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Experience and honest opinions of EMMA, ERA and ALICE tests and karyotype please

Crie1983 profile image
10 Replies

Hi, after multiple IVF failures the latest two with PGTA tested euploid embryos, I had another hysteroscopy, curettage and culture and sensitivity procedure yesterday. The consultant said everything looked healthy and normal but I have to wait a week or two for the biopsy report.

My tubes were both removed two years ago and I’ve already have thyroid and thrombotic risk profile tested.

My last two cycles I was on Progynova, utrogestan, lubion, inhixa blood thinning injections and Prednisolone.

Assuming the biopsies come back normal my clinic have offered EMMA, ERA and ALICE testing. And also suggested karyotype testing. I’m a little confused over the benefit of karyotype testing seeing as my last 4 embryos have already been tested and frozen. It’s probably a lack of understanding of my part so any advice on this greatly appreciated.

I also would love to hear experiences of ERA, EMMA and ALICE as I obviously have to consider the financial impact and my clinic are repeatedly pointing out they are flagged as red on HFEA. (But so too is PGTA and they really pushed for that).

Me and my partner need to sit down and discuss and then chat to our clinic again so I want to feel as informed and prepared as possible and go armed with some sensible questions.

Thank you all!

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Crie1983 profile image
Crie1983
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JA-fnuk profile image
JA-fnukPartnerNurseFertility Network UK

These tests are carried out regularly and hope you get some feed-back for the ladies on this Forum Also to wish you good luck going forward with your decisions and next clinic visit

Take care of yourself

Janet-Partner

Crie1983 profile image
Crie1983 in reply toJA-fnuk

Thanks very much Janet. X

Esb27 profile image
Esb27

Sorry no actual feedback but am interested in hearing what people say about karyotype testing and the different between that and testing embryos or even missed miscarriage remains for genetic issues....

SushiTilly profile image
SushiTilly in reply toEsb27

The Karyotype test was helpful to rule out any potential issues around chromosome issues. I've read quite new articles with HFEA guidelines and PGT A is another test to ensure no chromosomal abnormality that could help to advise on consideration for cause of miscarriages. Medical community is not concluding on benefits of other tests, but worth exploring with clinic GP.

Chel91 profile image
Chel91

I would say the ERA/EMMA/ALICE would likely be a bit of a waste of money if you just had a hysteroscopy and biopsy done.

Also agree, karyotyping is supposed to be done before PGT-A testing. So if it comes back positive they do an alternative PGT-SR test at the same time. It doesn't mean it never benefits anyone doing it, but if it came back positive you would either need to re-test your embryos or transfer them blindly as they are anyway. Was there any indication from your PGT-A results that seemed to suggest a karyotype was needed (repeated segmental errors of the same chromosome, etc.)? xx

Crie1983 profile image
Crie1983 in reply toChel91

Thanks very much for your reply, nothing to suggest the karyotype is needed. I think the clinic are just putting forward any options to consider now. X

Cma83 profile image
Cma83

Hiya, I might be too late in my reply and you may have already decided whether to go ahead with the tests or not, but from my experience the ERA helped to identify the optimal time to transfer the embryo (which was an extra 147 hours Vs others). I do believe the ERA helped with the embryo transfer window and concluded in a positive implantation.

Others tests I've carried out:

After 2 miscarriages, I had the 'kitchen sink treatment' which was the ERA, EMMA, ALICE and NKCT and PGT-A. The NKCT identified a high number of white blood cells which meant they put me on IVIG infusions. I was also put on steroids (Prednisone), Aspirin and Inhixa during my last round which resulted in a positive pregnancy but later ended in a miscarriage again. Having been to a recurring MC unit, they conducted a Thrombophilia screen and identified I suffer from blood clots and require a higher dose of Aspirin.

Hoping my next round will bring some happier news. 🤞

Wishing you all the best on your journey x

Crie1983 profile image
Crie1983 in reply toCma83

Thank you so much for your reply. I’m really sorry to hear about your miscarriages and I wish you all the luck in the world going forwards.

I actually had a BFP on my 7th cycle and am currently waiting for my viability scan next week. This is my second BFP, the first one ended up in a missed miscarriage which was detected at my viability scan so right now I am a bag of nerves!

This cycle I had embryo glue and I started all medication , except Inhixa, on day zero before ET. Plus I drank a glass of beetroot juice every day from transfer. X

Cma83 profile image
Cma83 in reply toCrie1983

So glad to hear this. Hope it’s all going well. ☺️ xx

Falafelrovers profile image
Falafelrovers

on the point about why karyotype testing might be needed, pgt-a tests for chromosonal abnormalities but is not sensitive enough to test for microdeletions in the chromosomes; it also does not include testing for genetic abnormalities that can cause miscarriage, which is what karyotyping looks at.

we did pgt-a but have so far opted not to pursue karyotyping because we were losing so many embryos through pgt-a and -m already.

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