Where to go from here?

[Bimsie1310]

I recently found out my 4th transfer failed and I got 2 more frozen embryos. 😞 These transfers have been from 2 rounds and everything has looked great at every stage so the clinic can't explain why they haven't worked. I've tried both fresh and frozen transfers and both natural and medicated FET.

I've had to self fund from the start as IVF on the NHS is only available in my area until age 35 and despite being 34 when we started trying, I was told to try for 2 years then I found out I was too old! 😭 Therefore money is already running out.

I could fund another round but am reluctant to keep trying the same thing again so any suggestions?

I've been told about PGTA testing but it's crazy expensive and have also just looked in ERA, ALICE and EMMA testing but there doesn't seem to be much evidence on these so I'm at a loss of what to do.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks

[PinkPanther1234]

Hi, so sorry your latest transfer failed, it is so hard. I found that the ERA test helped me, I had a displaced implantation window, so used the findings from that and timed it right for the next transfer. Also had immune treatment for high NK cells. I finally had success on the 5th transfer. X

[Doodlebug23]

It’s taken me 7 transfers to finally get my BFP (1 chemical). No reasons behind RIF. Donors in their early 20’s though untested embryos.

My clinic doesn’t advocate the ERA EMMA ALICE tests and I don’t either, but I know lots on here do.

What worked for me was natural transfer, trigger shot, contractions scan, embryo glue and Bondi protocol (prednisolone and Clexane). I also had accupuncture and reflexology before transfer and reflexology after x

[Bimsie1310 in reply to Doodlebug23]

I've tried 2 natural transfers and actually preferred them over the medicated one, but never had a trigger shot with either. I also tried acupuncture/reflexology a few days before and immediately after with this last transfer and really hoped that would help. I've never heard of the Bondi protocol or contractions scans though so that's given me more to ask my clinic about.

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Bimsie1310]

I was hesitant to trust my body and always went for medicated. I had trigger shot when I was about to ovulate and just remembered I also had HCG wash 2 days before transfer.

Contractions scan was right before transfer to check my uterus wasn’t contracting too much which could have then been treated, but wasn’t an issue for me.

I believe off the back of the tests you mentioned the treatment can be prednisolone and clexane so I just had the treatment without the tests x

[Bimsie1310 in reply to Doodlebug23]

That's helpful thanks, I seem to have to do a lot of my own research with my clinic!

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Bimsie1310]

All of this was from my clinics suggestions for treatment. I did ask about the tests but they gave me their reasons for not advocating them and said I could pay for them still if I wanted but I was happy to follow their advice. Hope it’s been helpful x

[Tinkertinkerbell]

The EMA, Alice and ERA was what worked for me. Everything always looked perfect, I had 4 transfers but always negative. So I paused and did EMA, Alice and ERA. I needed an extra 30 hours of progesterone before transfer. I was skeptical - thought there was no way this would work. But it did! I am now 8 weeks pregnant from my last embryo because it was put back a day later! All my others went back too early with no chance. I’m so happy I did it. Good luck to you x

[Sansan87]

Hi Bimsie

Sorry to hear you’ve had such a tough journey.

I know PGT is expensive as are EMMA/ALICE/ERA but that’s what ultimately worked for us.

I needed an extra day of progesterone and the tests showed I had hidden infections and chronic inflammation so I was out on antibiotics for this.

The genetic testing is controversial and I’m not 100% convinced by how accurate it is..but we transferred a tested embryo and it worked. Sadly sometimes an embryo can look perfect but genetically it isn’t. We had several top graded embryos come back with abnormalities. Like I say I’m not fully sold on genetic testing as there are so many limitations but I think after a few failed transfers it might be worth considering.

Does your clinic monitor your progesterone levels everyday in the run up to transfer?

[Bimsie1310 in reply to Sansan87]

Thanks, I am going to ask my clinic about the Era etc tests and see what they say.My clinic don't test progesterone daily but they do test the day before transfer and this time it was a bit low so I took extra from the day of transfer.

[Sansan87]

I think some clinics don’t agree with it but it’s worth asking as it’s helped so many of us.

BTW, I also had the EMMA and ALiCE. I can’t remember which one is which, but I took antibiotics for inflammation and probiotics to balance my bacteria. I did think after it, surely the easier and cheaper option is to just take the antibiotics and probiotics in case (without doing the tests!) They can’t do any harm can they. Sometimes infections and inflammation can impact implantation. canesflor sell a really good vaginal probiotics pessary.

I hope this helps.

[Bimsie1310 in reply to Sansan87]

That's helpful, thanks, I might just ask my clinic about taking the antibiotics and probiotics anyway if I go again then!