Transfer #3 protocol decisions- would love some input on medicated vs natural FET and Steroid use

[Coming_up_Roses]

Hi, I'm trying to make a decision about our next transfer, and finding it difficult so would really appreciate any insight or experience from the group.

I've had 2 frozen transfers of good quality 5-day embryos created with donor eggs.

First was a fully medicated transfer, I had a missed miscarriage at 7 weeks, after seeing a strong heartbeat.

Second was a natural transfer (with trigger shot and progesterone), my lining and progesterone levels looked good but unfortunately it was a failed transfer.

My consultant is now suggesting we go back to a medicated transfer because at least that one implanted, and that we add steroids in case of any inflammation or auto immune response causing issues.

She also said that maybe my body is more receptive with the synthetic hormones, but as someone who ovulates and has a regular cycle, this is hard for me to get my head around, I thought that the natural cycle had a longer window of receptivity...? (I've also had a spontaneously conceived pregnancy a few years ago, unfortunately we lost our little boy due to a genetic condition which is now ruled out with donor eggs, but I know my body has done this before so trying to hold onto hope that I can do it again!)

I'd be very interested to hear from anyone who has had success with a medicated cycle after failure on a natural cycle - did it just suit you better, or what information were you given?

Also anyone who has added a steroid in subsequent transfers, what was your experience?

Thanks for reading. Sending good vibes to everyone on this hard journey 💜

[Axel131]

Hi coming_up_roses, I'm currently doing a medicated transfer after a natural transfer failed. My strong preference was to stay natural but my clinic, also in Ireland, say they get great results from medicated donor eggs transfers so I was persuaded to try it. I'm in the middle of it now so I don't have any results for you but just I suppose that was their recommendation.

[Axel131 in reply to Axel131]

I'm also using donor eggs due to a loss from a genetic condition. So sorry for your loss.

[Coming_up_Roses in reply to Axel131]

Hi Axel131, Thanks for responding. I'm so sorry for your loss too.

How are you finding the meds? I found the estrogen tough the first time so was really hoping to stay on the natural protocol, I hate taking the drugs! But good to hear your clinic say they've got the results with it (are you with Sims by any chance?)

I'll keep everything crossed for you 🤞🏻 really hope for positive news for you

[Axel131 in reply to Coming_up_Roses]

Thanks so much, so far, I'm not finding them as bad as I expected. I don't do too well with the estrogen normally either but I haven't actually noticed too many side effects yet although I haven't started the progesterone in oil shots yet which I believe are quite sore! I also have regular ovulation and periods so I thought the natural would be best but I guess different people respond differently to different protocols and I suppose medicated might just work for my body. No I'm not with Sims, I'm with Waterstones. Hoping the next one is the one for you too.

[Coming_up_Roses in reply to Axel131]

Oh that's good, hopefully you won't get any side effects. I haven't done pio shots, I've previously been on prolutex which is a tummy shot and not too bad. I think I'll be on a low dose steroid too this time, which Sims also recommended, hoping to transfer end of July. Hopefully this is our time 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻Keep in touch if you need anything xxx

[Axel131]

Thanks so much, likewise keep in touch, it sounds like our background stories are quite similar. Fingers crossed for us both this time xx

[Coming_up_Roses]

Absolutely! Xx