8 embryos after almost losing hope

[Lmfx]

I’ve been debating whether to post but wanted to provide hope to those who have struggled to produce viable embryos.

We’ve attempted IVF twice and weren’t able to reach blast, even resulting in tri-zygote. The third time, we had 15 mature eggs and 13 fertilised. All reached blast and we were able to freeze 7 and transfer 1. This has been quite overwhelming after nearly coming to terms with not being able to conceive.

Our journey continues but I wanted to share my experience and the things I tried on this 3rd try. I know these are all things that might not work for everyone but I find this forum full of hope and support so I thought if it gives anyone any help, then it might be worth it.

- went from vegetarian to meat-eating

- Focused on high protein intake using my fitness pal in the first couple of weeks

- Swapped daily desserts and chocolate for protein or dried fruit/dark choc bars

- Attended fertility reflexology from 1 month before stimulation, already tried accupuncture and also had some from just before starting stim

- Implemented a routine of regular meditation/sharing circle with some new friends I made at an event

I am almost 38, my partner was found with ~90% DNA frag and no supplements seemed to help (although we continued to use them.) We both have normal BMI and haven’t been drinking alcohol for the last 3 years (He has the odd one.)

I was prescribed 300iu meriofert and on this cycle took max strength omega 3, wild nutrition fert, 200mg Coq10 gummies.

I felt quite alone and hopeless but now I feel like in the next couple of years we might have some chance to build a family.

Sending love to all those going through your unique journey. We are all different but we share so much.

Thank you for all your posts, they have really helped me!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Lmfx. Just really wanted to wish you well and hope one of your embryos stays where it belongs inside you. Good luck. Diane

[Lmfx in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you so much - I’m hoping so too. So many milestones on this journey you can’t explain to others. Trying to take things one day at a time

[Bonaire12]

Amazing!

Thanks for the tips, I’m kinda at the losing hope stage! But we keep going…

Good luck xx

[Lmfx in reply to Bonaire12]

There are so many difficult days. I’m sorry your journey has been difficult so far. Wishing you all the best going forward xx

[TopGuntastic]

Great news, good luck for your next steps 💕

[Lmfx in reply to TopGuntastic]

Thank you 🙏

[Monkeywap]

thank you so much for sharing! I’m 36, first round at 35 had no blasts and todays day 3 update of our 4 fertilised was 4 cell & poor quality, 10 cell, 12 cell and early compacting. I can’t bear to wait for the blast call again!

[Lmfx in reply to Monkeywap]

Those calls are heart-stopping aren’t they! Sending positive vibes to all your embryos and wishing you all the best for the next days and weeks 🤗

[Monkeywap in reply to Lmfx]

Just wanted to update, had our day 5 call and 3 blastocysts have made it into the freezer! After 0 last round I am beyond shocked. Happy to chat through what we did differently with anyone who is interested

[Lmfx in reply to Monkeywap]

ah this is such amazing news! I’m so happy for you and wishing you all the best moving forward xx

[Hidden]

this is lovey to read. I hope your transfer works for you xx

[Lmfx in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[Hidden]

this is amazing, thank you for sharing. Good luck xxx

[Lmfx in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much

[Olive12345]

Thanks for posting! I’ve had two rounds with good fertilisation but no blastocysts. I only get five eggs each time too. I had lost hope but now I have a tiny bit back. Was there anything different in your treatment plan too? Like bigger stims, picsi or calcium ionophore?

[Lmfx in reply to Olive12345]

We did ICSI every time due to my partners sperm results which seemed to be low in all standard measurements. I think the meriofert must have definitely been a factor as previous rounds I was on menopur 150 then Bemfola 225.

I’m sorry to hear things have been difficult for you so far. Sending you all my best wishes for your journey going forward xx

[Olive12345 in reply to Lmfx]

Thanks for sharing, there isn’t a lot of information out there about this situation!

Congratulations on getting to this stage! Sending you all the luck and positivity for the next steps!

[Lmfx in reply to Olive12345]

Thank you so much!

We were really surprised and not sure what made the most difference, perhaps just luck but really grateful and maybe the notes can help someone else

[Systema23]

Thanks for sharing, I really love hearing some god news stories on here. Good luck with transfer x

[Lmfx in reply to Systema23]

Thank you 🙏