Need advice on next step, FET, more research or more IVF

[Zaza1111]

Hi all,

I hope you can give me some advice on what our next ivf step should be.

I'm a 38 year old with a POI/POF diagnosis. I've now had 3 rounds of IVF with minimal and often disappointing results. 1st round: 2 eggs, 1 fertilized and is now a 5 day old cryo. 2nd & 3rd round: 1 egg, failed to fertilize. My doctor says that we were very lucky with the first round, her estimate is that 70-80% of my egg cells are genetically not viable anymore.

Now we're faced with the next steps. Initially we thought to just go ahead and do the FET, but then I read that there are different analyses that we could do to be certain that there are no other underlying issues. My doctors didn't suggest this themselves but once I asked they said I could do the ReceptIVFity test and a NK and plasma cell analysis. This would delay our whole process by at least a few months, and considering my diagnosis and how fast things seem to be degenerating I'm doubting if I want to spend the time we have waiting on more (not entirely scientifically proven) research that might not actually lead to anything.

The other option is that we continue with hormone stimulation in the hope that we get more eggs for placement later (we would do ICSI on further tries).

What would you do?

- Take the risk with the one fertilized egg you have and save time?

- Do the extra research (and possible treatment) and then do the placement?

- Keep going with hormone stimulation, hopefully get one or 2 more eggs and then do the research and then start placements?

It's the first time in this whole journey that I can't manage to weigh out the pro's and con's to make a decision I stand by. I think the past months have taken a bit of a toll on me and I'm just filled with insecurities and fears. It's like I'm afraid to make a decision because I can't deal with another bad outcome.

Hope you have some advice!

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Difficult time for you - to help your research take a look at hfea.gov.uk Treatment Add ons Make sure you have people around you who can support you

Take care

Janet

[Zaza1111 in reply to JA-fnuk]

thank you for the tip JA-fnuk

[Habibi87]

Hi Zaza what tests if any have you already done ? X

[Zaza1111 in reply to Habibi87]

Nothing, besides the standard blood tests (for LH, AMH, DHMA)

[Habibi87]

Hi Zaza, my clinic had a rule they would only do the transfer after a 3d saline ultrasound and a mock transfer. The ultrasound was to see if the uterus looked ok overall and the mock transfer to ensure no issues when positioning the catheter. I think these two tests only delay you by one cycle . It’s a really hard choice as in my case we did a lot of other tests on top of the ones which were required by the clinic but I am not sure if they helped. I think hycosy did help, but that was more because I always had a fluid appearing at the beginning of the cycle and then disappearing. Wishing you lots of luck whatever you choose

[Zaza1111 in reply to Habibi87]

hi Habibi, thank you for your reply. Both test you mention are new to me. I’ll make sure to ask my doctors if they also do and recommend these test. The hycosy definitely sounds like something I would want to investigate further.

[EdwardsSarah996]

Those are hard choices to make indeed. I am in no position to advise you as I myself am yet to undergo IVF for the first time. Treatments got delayed since I had to deal with surgery on blocked fallopian tube and had to lower my weight to lower my BMI to reach the requirement. My first thought though would be to take the FET right away. What have you decided?

[Zaza1111 in reply to EdwardsSarah996]

We actually decided to continue with the stims. I still have two rounds that are covered by my insurance and we want to use the time we have as efficiently as possible. So if all goes according to plan I'll be starting with the meds again this week. all fingers and toes crossed at this moment! Also for you!