To use steroids or not?

[Goldenfeather123]

Dear lovely ladies,

I'd like to hear any successful stories of using prednisolone in FET cycles because of endometriosis or endometriomas. What were your timing and dosage? Were your endometrial NK cells and immune profile tested high or normal?

Many thanks. Wish you all are doing okay in your journeys. xx

[KT02]

hi there, I haven’t been properly diagnosed with endometriosis but based on symptoms and two sisters with confirmed diagnosis I am sort of assumed to have it (but told to move straight to ivf which I now question - anyway!!), after two failed transfers (both chemical and a chemical naturally in between) I went to see a reproductive immunologist as I felt the endo and associated immune / inflammation was likely a factor. I had blood tests with him and an endometrial scratch test through Warwick hospital. My nk cells in my uterus came back low ( supposedly no treatment bar progesterone) and my blood nk cell activity came back high. The reproductive immunologist suggested prednisalone and intralipids for my next cycle. I got pregnant and carried to term- who knows if it was the thing that did it, obviously could have been the embryo because even though the quality was lowest it could have been genetically fine. I also had a scratch by the way before that transfer and blood thinners and progesterone etc. I’m trying for a sibling now and still considering a laparoscopy because I would still like to address the potential root cause! Best of luck!!

[KT02 in reply to KT02]

Oh forgot to say, I was on 25mg from before transfer - I think 5 days before- reduced from 12 weeks I think. Intralipids 3 times, supposed to go for the 4th but didn’t in the end and it was ok, thankfully!

[Goldenfeather123 in reply to KT02]

Thank you so much! Your message is very useful!

I'm here for my daughter. Her uterus biopsy tested normal but blood test not done. She has endometriosis and endometriomas. She has been tested for many blood clotting factors and autoimmune antibodies. All are normal. She has done two medicated FET with embryos made of donor eggs and donor sperm recently. Both failed.

She has asked to add steroids to her newly started FET. But her Dr insisted not adding it. I'm not convinced. I thought it may be possible her immune function is normal in the uterus but too high in the blood thus detrimental to implantation and pregnancy. But at the same time, should we worry that steroids may suppress her normal endometrial NK cell activity which is essential for successful implantation? I also think her endometrioma and endometriosis could potentially cause inflammation and/or immune problems thus affect implantation and pregnancy.

We are struggling to decide whether for her to take steroids or not. Your experience is helpful to our thought process. I may contact you again.

Good luck in your new journey! xx

[Starley1]

Our FET transfer worked when I used prednisone 10mg after failed ones without, started the day of transfer. I also did double progesterone, shots and vag capsules. We also did letrozol starting 4 days after menstruasjon. I have endometriosis and an autoimmune disease.

[Goldenfeather123 in reply to Starley1]

Thank you for replying. Wish you the best. xx

[JB124]

Hi there, our FET worked by adding 25mg prednisone. I’ve not had NK cells tested and not been tested for endometriosis. Also not had any test outside the usual one provided before ivf. I was classed as recurrent implantation failure - unexplained infertility. My first 5 transfer (without prednisone) was no implantation. 6th transfer biochemical but no prednisone. 7th transfer with 10mg prednisone added to protocol which was another biochemical. 8th transfer with 20mg prednisone added to protocol and worked . I was on prednisone up until 13/14 weeks (started being weaned off around 12 weeks) im currently 18 weeks pregnant. I don’t know for sure if prednisone played a part but all my protocols was the same apart from the last 2 which had added prednisone. Xx

[Goldenfeather123 in reply to JB124]

Thank you for replying. Wish you have a smooth pregnancy! xx

[Doodlebug23]

I had 10mg prednisolone and clexane for my successful transfer. 5 failed transfers without then 1 failed with. I didn’t have any tests. I had endometriosis zapped a few years ago but my periods had started getting heavier again so I think it had come back.

[Goldenfeather123]

Thank you for replying. I have read your birth announcement. Enjoy your motherhood! xx