NHS immunology tests advice

Hello everyone

I have had 4 failed transfers (3 fresh and 1 frozen) with the last two being donor eggs. I have been trying for a baby for 15 years and not once have I got pregnant. I don’t have a diagnosis as such just unexplained infertility then my ovarian reserve declined whilst trying - hence donor eggs.

My consultant is amazing and has offered immunology and thyroid testing which has been put through as nhs (My clinic is both NHS and private) and he has also referred me for a hysteroscopy. I have read a lot about about immunology. Have you ladies had immunology tests ? And what were they ? And are they the same NHS and private ?

[LouCollier]

I so sorry you are going through this. I had NK cell testing through Tommys (miscarriage charity and research) this involved biopsy. Most don't do a biopsy though I don't think. Mine came back having high NK cells and explanined the 3 MC with my own eggs.

Like you my reserve declined while trying so in my last tranfers I had steriods for the high NK cells and used donor eggs. I now have a 16 month old.

wishing you all the luck and feel free to message me xx

[Hidden in reply to LouCollier]

Thanks Lou, I think I’ll wait for my results from these tests and the hystoroscopy then pay private for a biopsy. Just for peace of mind if anything. I just don’t believe in ‘unexplained infertility’ there must be a reason - just trying to find it. What strength was your steroid ? I think my consultant may prescribe it anyway if I ask he has been ok so far with anything else….. extra progesterone… fragmin and aspirin etc. I find he listens and just for me to feel comfortable if it doesn’t hurt he will let me have it x

[LouCollier in reply to Hidden]

I think I was on 20mg a day and progesterone by injection

[river242]

I've had immune testing through my private clinic in Spain, it was a biopsy. My NK cells are actually too low which I didn't know was a thing. I also have very high thyroid antibodies and an increased TH1 / TH2 ratio. I have hashimotos and celiac but I didn't know that before ttc. I'm about to have my 6th transfer (4th with donor - low amh). This time I'm having prednisolone, heparin, tacrolimus, granocyte and PRP injections into the uterine lining. The PRP is new to this round. I think I'm quite an extreme case but happy to answer any questions if I can. Best of luck x

[Hidden in reply to river242]

Hi there, I have never heard of low NK cells either at least you can say you really are a unique person! 6th transfer is really tough I hope this is your successful round it really sounds like it’s your turn. I am having the TH tests my consultant wants to check thyroid just to rule it. What are PRP injections? Xx

[hoping_for_our_time in reply to river242]

Would you mind messaging me to let me know which clinic you're with in Spain please? I'm looking at going down the immunology testing route and it's so pricey in the UK

[river242 in reply to hoping_for_our_time]

Will do ❤️

[Annie_31 in reply to river242]

Would you mind messaging me to say the clinic too for the same reason please? All the best x

[river242]

It's platelet rich plasma, made from your own blood. Supposed to be rich in growth factors so when they inject it its rejuvenates the lining. Its good for those with thin lining, I don't have that issue but they hope it'll reduce any inflammation that's stopping the embryo implanting. I got 3 from my last donor so I'm hopeful but its been a long road so we won't be making any more embryos.

[Hidden in reply to river242]

I got 3 as well I have one frostie left and then we are giving up. It’s a long hard journey you’re right. It sounds like you have had lots of tests to get this last one to stick. I’ll have a read in to PRP x

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely, sorry to hear of your journey so far - I don't believe in unexplained infertility either! There is always a reason.

I researched the s*** out of every single option when going through IVF and for us the silver bullet was immunology.

I had the Chicago bloods done (£1800 - gulp) but not a biopsy - my consultant didn't believe there was a difference between the immune cells in your blood vs uterus so recommended the blood tests. My NK cells came back as 60x higher than they should have been and so for my 6th FET I was given 20mg prednisolone and I had an intralipid infusion the day before transfer. It worked - so I can only assume that my immune system was rejecting the embryos each time as they are 50% foreign DNA.

Before this I'd never had a positive (naturally or through 5 x IVF transfers)

I would tell anyone who's experienced recurrent implantation failure to explore these tests.

Good luck xx

[Hidden in reply to Millbanks]

Hi Millbanks,

I have been researching loads too. I think if these tests come back ok and the hysteroscopy too I will be going for the Chicago bloods. Unexplained infertility is an absolute cop out for finding a reason other than the obvious - but I can’t knock my consultant now he really just goes with everything. When I asked about an aqua scan he said ‘I don’t recommend it but will work with the results’ then offered to refer for hysteroscopy on the NHS instead (he says it’s more accurate). I really believe immunology is my key as well and have said this for a long time.

Congratulations 🎉 on your positive you really had to work hard for that xx