Further testing? Looking for advice.

[Slm123-]

Hi everyone, I am having my follow up appointment tomorrow following 2x failed FET’s and 1 very recent chemical. I am wondering what I should be asking and if I should be pushing for any further testing? Previously they were adamant to keep the treatment plan the same but as it’s not been successful again I am concerned to keep the same protocol. I think that something needs to be changed/added or that further tests should be performed. I am really keen to hear others experiences and if it’s worth requesting any specific tests. If so, what tests would be useful? For context I am 31 and my partner has VERY low sperm morphology. I don’t have any known issues and I have a 4 year old son from a fresh transfer.

This will be our last frozen embryo so I really want to ensure we give it the best chance of success. Thank- you x

[Hopingforamiracle90]

hey, not sure what medications you’ve been on but for this transfer my consultant put me on Lubion too. So I’m currently on progynova tablets, pessaries and Lubion injections. We have unexplained fertility and have had 1 chemical, 2 failed. I was also given a scratch prior to this transfer. Everyone is different so depending on what you struggle with will depend on what they offer. If you are getting decent embryos the sperm is doing its job you would think. Sometimes it’s just luck which is very cruel.

[Slm123- in reply to Hopingforamiracle90]

Hey, thanks for your reply. Good luck. I haven’t had lubion. Each transfer iv been on progynova tablets and cyclogest pessaries 3 x per day. I will mention Lubion tomorrow. I guess I just feel like after 3 unsuccessful I’m keen to try something different or have some tests done rather than keeping things the same but the clinic are quite confident that things can stay as they are and it is just bad luck that iv not had success from the last 3. I think as I most recently had a chemical they are telling me that that is reassuring but I just want to give this last go the best chance so I’m worried about missing my chance to try something else!

[Hopingforamiracle90 in reply to Slm123-]

I completely get it, I was in a similar situation for this one, it’s my last frozen before I have to do another egg collection so I wanted to do the works. I would look into a scratch too as some clinics will offer this as something to try, they also sent some removed tissue for tests which I appreciated. When you can prove you can get pregnant I think they go down the route of maintaining a pregnancy. This process makes you do crazy things doesn’t it like actually being happy to take more horrific drugs and injections 🤣. I’m due to test Friday so can’t offer any ‘this worked’ scenario but this cycle has been different with less symptoms strangely.

[Sunshine92]

Hi lovely, my story is almost identical to yours. I’m 31 and have a 3 year old boy from a fresh transfer and have had x2 failed FET this year with top quality embryos and perfect womb lining and progesterone levels for me. I was prescribed lubion as an additional during my fresh successful cycle 4 years ago and with both FETs.

My clinic suggested the Emma/Alice testing but after going away and doing some research i couldnt find anything convincing for the cost! I too have unexplained infertility, regular cycles so i wondered whether maybe we were just over medicalising the whole thing and my clinic agreed to a modified natural cycle where id be given letrozole to boost ovulation, test for my peak and go back 6 days later for embryo transfer.

Which i re-coup funds for this, my accupuncturist suggested i visit the recurrent implantation failure clinic at Coventry Hospital. I believe its part funded by nhs, prt funded by Tommys and part private. Ive had a consultation with professor brosens who, if nothing else was really useful to gain a second opinion from. Ive had a blood test, scan and an endometrial biopsy with him on a natural cycle which was much cheaper than the emma / alice test, and im hoping it will support in my next natural cycle at the clinic.

I like you felt like i needed to change something. As the definition of of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? But Prof Brosen seems to think this doesnt apply to fertility, as each cycle, egg / embryo are completely different. And doing the same thing isnt always a bad thing .. im still not so sure!

Good luck xx

[Rjfguitfg in reply to Sunshine92]

After two failed fets (high quality pgt-a embryos) my RE had us switch to the modified natural with letrozole to boost and so far it’s worked and I’m 11 weeks. They also added Lovenox shots. As a side note, I felt SO much better mentally and physically doing a modified natural, actually ovulating and not being on all those meds.

We decided against Emma Alice testing since it isn’t totally proven and expensive.