Hi all, I’ve just found and joined this group - and have already read through loads of helpful posts! 🙏🏼 It’s so great to know I’m not alone on this fertility rollercoaster!
I’m 41 and met my amazing partner later than I would have liked. We’ve been TTC for three years and started IVF last Nov. We had 14 follicles, 7 eggs collected, five fertilised but just two that made it to blastocysts. Transfer unfortunately failed.
This time around, I was put on Oestrogen meds for two weeks prior to stims start, as I reacted too quickly to the stims last time and am now on day 12 of stims, with EC booked in 3 days time! 😬
I know it’s a little late this cycle (fingers still crossed)… but I’m looking for any advice / research / experience anyone has with improving egg quality? I think at my age, that seems to be my main challenge ☹️ I wish so much I could tell my younger self to freeze my damn eggs, but I just had no clue I’d need to! 😭
Oh well… very grateful for any advice! TIA xx
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Hope6108
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I have been told by my consultant that there isn't anything that can be done to improve egg quality?
I have never had good quality eggs and I have pcos. This is my 7th ivf cycle and was 3rd time lucky with my little boy. He was a grade c low quality embryo, so all I can tell you is not to really read too much into the quality of the embryo, because it is such an early stage of development that the tests that are done aren't necessarily accurate of the outcome.
Definitely recommend taking supplements like pregnacare - not just folic acid.
Also what is your AMH level? Mine is 35.1, so very high - means that I produce the eggs but not great with the quality. On Monday I have 52 follicles to be retrieved 🤯
I'm 37 years old so slightly younger, but going by the amount of follicles and eggs you had collected, that's actually quite a good fertilisation rate.
My last cycle I had 25 eggs retrieved, 17 matured, 8 made it to day 3, 3 made it to day 3 but when I went for the transfer on day 6 we were left with only 2 - transferred both and neither made it 😩 I've heard that the optimum eggs for retrieval is somewhere between 10 and 15 eggs. Otherwise they all just kind of struggle to reach maturity and develop normally.
In regards to freezing eggs, I also wish that I had. Although I don't they've ever been great anyway! But just remember that it does only take one!
And my little boy is proof that the quality doesn't necessarily mean that it won't work.
Hey Noahsmummy, not sure it’s completely accurate for your consultant to say that there’s nothing you can do to improve egg quality. If you read the book ‘It starts with the egg’ there are lots of evidence-based supplements and lifestyle changes that have been shown to improve egg quality. It may be worth checking that out. Also agree that low embryo grading should be taken with a pinch of salt as there are plenty of instances where they’ve led to happy and healthy babies x
Thank you!!! 🙏🏼 I’ve ordered the book on Amazon, it should arrive tomorrow. It’s exactly the kind of thing I was looking for 😊
Thanks also for the advice on not being too obsessed with the embryo grading! I didn’t realise a pregnancy was possible from a lower grade … it makes me feel more hopeful! 🙏🏼 Xx
Seven rounds… bloody hell, well done! It’s not the nicest process to go through. I’m really pleased you have your son, my fingers are crossed for a sibling for him soon! 🤞🏼
52 follicles..? Holy crap, you must be pretty uncomfortable? Yet more proof that women rock, could you imagine a man going through al this??) Haha 😉
Thanks for the info on embryo grading and your boy… it’s made me relax much more as I’ve been a bit fixated on what grade is likely to mean a baby… it just goes to show there are no hard and fast rules here, which isn’t always easy to get your head around, but it does give more hope!
Best of luck tomorrow, I hope amazing eggs are retrieved, though like you say, it only needs one! Positive thoughts!!🌈 x
Have you read 'It All Starts with the Egg'? Some really good advice on lifestyle and diet changes, as well as on supplements. In terms of supplements, Coenzyme Q10, ideally in the form of ubiquinol is supposed to help with egg quality. My clinic recommended Proxeed as a food supplement, they do one for men and for women.
Hi good luck for your up coming EC, fingers crossed all will be ok. You had a good number of eggs and fertilisation rate on your last round and for two to make it to blastocyst stage is really good.
Remember IVF is a massive learning curve and with each round, the doctors may change drugs/doses and protocols (short/long). It just depends on how your body reacts.
I’d definitely recommend reading the book it starts with the egg if you haven’t done already. I took the supplements it’s recommended for 4 months before my successful round. I only ever got 3 eggs collected, but the last one was greatly improved re quality. All 3 fertilised and made it to blastocyst, one live birth, one frozen and another wasn’t good enough to freeze. Remember it really does take just one!
I’ve got the book on order!! I’m looking forward to reading it, it makes me feel better to know that if it doesn’t work this time, there are new changes I can make to help the next time 🤞🏼 I feel good having a back-up plan!
I didn’t know I had a good fertilisation rate either .. it’s hard to know what’s good and what’s not. The Drs and Nurses at our clinic are all so lovely, I feel like they could put a positive spin on the worst of cases, so it’s hard to know when it’s genuine.
Getting all three eggs to blastocyst stage sounds amazing! I’m glad to hear it all worked out how you wanted 🥰 Do you think you’ll go again sometime, with the frozen embryo? X
it’s a really good read that book, there loads of things that can affect our hormones, that I never realised. I got rid of non stick pans, chemicals in shampoos/conditioner etc because of that book. Yes it definitely makes you have a plan and to make some changes.
I’ve had the frozen embryo transfer, my OTD test is Wednesday. I’ve tested early though and it’s positive, so all looking good. Just need to ring the clinic on Wednesday and then get booked in for the early viability scan. I’m staying positive.
Eeekkk, that’s great news!! I’m sending positive vibes and hoping all stays ‘positive’! Lol. You have every reason to keep the faith, I really hope it goes well 🙏🏼😊
Fantastic, I’ve been reading bits here and there about endocrine disrupters, I’ve stopped using gel nail polish and have switched off my wax melt burners (which I love! 😂) I’d love to know more … it really makes you think about the way so many products are made and how we all unknowingly use them everyday!
Hi Hope, your number of eggs collected and fertilisation rate seem good. If you haven’t already it may be worth checking your partner’s sperm DNA fragmentation to rule out any issues there. I also wouldn’t beat yourself up about freezing your eggs - you weren’t to know and there’s no guarantee they would have all thawed properly. Wishing you the best of luck with egg collection x
Like others, I took a lot of inspiration and hope from ‘It Starts With The Egg’. I read it before my third cycle and although I took a lot of it with a pinch of salt I also implemented some of the suggestions that I felt I could do easily. I added in a couple of supplements, I cut out certain products in the house, I improved my (already healthy) diet and I began acupuncture. It could be w coincidence but my third round was far more successful than my previous 2 and I’m currently 25 weeks pregnant. If nothing else the book gives you hope and some pro-active things you can implement so you feel like you’re trying all you can. They talk about a 3 month prep for improving egg quality so it may be something to think about next time if you don’t have success with this round. Best of luck xx
Like you, my diet is already pretty healthy but I’m open to making more changes and agree with you, it makes me feel better to think I’m helping the process in some way.
Congratulations on your good news!! How exciting 💜 I hope all goes smoothly for your remaining weeks - your hard work paid off! It’s lovely to read about success stories! 😊 xx
I just completely cut out caffeine and alcohol, added in more whole grains, and tried to avoid anything processed as much as possible. I also took CoQ10 and I changed my folic acid to a methylfolate format. I really enjoyed the acupuncture - it’s a good way to relax whether it helps with fertility or not. I’ll never know if any or all of the above made the difference or if it was just luck. Again, if nothing else, I felt very healthy which was nice! It’s definitely a good way to focus your mind on to little changes you could make. Good luck to you, I really hope it works out xx
I’ve done the same with caffeine and alcohol, so has my partner (he loves red wine so he’s found it hard at times lol). I take CoQ10 but have never heard of methyl folate, I’ll add it to my list of things to research today 😊
Thank you. Like you say, you’ll never know what it was that helped… but it was def worth doing all you could and it paid off. I don’t know you but I’m honestly so pleased for you!💜
Hi Hope, first of all good luck with your current cycle fingers crossed for you. My consultant advised me and my husband to take 300mg of coenzyme q10 3 times a day with each meal as there is some limited research it can improve follicle numbers, egg quality and sperm quality, she also advised us to start looking at egg donation as she was convinced it wouldn't make much of a difference. You need to take it for at least 3 months before starting treatment for it to have an impact. We did it for almost 5 months before starting our 3 cycle. First cycle I had 7 eggs only 1 day 3 poor quality, second cycle 6 eggs all fertilised with ICSI only 1 made it day 5 poor quality transfered failed. 3 cycle I had 21 follicles, 19 eggs, 16 fertilised with ICSI, one top quality transferred currently 31 weeks 2 good quality and 4 poor quality frozen. Can't say for certain if the coenzyme q10 made the difference as I was also put on testosterone gel for stims. Good luck x
Hi - thanks for sharing your story and advise! Congratulations on your fab news! I love reading nice stories like yours, it’s heartwarming 🥰
Wow you hugely improved your egg numbers and fertilisations! I’ve been taking CoQ10 for 3/4 months now, we weren’t told my partner should take it too though, I’ll have a look into that! Thank you 😊 x
Hi StarsAllAround, firstly massive congratulations! Can I ask what dosage of testosterone gel you were on during stims please? I’ve been taking a daily dose half a size of a pea for 8 weeks ahead of stims, but clinic said to stop now stims have started. But I’ve read a few people take it only during stims, which makes me wonder if I should continue?
Hi Eswyn, I am due to start a new cycle. Just waiting on my period. It is due on the 30th January and I am due to start testogel on Tuesday for 5 days only. A dose of 12.5mls. I've to squeeze from a sachet and divide the contents into 4 so I'm winging it a little. I did the exact same thing on my previous successful cycle. Hope this helps.x
Thanks for getting back to me and congratulations on your successful previous cycles. Sounds like you’re taking a higher dose than me as my sachet usually lasts 8 days. Interesting that you’re also stopping before stims. I’ve messaged the clinic to understand why they recommend this. I’m sure there’s a good reason, but I never think to ask in the moment x
My sachets are 50mls each but I'm only on them for 5 days total. And that starts and finishes before my period arrives so about a week before my stims start, I finish with the sachets altogether. I did this exact same thing on my last successful cycle. I'd be interested to hear what your clinic says. If you think of it, would you mind letting me know please.
Sorry, I should have been clearer. Sachets are 50mls. I spill the 50mls onto a plate and divide into quarters and apply one quarter. Bin the rest. I do the same for the 5 days.
My clinic got back to me and said they stop testosterone before stims because there is no evidence that it helps during that stage. All the data is around priming ie. Pre-stims. I guess the proof is in the pudding and it worked for your last cycle, so fingers crossed it does its magic again! x
Hi Eswyn, I started the testosterone gel when I had my withdrawal bleed from the norethisterone during stims and stopped the day of egg collection. I was told to rub a pea sized amount into my arm every day, took me a few days to work out the right amount so I think I was using too much to start. Strange how different clinics advise to use it differently. Good luck x
Your numbers sound great to me. I started the process in my mid 30s and was told I had a really high AMH, loads of follicles, would get masses of eggs etc, etc, and then it didn't work out like that at all, and now I know it often doesn't. When I finally got to egg collection after cancellations from weird responses to meds, and lockdown delays, I got 9 eggs which led to two blasts. We were told there was a one-off sperm quality issue on the day which was really upsetting but equally it could have been egg quality or some other factor. When I went for a second round I'd taken more and different supplements (in particular ubiquinol, bioavailable b vits, good fats) and we only got 5 eggs but all to blast and one is my daughter. Could have been the sperm issue was fixed that got them to blast, possibly supplements, or just fewer eggs=better quality. I think each round can be very different no matter what you do though. Good luck! ☘️
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m so glad you got your daughter from all the struggle… delays, cancellations and Covid must’ve been really hard to deal with.
I’ve been on CoQ10 but I’m going to look into ubiquinol… I’ve not heard of it before.
I've been taking COQ10 600mg a day as per the advice from my consultant...this can possibly improve egg quality but the sad fact is there's not too much that can.
I aslo take Impryl but that's more to help AMH and again was on the advice of a fertility expert.
Look them both up.
COQ10 does have some side affects, I found it affects my sleep badly but anything to help.
Thank you! I’m taking CoQ10 but haven’t heard of Impryl so I’ll look into that! 😊
I honestly have no idea if anything I’m doing will improve egg quality, the clinic seem to think it’s possible 🤷🏻♀️ I know the odds are great but even if we have a 5-10% chance of success, I’m taking it! Most of us have bought lottery tickets before, despite a win being much lower odds! 😄😂
Hi Hope6108, best of luck! I'm 41 too, tho I'm 42 next week. I agree with some of the ladies...you can do things to improve the quality at this age. I was advised to take 600mgs of coq10, 12.5mls of testogel for 5 days few days before period starts and a high dose 25000ui of vitamin D weekly for 4 weeks. Also, a vaginal pessary of a pro biotic to make sure the environment is all healthy for transfer. All this resulted in a twin pregnancy last year. Unfortunately one didn't make it past 11wks gestation but I have a 7month old baby here. I'm starting stims again next week before I get any older, hopefully to have some in the freezer. Just to add I had 3 unsuccessful double transfers before I tried all the above. I believe the vit D is important. I also listened to It starts with the egg audiobook but as one of the ladies said, took alot with a pinch of salt. I didn't go throwing out half of my kitchen, for example!! Best of luck.x
Thanks loads for all of that info!! There’s some I’ve not come across before, so I’m about to Google all it and get some stuff in the Amazon basket 😂 Vit D this time of year def isn’t a bad thing anyway! I’ve also got the book on order 👍🏼
I’m sorry for your loss at 11wks, I’m sure that was heartbreaking and must’ve made you nervous for the rest of the pregnancy.. really pleased you have your beautiful baby now though!
Thanks so much Hope6108. It was heartbreaking but no one could understand as I had the other one growing fine so everyone dismissed the loss. With regards to the book, I recommend the audiobook. I found it easier to listen to while driving, getting dinner ready, all that. But have a pen and paper nearby to jot notes. And do take some of it with a pinch of salt. I'm in Ireland and the Vit D here at that strength is prescription only. You can buy a high dose OTC and take enough to make up the 25000ui but maybe where you are is easier to get your hands on the one tablet. The vaginal pessary is called Canesflor.
Best of luck with everything. Looking forward to hear your good news soon.x
I’m sorry to hear you felt dismissed, that’s sad. Any loss, no matter how it happens, is heartbreaking. ☹️
I’m in England, I’ve got no idea how easy/hard it’ll be to get hold of that dose - I’ll find out tomorrow, whilst I ‘WFH’ 😂 I’ll look into the Pessary too!
Thank you… fingers crossed for some good news someday! 🤞🏼🌈 Night x
Good luck hun, just to add to what others have said, alongside advice in 'It Starts with the Egg' (particularly regarding supplements) I also found it really helpful to see a fertility nutritionist and feel that following her diet for 3-4 months before my third egg collection really helped (I wrote a post at the time actually about various things I did to improve egg quality/embryo development for my third cycle). Anyway my third cycle, a week before I turned 41, produced the egg that is now my little boy.
Thanks for your advice, it’s really appreciated! The more I’m reading, the more I’m thinking that if this round doesn’t work, I may take a few months off and stock up on more supplements and a better diet?? I’ll have a look into a fertility nutritionist too 😊
Congratulations on your little boy! 💙 Success stories give me the hope to keep going!! Xx
I'm sorry hun I'm a bit technically rubbish I don't know how to do that, but I think if you scroll back through my posts it's there (titled something like hope for poor embryo development)
I’m in the same boat just about to turn 39 we also have make factor which seems to be improved by use of Zymot. My clinic said at my age half my eggs are going to not be viable not overalls helpful. Defo read It starts with the egg and reduce toxins where poss (I use a lot of Tropics now). I’m also looking to undertake PRP ovarian rejuvenation in Poland in a few weeks. Which I am hoping to benefit from for my egg quality. Wishing you all the best
Thanks for sharing and for the advice. Sometimes honest medical advice is hard to swallow isn’t it… it doesn’t mean they’re right all of the time though 😉
After all the comments, I’ve got the book on order! Toxins are something I’ve been looking into lately, so it’ll be good to read a bit more about that.
I’ve never heard of PRP ovarian rejuvenation..! I’ll have a look into that too, thank you. Best of luck with your trip if you go ahead with it… there seems to be many positive stories from others in our position so we have to keep trying!! 💪🏼 X
Exactly! I agree, there is hope and possibility. There are good eggs in both of us- I truly believe that
Prp seems big bigger in US, and found it in Poland (cheapest and easiest from UK) Spain, Turkey and Greece. I know it’s a bit out there but I need to do what I can , there isn’t many options.
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not overalls helpful. Defo read It starts with the egg and reduce toxins where poss (I use a lot of Tropics now). I’m also looking to undertake PRP ovarian rejuvenation in Poland in a few weeks. Which I am hoping to benefit from for my egg quality. Wishing you all the best 
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