When to have my second egg retrieval to optimise the potential for good quality eggs? (I'm 43)

[Sja1981]

If your eggs manifest over a period of around 90 days:

My first egg retrieval in July was from eggs manifesting in April - at which point I was in India taking no supplements and just living carefree and smoking and drinking a tiny bit.

I got 3 good day 6 blasts but PGTA said they're all abnormal.

My next retrieval at the end of October will be eggs that were manifesting in July - so the period of my first retrieval when I was full of immense stress and getting my ovaries puffed up. What impact could that have had on the eggs developing at that time?

How concerned should I be about my eggs this time round regards the timing?

Egg quality is my issue (I'm 43) and with my life plans, it's end of October for the next retrieval, else next year.

Feedback appreciated 🙏

[Twiglet2]

hey- I think maybe speak to your clinic but in my experience I did an egg collection end of last year (failed fresh from only embryo) then another in March this year (after starting coq10 again in the new year) and current 15 weeks from 2nd embryo from that round so I do t think the IVF stims affected things. I do think the vitimins helped but I think the main thing is at our age (I’m 42) we have to just keep trying to get a good quality embryo so I don’t think personally I would delay egg collection but that’s just my opinion and there isn’t really a right or wrong answer u don’t think 💜 xx

[Sja1981 in reply to Twiglet2]

Was that the only change you made - taking coq10? Xx

[Twiglet2 in reply to Sja1981]

Yup and chilled the hell out and ate and drank normally 😂 even went abroad during the 2WW! Xx

[Sja1981]

I'm assuming you were 41 at this point, seems to make a big difference, as each year passes in our 40s

I'll be flying to India for winter during my 2WW if all goes to plan!

[Twiglet2 in reply to Sja1981]

I was days away from 42 at my last egg collection- 2WW was during my 42nd bday in the fresh transfer x

[Vassi]

I've been thinking about this too- another cycle or try to improve egg quality with some new supplements I've been researching (nad+ or nmn, resveratol). I've been on all the usual ones for like 18 months though (ubiquinol, coq10 etc) i eat well, exercise etc and I've had a drop in blasts this year. I changed protocols it could be that or just age (43) or maybe it just comes down to luck. One of my close friends has a pretty unhealthy lifestyle and got pregnant on her first fresh transfer. Another very healthy, needed 8 cycles. So my thinking is also don't delay, I don't know how much of a role these supplements actually play xx

[Sja1981 in reply to Vassi]

I'm going to target end of October, which means 2.5months giving time for support from my nutritionist and I'm starting acupuncture this week

Were your friends falling pregnant also 43?

But yes there are all the stories of very low AMH and regular drinkers getting pregnant so who knows. I think stress has a far bigger role to play than we appreciate.

Re supplements, I've just started taking NMN and I can absolutely feel the difference in less than a week. I suddenly have energy to both think and physically get on with, all the tasks I've been putting off. I've spent the day painting and have tons more to do!

I've just ordered another month's supply also with Ashwaghanda powder for stress management. Previously I've been taking Shatavari. My nutrionist has been so helpful in exploring what I need to boost. Protein is a key one that I've been low on.

I'm a shiatsu practitioner so practice Chinese medicine and a holistic approach. Mind and body (and spirit) need to all be onboard with the journey!

[Vassi]

Thats interesting, what brand of nmn are you taking? My friends got pregnant just before turning 43, had babies just recently at 43.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things, the rest is out of our control. I do agree that everything must align 🙏

[Sja1981 in reply to Vassi]

Theyre by Youth and Earth, purchased from the Natural Pharmacy where my nutrionist gets a discount. I'm ordering a second month's supply and also wondering whether to get some for my 75year old father! I just feel I have a noticeable added spring in my step. I am low on iron/protein so perhaps this is part of the boost I need - alongside somehow eating two large eggs for breakfast (yuck)

[Vassi]

Lol, I'm also low in iron, definately checking these out, thanks and good luck! Xx

[Vassi]

I was just wondering if you could share which clinic in Greece you are consulting with, I had a consult with serum and embryoland & both seemed great. I'm trying not to think about donor eggs right now but should I need I'll be looking at Greece xx

[Sja1981]

I've spoken with several, not for donor eggs though.Serum seemed nice for sure but all the staff changes there has made me feel a bit nervous.

Embryoland I've not connected to.

Go on the Greece IVF page and you'll see recent posts including mine examining various clinics and feedback x

[Vassi]

Thanks will do x