryo glue done in one round with prednisone steroids which still failed.

I'm lost for words as to what I can do next.

Did you seek any good advice or guidance on what you could do different that you can share please.

This round I've had double transfer with prednisone and intralipids but not feeling hopeful and very anxious as I've got no symptoms.

You may also like...

recurrent implantation failure

category RIF (recurrent implantation failure) I’ve had 3 good scores embryo transferred which did...

Recurrent implantation failure

all doing ok. We’ve had a 3rd failed FET this weekend and pretty devastated (2nd transfer was a...

Recurrent Implantation Failure clinics?

clinic that specialises in Recurrent Implantation Failure and see what we can learn and find out...

KIR or LAD tests for recurrent implantation failure

these tests? I’ve got history of recurrent implantation failure with PGS normal embryos and high NKC

Recurrent implantation failure - any success stories or recommendations?

quality blastocyst embryos transferred now (in 3 cycles) and all failed to implant. I've had...