We’ve had 3 rounds of IVF. Last round we were blessed with 6 x day 5 embryos. The worst graded embryo was transferred (fresh) and the remaining 5, frozen.
Last week we learned the fresh transfer didn’t work so we’re now planning our first ever frozen transfer.
We haven’t met with our consultant yet, so I’d like to know what questions to ask in the review appointment and what your thoughts are on the following…
1. Do we transfer the worst or best quality embryo next?
2. Do we PGT test them?
3. Do we transfer more than one?
4. What factors need monitoring e.g., bloods?
5. What are the differences between medicated/mild/natural FETs?
6. What probiotics are recommended?
7. What vitamins/supplements are recommended? (Previously taken Impryl/ folic acid and vit D but don’t know if Impryl is useful for a FET)
8. Do we go for another cycle to bank more embryos given my age?
I had fluid in the endo cavity during stims in the last cycle. This had disappeared by the time of embryo transfer but I’ve got it stuck in my head that my womb is rubbish and is killing anything that enters it 🤣
*Note* almost 39, 3 rounds of IVF, second round failed totally, two fresh transfers, both BFNs.
Apologies for all the questions. I’d love to hear your thoughts/ opinions.
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Vivkim
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Regards PGTA. I got some of mine PGTA tested just to give me peace of mind really and the best fighting chance (even though there are no guarantees) as I’m the same age asHiya. I got some of mine PGTA tested just to give me peace of mind really and the best fighting chance (even though there are no guarantees) as didn’t want to go through the worst case scenario of getting pregnant and then months down the down the line be faced with an agonising decision on a TFMR when it could be avoidable. There are risks to it though and could cause the embryo to fail. I sent 4 away for testing, 3 were fine and one was ‘inconclusive’. I sent mine before they were frozen, you’d have to thaw and refreeze and freeze again which I think is riskier. They can retest the inconclusive one but I’d have to pay again. There is a chance any can come back like this and then you’re stuck forking out again. Currently pregnant with one but bleeding badly so think going through a miscarriage, having an early scan tomorrow at EPU. At least I know the higher likelihood is that it’s something to do with my uterus and not the embryo given we’ve done the test so we can try to investigate the cause if the pregnancy does fail with a bit more of a focus on me and not the embryos, so trying to be positive..Ive been taking vitabiotics for a while now. good luck with your FET x
Hi! We were in a similar situation after stimulations last year when I was 38. We had to freeze all embies due to OHSS. My clinic always transfers the top quality embryo. Because many were good quality, the clinic advised us to transfer them one at a time. We did not to PGTA testing because we were NHS funded, so it was not available. I took folic acid, vitamin D spray, Zing, vitamin C and probiotics (both oral and vaginal) in the run up to the FETs and pregnancy vitamins after the FETs. In terms of blood tests, I insisted on progesterone test and had one done on the day of the first transfer to discover it was on the low side. They increased my dose for the second transfer and tested two days before transfer and on the day. It was low again, so they increased my progesterone. The first FET with our top quality embryo didn't work but the second one did though it is early days. Very best of luck!
Thank you for sharing all of that info. I’m very surprised to learn yesterday that we can have our review on Thursday this week. There is normally a long wait after a failed cycle. I will discuss all of your points with the Dr. on Thursday.
Did you go for a FET the cycle after your withdrawal bleed? I have a friend who is encouraging us to wait a further month or two to re-regulate.
Could you tell me what probiotics you took? I’ve stopped taking vitamins since last Wednesday 🥴 and I’m regretting that now.
I’m so pleased this process worked for you in the end. Lots of love to you and your family 💜
You are very welcome! My clinic does FET after a withdrawal bleed plus a normal period. So with egg collection in early May the actual FET was in mid August. I shouldn't think a week of a pause in taking vitamins would make much difference. The important thing is to start taking pregnancy vitamins from the day of the transfer onwards. I took European probiotics - Lactoflor oral probiotic and Floragyn vaginal. I hope your consultation goes well!
I did two back to back fresh rounds (only the withdrawal bleeds in between) which both ended in chemicals/early losses and the second time I spotted before OTD. We'd had to go private the second time as the NHS clinic was so delayed, and each time we'd transferred the top graded embryo. My doctors said it was just a numbers game but I was convinced something was wrong so I made them go through absolutely every test, condition, theory... and explain why it was or wasn't relevant for us. Didn't actually come up with much bar progesterone and for the FET we did it from my natural period after the withdrawal bleed, with oestrogen and progesterone - had to reduce the oestrogen though to nearly nothing as it made my lining too thick and uneven. The only other things I changed for the FET were to 'bioavailable' vits, especially folate (not just folic) ubiquinol (over normal Q10), and aspirin post transfer. We were lucky it worked but I'm about to do another round to bank if possible and then do FETs as I found them much better and am not convinced my body is recovered from the meds after a collection. Feel free to pm me if you have any queries ☘️
Thank you for sharing also. I’ll take your advice on vitamins, thank you.
I’m so pleased this process worked for you also.
I’ve been told today that our treatment plan meeting is on the 22nd Feb so everything is moving very quickly. I’m grateful, but also stressing 🙃 as we don’t feel like we know enough about this bit if the process.
Thank you again, and good luck for your next cycle 💜
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