Recurrent implantation failure

[Ytrewq123]

Hello, hope you are all doing ok. We’ve had a 3rd failed FET this weekend and pretty devastated (2nd transfer was a very early loss a few days after OTD), they were all “top” quality blastocyst, so I think by definition that counts as RIF. We’d had 4 chemicals before starting IVF.

I just wondered what, if anything, your clinics offered after having RIF? Were there investigations you were given or did you have to seek these out separately? Was there anything you pushed for which then helped? I don’t think my clinic offer anything, but I’m sure others do. I have seen NHS leaflets online of blood tests some clinics offer, antibody testing, etc.

I’ve had a hysteroscopy but that was before all my miscarriages. My results from the Coventry implantation clinic all came back normal. I’m on heparin and extra progesterone. I’ve tried EmbryoGlue each time and 2 endo scratches.

Half of me wants to give it all up today, but the other half wants to leave no stone unturned and try and get to the bottom of it.

Thank you for any help you can give me! Xx

[WillowPark]

Hi, we have just come out of the same - three transfers, 3 "high quality" day 5 blastocyst embryos, three perfect linings, no issues whatsoever and just not sticking. Our last blastocyst was hatching out as well so as good a position as we could be in. We had a faint positive line a few days before OTD last time but it was negative by OTD (15dp5dt) so classed as a failed cycle. I asked our clinic about additional testing or procedures and they didn't offer anything or suggest anything. They said because of our long term unexplained situation they had thrown absolutely everything in their armory at us to make it work and it was now just a numbers game. We are going for FET 4 in November but if that doesn't work I might be pushing for something different. I know that doesn't answer your question but just thought I'd let you know you aren't alone.

[Doodlebug23 in reply to WillowPark]

Sorry I know we have exchanged messages before, but have you had additional tests or tested embryos? My clinic are also saying it’s a numbers game just keep going… 😔

[WillowPark in reply to Doodlebug23]

Hi, no we haven't had anything additional that I am aware of. We are NHS funded so we didn't really get a list of additional stuff, if you know what I mean. I've had a laparoscopy and a hycosy which were both perfect, clear and showed no issues, some blood tests (which I were just told were 'exactly what they were looking to see'). My husband had his semen analysis done and was told it was a great result. That is it. The clinic have been phenomenal with me though - really supportive and I have been impressed with them throughout. The only thing I know is they have upped my progesterone after my first failure. I think some of the embryo testing and additional tests are only recommended after a certain age or AMH level?

[Doodlebug23 in reply to WillowPark]

I am private, but my clinic did initial tests and were happy before accepting me on the programme. Extra tests are just ones people have mentioned on here and my clinic, when I asked, didn’t recommend. So hard to know what to do x

[Ytrewq123 in reply to WillowPark]

Hi WillowPark thanks so much for your reply. I am so sorry you have to deal with that too. Appreciate your message and knowing I am not alone. Sending you all best wishes for November, I hope this will be your time xx

[HedgehogMad]

Hi lovely, I'm sorry you are going through this 😔 my clinic suggested a fresh cycle with PGTA after 5 good quality blastocysts failed to implant, as chromosomal abnormalities are thought to be the most common cause of failed implantation. I wonder whether this might be an option for you. We have had 2 subsequent euploid embryos fail and are definitely under the category of RIF. I've done so much research into it and actually there is very little else that has been shown to have an impact unfortunately. Looking at the data it does seem to be a numbers game, but if you transfer tested embryos that hopefully improves your chances.I also asked for an HSG to rule out hydrosalpinx which was normal. If our next FET doesn't work our consultant has suggested surrogacy. But we also have had a 2nd and 3rd opinion from different specialists and they both think it's worth continuing 🤷 it's such a poorly understood area and a horrible place to be 😞 xxx

[Doodlebug23 in reply to HedgehogMad]

Hi, I have read your message several times cause it just really resonates with me. I’ve just had 4th failed transfer and my clinic so far (after 3rd - consult tomorrow after 4th) are saying the same. It’s a numbers game, other tests/treatments are unproven, and to just keep going. X

[Ytrewq123 in reply to HedgehogMad]

Hi thanks so much for your suggestions, we had been considering PGT-A if our next one doesn’t work. I’ve had an HSG and I only have one working tube. But I’m wondering if another hysteroscopy would be a good idea. I’m sorry you have been through so much too I really hope that you have success with your next transfer xx

[Snow345]

Hi, have they checked your Nk cells as I had 3 rif and then they found the NK cells and gave me intralipids and steroids (Prednisolone) resulting in the next 2 rounds both being successful with pregnancies (but then miscarriages which they said was more likely to be chromosome issues). I would definitely get your immune system checked you see if that could help as you have had the hysteroscopy.

[Ytrewq123 in reply to Snow345]

Thanks for your suggestion - I’ve PMd you as wanted to ask about clinics xx

[Ginbaby]

So I’ve had 3 full rounds, 5 transfers with a total of 8 embryos used and finally on my last go I got BFP. On all my others I’ve never even got a hint of a line. Don’t give up 😊. I just carried on a normal for this transfer, ate what I wanted when I wanted and done what I wanted. I think it’s just to much pressure doing everything by the book and you just need to relax. Xx

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Ginbaby]

Thankyou so much for posting this! And congratulations!!! I have my consult for 5th transfer tomorrow after my 4th just failed. Can I ask, did you get your BFP after double transfer? X

[Ginbaby in reply to Doodlebug23]

I’m so sorry about your recent transfer. Hopefully 5th time lucky for you aswell 🤞🏼. Yeah I had a double transfer 4BB and 4BC transferred. On my 5th transfer I’m on 4 cyclogest, 2 lubion, aspirin, steroids and blood thinners. I said I’d give anything ago this time as nothing had worked perviously. Xx

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Ginbaby]

Thankyou me too 🤞🏼. I had a vv faint line 10dp5dt but it disappeared yesterday at day 12. I have 2 xAA, 3 xAB and 1 xBB frosties - my clinic don’t give the grading numbers. My lining has always been good so only on 3 cyclogest. Have been taking baby aspirin which clinic didn’t recommend but says I could if I wanted. Hoping they change something in my plan this time and transfer 2. X

[PRAYINGFORTHISTOWORK]

hi I’m so sorry that it hasn’t worked so far. I would definitely suggest looking at the immune side of things. From experience it isn’t something clinics test for but with us we ended up using ivf clinic for transfer and an immune specialist for fertility issues for testing. He recommended ivig, intrelupid and Lit therapy and so far so good. The specialist does do ivf there but to be honest the clinic is so disorganised I think the experience of having the ivf there would be just to stressful. Also have you had a microbine test ? This is something u can do from home and send a swab away for testing, again something with picked up on this which a course of antibiotics solved… wishing you all the best for your next round x

[RACMumm]

I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time. This journey is not fir the fai t hearted! My boys (all ivf) came from own egg fresh transfers and I thought it would be easier trying again. Not at all and it took 5 transfers to hit the jackpot. After failure number 4, I had my NK and e dometritus checked in a uterine biopsy & my NK levels were high so fir my 5th trabsfer I added lubion, prednisone (steroid), blood thinners, and intralipids and this was the key to success for me. Also I had a modified natural transfer which was changed to include low dose gonal f on days 3, 5, 7 and 9 of my cycle. Definitely look into the biopsy. I had mine done in Germany which worked our much cheaper than having it done in Ireland. Wishing you all the luck in the world x