anything different to do after another failed fet?

[Bed12]

hi all, this is my first post here. Sadly I received the news that my 3rd fet cycle failed today. My clinic has changed the protocol of each cycle with this one being more intense I.e. short down regulation (about 2 weeks) with buserline for mild ademiosis, lubion + pessaries for progestrone, patches + estradiol tablets for lining, inhixa blood thinner from day zero (aspirin before I started the blood thinner) plus 20mg steroid for four days from the transfer and then down to 10mg until pregnancy test. I’m not sure what else can be done. All three times the embryo has failed to implant (though the protocol before was less than what I’ve described above). I’ve had all the usual blood tests (thyroid prolactin etc) and all have come back normal. I’ve had a hysteroscopy and all was normal. I’m 40 but actually using my eggs I froze when I was 35 and it was a euploid embryo transferred. All embryos transferred were good quality 5 day blastos. The reason I’m doing ivf is because my partner has had a vasectomy and so I have no known fertility issues at all. And his sperm was good. I’m a bit stumped on what else we can do to make this work…wondering if there are any clinics that specialise more in embryo implantation failures? Any advice or thoughts are welcome. Thanks so much.

[HedgehogMad]

So sorry to hear this, it's really horrible to be crushed with negative after negative. My clinic have suggested to me that it is bad luck (5 blastocysts transferred aged 29, male factor issues and no implantation). Did you PGT-A test all three embryos? If not I would probably push to test the rest before transfer. My clinic also suggested the Warwick implantation clinic, not sure where you are based but will send you a PM. I am seeing them in the New year x

[Bed12 in reply to HedgehogMad]

hi thanks for replying. The last two were PGTA tested and so euploid embryos transferred. The first one was not. But I’m wondering if it’s worth testing any future ones if it doesn’t actually impact implantation I.e. these last two did not implant. I’m based in London. But yes please send me the details. Thanks so much. It really is and boggling experience. It’s like a science for half of it and then basically mystical the rest.

[HedgehogMad in reply to Bed12]

I feel as though most of the time it is plain luck 🤷 remember reading that the majority of people will get pregnant after 3 euploid transfers (each transfer is about 60-70% chance) but whether that is representative I don't know. Have you seen your consultant yet? Xx

[Bed12 in reply to HedgehogMad]

no haven’t yet had the follow up. Will see what they say.

[Newbies1]

so sorry to hear this, hope you have got some good support right now the whole process is so hard. Have you tried doing the EMMA/ALICE/ERA test if not I would definitely recommend these as the next steps as they will check that the timing of your implantation window and also check for infections in your womb and that you have right levels of good bacteria wishing you all the luck in the world xxx

[Bed12 in reply to Newbies1]

thank you. No I haven’t had these tests. Have you found they improved success?

[Newbies1 in reply to Bed12]

hi they made a big difference for me I found out I needed an extra 24hours progesterone before transfer and also needed a course of probiotics i have just had my 12 week scan so it seems to have made a big difference to me wishing you the best of luck xxx

[Bed12 in reply to Newbies1]

interesting! Do you mind sharing how many cycles you tried before you did these tests? Was it also implantation failure?

[Boo718 in reply to Bed12]

they worked for me too. I needed an extra day of progesterone I am now almost 17 weeks xxx

[Bed12 in reply to Boo718]

interesting! Do you mind sharing how many cycles you tried before you did these tests? Was it also implantation failure?

[Newbies1 in reply to Bed12]

hi I had two rounds first round had total failed fertilisation 2nd round switched to icsi got 5 x 5 day blasts first fresh transfer was a BFN second fet was a chemical which was when I then done the Emma Alice era test and got positive on next transfer following course of probiotics and extra day of progesterone hope this helps xxx

[Bed12 in reply to Newbies1]

thank you!

[Boo718 in reply to Bed12]

lost count of cycles but I had 2 bfn then 2 chemical then did the tests xxx

[Newbies1 in reply to Boo718]

congrats Boo718 I remember we had our biopsies just days apart so pleased things have worked out for you too xxx

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

For more information about clinics and Treatment Add ons take a look at hfea.gov.uk so you can make an informed choice about future treatment

Sending you a big hug and good luck wishes

Janet

[Bed12 in reply to JA-fnuk]

thank you!