second time lucky ?

[Cuppppatea]

Can I hope for a totally different result?

Has anyone gone from NOTHING first round and then had a decent result on the second round?

As I approach my second nhs icsi cycle I’m anxious, nervous and hopeful that I will get a better result this time. We collected three eggs which were quite small, one died on day two and the other two failed to cleave so didn’t make it past day four stage. It was put down to egg quality. My husband has pretty bad issues with sperm so I do wonder if them not making it to day 5 is a combined issue.

One thing that makes me sad is that we were on the waiting list for months and months - then out of the blue we had a fertility appointment and we were told it was our turn. Absolutely no time to prepare or advise given to improve chances. I had been taking a very minimal amount of folic acid and pregnacare as advised. Totally oblivious of anything else I could really be doing.

Since my failed round I have become obsessed with reading and researching like most of us here. I am on most supplements, Coq10, nac, r alpha lipoid acid, vit c and d and b and e and fish oil. And folic acid (methylfolate) I took 25 mg dhea from October - December.

I have tried to be more active ( yoga at least twice a week) and have a good diet with increased protein, low/no carb, sugar and alcohol.

These changes have been for well over three months.

The protocol has also been changed ( different medication ) Meriofert 75 +Fostimon 225

(Before it was just 300 meriofert )

Would love to hear hopeful stories.

amh- 2.2 -3

Fsh -8.9

Thank you

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely,

I've not been in the same situation but I really believe those supplements will make a big difference.

I always got a decent number of eggs but lowish blast conversion. In prep for my 3rd egg collection I was on Ubquinol and NAC, loads of whole milk every day and omega. I got less eggs but more blastocycsts - so I do think it made a massive difference - especially as it was a whole year after my first EC so the eggs were older.

Have everything crossed for you my lovely xxx

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Just wanted to wish you good luck with the different protocol - the 1st cycle of treatment is like a learning curve Now clinic has a better idea how your body will react The supplements also should be beneficial as well

Thinking of you

Janet-Partner

[CreateIVF]

Best of luck with this 2nd go. It sounds like you are doing everything you can do, 🤞🏼🤞🏼

I have had wildly different outcomes across my egg collections- from no embryos, to some day-3s, to some day-5s. I honestly believe that every cycle is different x

[Saskia9]

Hey, some say that if they stop developing after day 3 it could be because of the sperm. Is your husband on supplements also?

[Cuppppatea in reply to Saskia9]

Hey - Yes i've seen this written a few places though he wont believe me when i suggest it because the report from the Dr says EGG QUALITY DUE TO AGE. Pretty infuriating. He is on quite a few including lcarnitine and coq10 and r'alpha lipoic. He refuses to take max doses of anything else and insists on a wellman. Up until recently his excersise was not great but the last month has been brilliant. Alcohol intake is more than I want it to be but I can't control him 😂

[FlowerGem115]

Hello,

In my first collection I ended up with nothing at day 5, they all stopped by day 3 so it was put down to egg quality and was totally gutting.

I did then take coq10, well more of it, but I think more importantly I reduced my sugar intake (no takeaways!) and tried to be more active on a regular basis. I definitely felt better in myself.

I would definitely try to ensure your husband eats well and exercises too, even if it is more the egg quality, doesn't mean it isn't the sperm too and doing it together gives more support. But equally don't be super strict so that you cannot enjoy things, tough balance!

I think that I was also suffering more stress at first collection, too many negative things happening around me. No idea if it had an impact but if there are any choices you can make to limit stress then take them as you need to focus on what is the best for you.

Second collection, we changed from short to long protocol. I think that was more because I had a lead egg running away and the others couldn't keep up. Still had it a bit with long protocol, but not as pronounced. 3 made it to day 5 which was amazing to hear on that day 5 call!! 1 we did fresh and the other two were frozen, no success yet though the 1st frozen we did get a positive result just didn't get to the end.

It sounds to me like you have made some great adjustments already and are doing everything in your power to give yourself the best chance. Hope you can stay positive and the outcome is better next time for you. It will be a nervous time waiting for those calls, try to keep as busy as you can to distract yourself. Good luck and take care xx

[Clayhugs]

hello Cuppatea!

Yes for me - two very very different rounds

I’ve low amh, first round 3 eggs all all three fertilised abnormally. Nothing to transfer

Second round, even lower amh, 5 eggs, 3 mature enough to fertilise, 1 didn’t make it but transferred the other two on day 3. Currently very cautiously at 10 weeks after both stuck.

Best of luck! Xx

[Cuppppatea in reply to Clayhugs]

Cautious congratulations <3

[Xmishell37]

I totally get this, I had no idea about the impact of vitamins etc and just thought 'if its going to happen then it will' but in reality I'm almost 38 and need to do what I can including improving my diet!! I wish I was told before my first transfer about what vitamins to take and how important diet is in egg quality, I feel like I'm googling sugar levels in everything now before I put them in my mouth as I'll be doing my next egg retrieval in less than 3 months, I'd love to know how you get on second time round, fingers crossed (I got 20 eggs first time and only 3 made it to day 5, lots were immature) xx

[Cuppppatea in reply to Xmishell37]

It’s really infuriating isn’t it. From the moment you have your referral you should be directed to information on nutrition, lifestyle and supplements. NOTHING like this was ever mentioned to me. Such a simple change that the NHS could make which could make a massive difference. Especially for older women.

I am really excited and nervous to see if the changes we’ve made are going to help. I’m also always second guessing myself if it’s enough. Fingers crossed. I’ll keep updating here I’m sure

Good luck with your health kick prep….no sugar, high protein and loads of nuts for me! (Even though the nuts are defo making me put on weight)

[Xmishell37]

Yeah I agree, many more people could access the service by just sharing information to give people the best chance, my massive downfall is defo sugar so it's going to be a massive struggle and I'm also fussy and don't like nuts but think im going to need to force feed myself until my body likes them!! Hope round 2 goes much better for you 💗 xx