Donor embryo time

[GrinAndTonic]

So after three failed IVF/ICSI attempts (total fertilisation failure every time) we are going to try using a donor embryo. We have changed clinics for this and the new specialist initially wanted us to try one final attempt with a massive protocol using every drug under the sun. All that was going to do was make me feel even more like shit as if no eggs have fertilised the three previous times why is this cycle any different?
So we are looking at a donor. We have found some and are just doing the paperwork.
So really, I guess I am just looking for others who went down this route and wanting to know how it went for you.

[SesameSparkle]

Hiya grin, I don't have experience of donor embryos but I'm bumping for you and hopefully someone will come along to share their experience. Glad things are moving along for you treatment wise.

[BlueBirdy]

Hi Grin, have you had a MOAT procedure done, and heard about AOA (assisted oocyte activation)?

I've had 3 cycles so far: 1st - 0 fertilisation, 2nd - 2 of 11 (2 back in on D2, BFN), 3rd - 0 fertilisation. Each time the clinics told me I would need to use donor eggs as 'obviously there is a problem with the eggs', even though our issues are supposed to be male-based (1% normal morphology).

Luckily, after some googling, I came across the 'zero fertilisation' thread on fertility friends. We've just got the MOAT results back and it's proved that there IS a fertilisation issue with the sperm, and luckily AOA really helps in increasing the fertilisation rate, so our next cycle we will be using that. They are Ghent University Hospital in Belgium, and for our full cycle it should come to around £4 000, including the £400 for the diagnostic MOAT procedure. So even with all the pioneering procedures it still costs less than an average cycle in this country. There are some clinics here that have started to offer AOA, but it's not as strong/robust as the AOA that Ghent offer.

Even if the MOAT shows that the issue isn't with the sperm, the AOA can still help to solve a female base fertilisation issue. I really recommend having a look into this, and feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

Sorry if I have thrown a spanner in the 'donor route' works, and of course you may already be aware of all of this - but thought you may be interested if you weren't aware of this option.

All the best
xx

[GrinAndTonic]

I've pretty much washed my hands with the clinics. They always want to do one more cycle before testing anything. Sperm is fine, DH has super sperm actually and apparently my eggs are fine. Chromosomal testing can back normal too.
I don't think AOA is offered a lot of places here (Australia) and to be honest I don't want to do more IVF.
Thank you for the info though. I have a friend that will be interested though.

[MeRoSh]

@BlueBirdy - I just wondered if you had success following the oocyte activation in Gent? We have had our first consultation with them as a last resort (9 failed rounds of ICSI with very low fertilization) and are about to carry out the MOAT test.

[BlueBirdy]

@MeRoSh The MOAT test showed we were good candidates and the first cycle with them 6 out of 9 fertilised but only one (4AA) on day 5 which didn't result in pregnancy. Second cycle with them 6 out of 10 fertilised and had 3 make it to day 5, put one 4AB back in (didn't work) and froze 2 4AC's which we never got round to using as my partner and I broke up.
The AOA even works on just eggs and the eggs divided like an embryo would so just because it's developing like an embryo would does not necessarily mean you're getting a viable embryo. Saying that I would definitely say it is worth doing! The whole procedure and the staff and facilities are really good. Wishing you the best of luck!!

[MeRoSh]

@BlueBirdy Thank you for taking the time to reply. It’s really useful to hear how it panned out for you. That has always been my concern - that even after getting over the fertilization hurdle, it doesn’t mean the sperm and egg can make genetically normal embryos.
I’m really sorry to hear you split up from your partner. I wish you all the best in your journey to become a mum Xx