Hi everyone, guess I’m looking for some success stories.. I’ve had my final consultation for my first IVF cycle and been advised I fall in the category RIF (recurrent implantation failure) I’ve had 3 good scores embryo transferred which did not implant.
Been googling RIF all day and it’s making me lose hope..
we were first told that it’s unexplained fertility and now it feels like somethings actually wrong with me as we have no implantation..
we will be starting our next cycle soon and will do a endometrial scratch and further biopsy and testing of the uterine lining.
Anyone recommend anything else? Or has anyone been successful after multiple implantation failures? X
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JB124
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Hi JB124, I don't have a solution or a suggestion, as I am pretty much in the same boat...I would just like to send you all the positive energy for your next cycle! xx
So sorry to hear what you’ve been through. It’s all so tough.
I’m in a similar position having transferred 4 embryos and I’ve had two chemical pregnancies. I’ve had some biopsy’s taken since my last cycle too and they came back to say my nkcells were through the roof. I was told my embryos couldn’t have implanted very deeply because of it and the professor was surprised that I’d managed to get that far.
My next FET has been changed to include steroids / intralipids/ aspirin and clexane. I’m not sure what your biopsy covers but it might be worth asking about your nkcells.
Hey, thank you for messaging. I’ve been referred to an implantation clinic and they will be doing uNK cells investigations and then advise if anything needs to be change in my next transfer. I believe it may be the same as what you described.
I’m sorry you’ve had failed transfers too, it is such a heartbreaking journey. Wishing all the luck for your next transfer xxx
Is that Tommy's clinic? I tried to get in contact with then, but was told they don't do private funding. How could I contact them if you don't mind me asking?
Also I’ve been advised by my clinic if I was to have the biopsy I won’t need the endo scratch as it’s equivalent to the scratch. Just ensure it’s done around your transfer (at least2/ 3 cycles)
Sending you both lots of luck for your biospy. I’m hopeful that it will help me. My transfers on Monday. 🤞🏻
They’ve changed the test recently so it was around £850 in total, but now covers 3 tests instead of two. (£700 for the test and the additional for a consultation fee)
Good luck and feel free to pm me if you would like more information xxx
Hope you don’t mind me jumping in, I’m thinking of doing the dEFT soon too. When you say 2/3 cycles do you mean the effects of the scratch could last that long? My husband and I are thinking of having a cycle off after the dEFT as it’s just all a bit much and we need a break after a lot of losses, but I’m worried about not making use of the effects of the scratch, if that makes sense! Thank you, wishing you all the best x
Hi Ytrewq123 I’ve been adviced by my consultant that the effect of the scratch should last for 2 to 3 cycles. And if you too are having the same test where they will basically take a biopsy of the lining then it’s equivalent to having a scratch x do speak to your clinic for further clarification xx
heya. When you say ‘good’ embryos, were they PGA tested? And have you had any other tests done?
I’m so sorry you’re going through this - I know how hard it is - but 3 failures is not uncommon. Depending on what you’ve done to date, there may be more things to test….
Have you done medicated FETs? Have you tried a natural cycle?
I’ve had 10 embryo transfers - 3 of those implanted…. (One healthy child, one chemical, currently 19 weeks 🤞) x
Hey, I’ve not had the embryo PGA tested, they’ve just been graded by the clinic as what they think is a good blastocyst.. it may be something we may consider later to check for any chromosome abnormalities .
I’ve had 1 fresh and 2 FET all medicated..
Aw Congratulations on your pregnancy , nice to hear success stories gives me hope xx
PGA is complicated, there are reasons to do it and also reasons not to…. I never wanted to until my last egg collection. So I totally understand.
Sounds like you’re being referred for extra tests, which is great - wishing you loads of luck, and as hard as it is, do keep your hopes up! I know it’s not an easy thing to hear but after one egg collection you’re still early on in the journey 💪🤞💫
Hello hun, repeated implantation failure is horrible, I'm sorry you're going through it. I had RIF and now have a son, I had 5 transfers (7 blastocyst embryos) which either failed totally or were an early chemical, the 8th embryo is my 1 year old. For me it was steroids that made the difference, first transfer with steroids gave me my son. I had uterine biopsies to test for natural killer cells, which were high, and so was prescribed steroids (and also suggested to have the scratch which I did). Good luck hun, you will get there.
Hey, thanks for messaging. So glad it’s worked for you x I’m hoping this uNK investigation does find something so changes can be made on my next protocol xx
Hi, have you tried any holistic assistance along the way such as fertility reflexology? Just an idea, anyone else tried this? I hear great success stories with it. Sending you positive vibes x
NK cell testing (natural killer cells), T3/T4 tests - they tend to be in a package of immunology tests but they often aren't offered as standard. I had to ask for them.
Ahh right, T3/T4 as in thyroid? I'm getting a blood test for that and thyrpid antyibodies tomorrow luckily. And having the Uterine NK cells test (cytokine-producing and cytotoxic uNK cells) with Dr B in Coventry next week. But I think there are other NK cell testing you can do right?
I’ve recently had two 2 x failed transfers with donor eggs and have recently had the biopsy, waiting for results which are going to take 5 weeks to come back. Also hoping they find something because it’s the same story, they can’t see a reason they wouldn’t have implanted as they were good embryos. Untested but as the eggs are donor eggs they tend not to test them at London womens clinic unless there is something wrong with the sperm…
It’s a long old wait but good to hear the success stories. Wishing you luck xx
Thank you hun, yes I do hope when I get the test done it gives me some answers, at least it would feel like some change happening on my next protocol, and from what I’ve been reading with others it’s few additional medication. All the best for your results xx and hope you get your bundle of joy soon xxx
PGTA testing of the embryos was strongly suggest for me after failed transfers, esp as I am 40. My consultant said very likely the problem with the embryo, so I’d say defo something to consider. Good luck 🤞🏻 xx
hi I’m sorry to hear this 💔 I had 3 failed implantations and one was even a double. I had an ERA test performed and it showed I was pre receptive and I needed 24 hours extra progesterone. Sadly my next transfer after the altered protocol didn’t work but we think now that was embryo quality. Our 5th has worked and we also had embryo glue. I’m now 14 weeks. I felt so hopeless but I really think they altered protocol from the ERA results was what worked for us! Good luck for the future ❤️
Hi, I had implantation problems too. My first and second rounds resulted in chemical pregnancies, so before the third I had a few tests like looking for antiphospholipid syndrome (normal) and thyroid levels - this was clinically normal but outside of the golden range they like for IVF. Got started on levothyroxine, and with all the testing and checking of bloods, appropriate medication dosing etc, it was exactly a years break between round 2 and 3. Round 3 saw another low egg yield with only one fertilised, which just made it to day 3 for transfer. He’s now 6 months old. The only reason I can think it worked that time was the levothyroxine.
Good luck to you, I hope things turn around soon xx
doing the tests reccomended is a great idea! I also just wanted to give you some hope that embryo number 4 was the one that worked for us and we did nothing different from the other 3 embryos on that cycle so sometimes it does just take that right embryo too. Hope your tests give you some answers and good luck for your next steps xx
hi lovely, I’m so sorry you’ve experienced that. We had two failed FETs last year with PGT tested embryos and so after that did loads of tests: ERA/EMMA/ALICE, Hysteroscopy, immune testing. They found a few things all of which could have been contributing. This time I did a different protocol and we saw a reproductive immunologist and I was put on steroids, blood thinners, metformin and a few other things and it worked! We’re currently 9 weeks so early days but keeping fingers crossed.
The other reason I’ve heard for recurrent implantation failure is endometriosis or silent endometriosis- which is very expensive to test for but often goes hand in hand with immune issues and so the drugs often help that.
Hi there, so sorry to hear what you are going through, it’s such a hard journey.
We had three failed IUIs and 4 FET (with PGA embryos) before we had success. For me it was an over active immune system and my body basically attacking the embryo.
We had steroids and IVIg for the NK cells, clexane, Hydroxychloroquine and extra progesterone,
They also found that my body didn’t have certain receptors (which control the NK cells) so I had extra injections for that and I also had to have a transfusion of my husbands white blood cells (LIT therapy) to create his antibodies and help my body to recognise his cells in the embryo.
My miracle is nearly 9 months and guzzling her milk beside me.
Another thing to check is whether you have the silent C or any other infections in your lining. My friend had repeated miscarriages and they found an infection in the lining which would prevent implantation from continuing, they treated it with abtibiotics and she was successful.
I know opinions vary on PGA . For me we did it due to being over 35. What I didn’t realise is that the grading doesn’t always tally with euploid embryos. My last egg collection I had 11 graded 5AA or 5AB and five came back as euploid. I know I didn’t have 11 transfers left in me so I’m glad I knew I was definitely putting back a chromosomally correct embryo. But that was just my experience.
Hope you get some answers soon and have a new plan to take forward.
Hey, I had 7 transfers with 10 embryos and now 23 weeks with embryo number 10. There was no explanation for my previous implantation failures. It can happen! I think there's just not enough knowledge to know what's really going on and reasons why and frustratingly, no explanation other than plain bad luck. Our consultant just said it will take us longer to find a good embryo that sticks (I'm 39). xxx
I would strongly suggest you do. I've had 9 implantation failures and never had another pregnancy since a miscarriage in 2017. I kept telling people something was wrong and had I had one my womb was 3 cavity's and full of adhesions and scar tissue. I would never of had another pregnancy xx
I don't have any advice but I'm also in the same boat as you. I had 4 embryos transferred in 3 transfers which has resulted in 2 chemicals.I've done all my blood work (all came back normal) and awaiting a call from the recurrent miscarriage clinic to go over them. I'll also be asking for the NK cell test which is £400 at the time of writing at St. Mary's Manchester.
I just wanted to give you some positive energy and do give us an update once you know more.
I was like you not long ago. I am now almost 7m pregnant, so that's something to feed the soul and keep you comfort. I was frantically googling and watched all sorts of information, podcasts, youtube, reading white papers and researches online.. you name it all about RIF. I had the exact same scenario, unexplained fertility (doc said keep trying and ICSI will hopefully helped) and 2 rounds with top graded (non tested) embryos failed. The IVF journey pre failed implantation was as smooth as butter, no reaction no complication... So the common knowledge as everyone has outlined and you are doing the right things is testing for NK cells and biopsy for lining to rule out infection (ie. more info about the environment for embryo to implant). What I did differently on round 2 was adding Lubion progesterone injection (+pessaries as usual), no result.
In round 3, I pushed for prevention after biopsy and blood test for immunity returned nothing found, the key here is adding blood thinning Clexane (+baby aspirin after implantation). It worked for me, I can confidently say it's the blood thinning that made it to success. I transferred 2 embryos, only 1 stayed which is now my growing baby.
I was up for Uni of Coventry as suggested by many people here if that round failed, but really never enough as there are so many tests like testing for the right window to transfer, testing for progesterone level before and after transfer... you will need to trust yourself and go for it. Hope it gives you confidence and best of luck for next round!
Hi, you have some great replies here. But just to add a comment in case it gives you some hope. I had 4 failed transfers all bfn. On my 5th transfer I used the results from my ERA (I was post receptive) and also had immune treatment for high nk cells - steroids, hydroxychloroquine, intralipids, clexane. I did a double transfer for my 5th. I now have my twins from that transfer! I feel ERA and immune treatment was key for me.It is good you are getting the tests done, hopefully it will give you some answers and get you on the way to success. Good luck x
Hello 👋JB124I found my failed implantations were due to endometriosis. I had a laproscopy and hysteroscopy and they discovered endo and that my fallopian tubes were completely blocked. They removed the endo and also they removed both of my tubes. My transfer directly following this procedure was successful and I gave birth to my little boy in June this year. I am certain it was due to this procedure that the embryo stuck! Is there any chance you might have endo as well? Xx
Hi Daarcat . I’ve not any specific testing relating to endo, still in very stages of further testing a. I’ve just had all the test provided by the NHS and addition blood test to check for antibodies. Congratulations on having your baby boy it’s so good to hear success stories xx
Thank you JB124 ☺️ It was during the HSG test that they saw one of my tubes was blocked and the other partially (and during laproscopy discovered also completely blocked) and they then suspected endo. I suppose if your HSG showed your tubes were clear and you have no other endo type symptoms they wouldn't particularly consider endo.
I wish you the very best and that they are able to resolve the problem for you xx
Hi there, i was in the same boat. I had 2 positive out of 12 ivf cycles. What lead to my positive and now pregnancy was pgta testing embryo, i did ERa, alicw and EMMA to make sure nothing is going on and what i believe made a difference was. Frozen transfer. Since i have endometriosis tranafer fresh before my bisy could recover always lead to a negative.
first, sending support your way. second, during a hysteroscopy to remove scar tissue I also had a uterine infection identified from biopsy. They recommended antibiotic prior to transfer.
Hope this gives you hope. We had 3 single tranfers (2 frozen) with excellent embryos and 2 fresh double transfers with rubbish embryos and the one that worked was double transfer number 6 which was again with excellent embryos. They are 13 months now. But we were officially told that we were just really unlucky. There are countries which actually apy for 5 fresh cycles, because apparently you can just be really unlucky.
I feel your pain as I’m in the same boat, with 4 implantation failure and all chemical pregnancies - unlike you I don’t have time on my side as I’m turning 45 this year …we will try one last time in nov/dec 🙌🏼
I had 2 implantation failures and then 3rd attempt worked. I did ERA test, plasma cells and NK cells tests before the 3rd attempt. All came back ok.
I also decided to switch to native cycle as my natural cycle is a bit longer 30-31 days. I was concerned that I was missing the implantation window so I went for ERA test. I am currently 5 weeks pregnant, very early and keeping everything crossed that it goes well.
Hello, I had three implantation failures (along with several other embryos testing abnormal, total fertilisation failure, and a million other issues!). I ended up doing ERA, EMMA and ALICE tests which found messed up bacteria (just needed vaginal probiotics for 7 days for that) and a shifted implantation window. My consultant was quite sold on the implantation window thing and reckoned that was a major explanation of a large proportion of “unexplained” infertility cases. We used the personalised ERA timings for the next transfer and got pregnant. But, and I know it sounds silly, it could just be bad luck with the implantation failure - given that around 50% of embryos are abnormal depending on your age, it’s not super unlikely to get three unviable embryos in a row either. So there might not necessarily be anything wrong. But I get that you would want to try everything to ensure it working next time - I was the same.
I used canesflor - the consultant did give me a list of those they recommended but can't find it now, sorry! But canesflor was definitely on the list and relatively easy to find (I got two courses off amazon).
Hi @JB124 I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I am also in the same position with so many failed transfers. Our next step is to have our embryos tested to see if it’s a Chromosomal issue. Dr has also advised IVIG and a HSG flush when we transfer.
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There are countries which actually apy for 5 fresh cycles, because apparently you can just be really unlucky.
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