BFN:gutted

[Firsttimegreeny]

Hi all, got my first BFN this morning, devastated.

Im 39 and managed to get 5 eggs from 3 follicles, 1 got through to a 5 day blastocyst which resulted in a fresh transfer through ICSI.

Hoped so much it worked as I have a blocked fallopian tube and a low AMH/reduced ovarian reserve but it wasn’t to be 🥺.

The thing is I only have one chance on the NHS whilst others might have 3.

No one knows about my situation apart from OH, any words of advice, things that have worked for you, similar situations (good or bad) are most welcome

thank you

[Elmo13]

Hi there,

I’m so sorry to read about your BFN- I know how gutting it can be, especially on your first cycle. I hope you’re able to take the time to process it all.

Hopefully when you have a review with your consultant, they can advise you on what they think happened and what they could possibly change going into another cycle. Even though it sucks that this cycle didn’t work for you, at least now there is some information on how you responded on your protocol so there’s something to go on. I wonder if it’s also worth having a consultation elsewhere to get another opinion?

Also worth making sure your partner is on supplements to help improve sperm DNA fragmentation if you were advised to do ICSI due to sub-optimal semen analysis. I’m pretty sure others have recommended Impryl &/ proxeed for this and there are old posts on this too.

We had only one NHS cycle and managed one blastocyst but it ended in a BFN. We were told that the first cycle is a bit of a “test cycle” as you have no idea how you’ll respond to stims etc. After that, we changed clinics, our protocol was altered, I added in acupuncture and started taking additional supplements as mentioned in It Starts with the Egg. I managed more blastocysts with these changes but unfortunately went on to have 2 miscarriages so still not the outcome I hoped for, but hopefully getting closer!

Wishing you the best of luck with everything.

Xx

[Andiandi]

I'm so sorry for your result! Did you have your embryo tested? With low ovarian reserve, there is a pretty high chance that the eggs aren't in great shape and the embryos are genetically not viable, I'm afraid. This was my experience, and I had to move on to donated eggs which was a little bit painful but is the reason I have the extraordinary little boy that I have today ❤️

Let yourself grieve this round, and then pick yourself back up and don't give up because there are lots of different paths to motherhood. I would recommend getting your embryos tested for genetic abnormalities before transferring anymore of them, and never give up hope ❤️❤️❤️

[Miaow1975]

Hi so sorry to hear about your BFN it’s so disappointing and from experience I would say you definately need to take time to grieve and talk about your loss before moving onto the next attempt as at first you put on a brave face but it does catch up with you. I’ve had 2 failed attempts at icsi so far and I would agree it’s worth getting further tests on the quality of your eggs in case you need to consider donor eggs. We used donor eggs for our last attempt and are hoping to have another try some time this year. Good luck with everything but make sure you give yourself time and look after yourself. All the best with any future cycles x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Firsttimegreeny. So sorry to hear and was hoping you had some support around, as it can be so difficult between just the two of you. Maybe, if you decide again you might consider dealing with blocked tube, in case any excess lubrication should drip into your womb and possibly preventing a developing embryo from implanting. Of course you need to recover from this mentally before trying again. Try some counselling if it has been offered or access bica.net online as they deal with fertility and relationships as you go through. Obviously I wish you both well with whatever you decide. Thinking of you. Diane

[Capri93]

I also only got 1 try on the NHS, I got told that because I'm 30 they will not be doing any further assistance and I'll need to self fund.

I wrote to my mp and the medical board as I generally can not afford it.

And I get I am young, but I have a scarily low AMH my 1 round of ivf had 1 good embryo and only 3 eggs were fertilised....

However, if I was aged higher, the medical board would authorise a funding request... so please try this...

Go to your clinician or GP and say,

Please can I be reffered for a individual funding request for IVF. They will then re run the initial nhs assessment bmi, non smoking etc... then they will let you know.

I got rejected and it was down to age, they were just saying I'm too young and that I need to wait a minimum of 5 more years.

Now please go give your doctor a call and I will be crossing my fingers and giving you luck...

Worst case scenario, move to Tower hamlets (london) they offer 3 rounds bouroughs to avoid are

Southwark

Lambeth

Croydon (do not apply for ivf in this borough, so many restrictions)

I know it's difficult but stress will not contribute anything positive to your journey, take this path of life with ease and have hope x

[Capri93]

My round was also not successful and it felt like they gave me 1 round with the hope I'd self fund a endless amount of tines to follow..

I debated spending my wedding fund for a child, getting a loan all of that... but it would only make me financially vulnerable and put me into a position of a downward spiral.

I agree with the other posts... counselling really does help during these times... I spent my forat few sessions in silence. But then I started talking and the weight got lighter.