FET Prep - Advice?

[Hope6108]

Hi all

So…. We had another BFN last week and it’s been a struggle, mentally. I’m usually pretty positive / optimistic and bloody stubborn at times .. but I feel so deflated 😩 We both do.

I’m struggling to get into the mindset of trying again and arranging a FET… we have just one frozen embryo and am not sure if we have the funds to go through another EC if this doesn’t work… not being negative but I do like to have a back-up plan.

I don’t want to jump straight back into the next try, without being in the best position possible - physically and mentally. I’ve never had a FET before and wondered if anyone had any advice please?

After lots of great advice previously, I bought the book ‘It Starts With an Egg’ and am working my way (slowly lol) through that ☺️ Xx

[butterfliez]

Hi I am so very sorry for your recent BFN, it never gets any easier . after having so much hope/positivity during the treatment and 2ww, it can almost feel like it all comes crashing down around you. sending you strength X

I also had another BFN a few weeks ago after having so much hope, I feel just like you the word "Deflated" is how I would also describe it.

I am at the same stage as yourselves right now, We have one frozen embryo remaining, which is more that likely our final attempt, we are not sure what the future holds in regards to having another full cycle with affordability. I am struggling to feel hopeful right now but I am slowly coming around to the idea that this one might work, just a few things that I have been thinking lately to try to help me get into the right frame of mind for the next FET which might also help you are:

we have one embryo left, and as they say it only takes one, so there is a chance

The FET cycle itself is much less invasive than a full cycle E/C and has a shorter timeframe.

That is all I have so far lol, it can be a difficult choice to feel like getting back in to treatment again so soon but for me I always feel more focussed once I begin, I am due to start my next FET in March. the doctor didn't seem there was any point waiting too long (physically) for me to try again, I know after having an egg collection /transfer the recovery period is longer though, once your ovaries/hormones and cycles have settled down and back to your normal.

take care X

[Hope6108 in reply to butterfliez]

Thank you… whilst it’s sad to read you’re going through the same thing, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one! 💜

You’re right, you’d think it’d get easier to see BFNs… but it never does!

I like your thinking… it really does only take one. And half the battle has already been won, as there’s already a great embryo there.

I do like the idea of a much shorter and less invasive process. Our consultant told us that the success rates are greater in frozen transfer rather than fresh. Something to do with the timing of the trigger shot and resulting production of progesterone shortening the implantation window with a fresh cycle?? I’m clinging on to that too!

Best of luck with your next transfer… people have babies every day all over the world… we’d be in the majority if it works, so the overall odds are in our favour 🤷🏻‍♀️🤞🏼💜

[DreamingOfTwo79]

Hello Hope6108, I am so very sorry to hear that your hopes got crushed once again. I agree with butterfliez, an FET cycle is less demanding on the body, especially if you go for a modified natural cycle which is considered to carry higher success rates for women over forty. Has your consultant discussed what protocol they might use for the FET? As this was your second unsuccessful fresh transfer, I am very sorry about that, have you considered undergoing some more investigations to exclude uterine factors? There is the Endo Quartet that would check whether your bacterial makeup of your womb is favourable for implantation (EMMA test), whether you have chronic endometritis (ALICE test) and also if your endometrium is receptive (ERA). Natural killer cells testing (blood and endometrial biopsy) might also be worth looking into. Did you also rule out any blood clotting disorders when you started IVF? A thrombophilia panel (for blood clotting checks) and thyroid profile would check if your TSH is in range and whether you have any thyroid antibodies that may benefit from treating during a transfer cycle. Like you I wanted to ensure I gave my embryos the very best chance of implanting so after PGT-A testing and all the panels at the beginning of our journey (we have maternal and paternal factors and a history of recurrent loss) we also did a mock cycle with the Endo Quartet before we now move on to our first FET in March. If nothing else it helps me manage my anxiety knowing that I've covered a lot of the bases prior to transfer.

Wishing you heaps of luck in your next steps! X

[Hope6108 in reply to DreamingOfTwo79]

Hi there 👋🏼

Wow, so many tests I’ve never heard of - thanks so much! I’ve got lots to research 😊

I’ve been offered little to no testing. We had general bloods done ages ago and my last AMH blood test was almost a year ago. I have asked for further tests but been told it’s not necessary at this point? The only test my consultant would agree to was a progesterone test before the next transfer. I don’t know if this is because I’ve carried a child naturally in the past (24 years ago though!!)..?

She hasn’t mentioned the type of cycle she wants to put me on, but when she explained the process I think it involved oestrogen tablets up to a point, followed by progesterone pessaries up to transfer and the addition of progesterone injections from transfer onwards. Pretty much the same process I used with IVF previously but without the stims. This doesn’t sound like a modified natural cycle? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thanks loads for all this info - I too want to do this and have no regrets afterwards, knowing I’ve covered all bases! I’m going to Google half your message now! 😂😊💜 x