Prednisolone used in IVF with 2 embryos transferred

[Kirstycrumble]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time on a forum, so sorry if I go on a bit.

I have had 1 miscarriage, 1 failed fresh IVF cycle and 2 failed frozen IVF cycles.

There is no apparent reason for why the IVF is failing, so as a precaution our NHS fertility consultant has given us the option to use Prednisolone for our next FET.

I have 2 good quality blastocysts left and was hoping to transfer them both - if they hopefully survive the thawing. However I haven’t seen anyone comment on using Prednisolone when 2 embryos have been put back in.

I just wondered if anyone had any experience or advice about this please- or even just experience on Prednisolone in IVF in general?

And also should I be worried about side effects for both me and baby?

Thank you for the help
Xx

[Buenavista]

I had similar experiences to yours, lots of failed ivf and was diagnosed with ‘high natural killer cells’ by Mr Shehata at the New Life Clinic in Epsom. I did lots of various tries of things with Prednisolone and it did nothing for me. It was a horrible drug and I hated the side effects (bloating etc). This whole subject is very controversial clinics have wildly different views on it, I don’t think any research has shown harm to babies, but the clinics who won’t use it say there isn’t enough evidence it works. In my case it eventually turned out I had a structural issue with my womb (a septum) and once divided I conceived naturally and currently pg with my second through first go with an FET cycle since the surgery. You’ve been through a lot, before you use your precious embryos can you be triple checked there’s nothing even a small polyp causing a problem. Though inevitably whatever works for you, you think others should try. Some people say it’s a numbers game and keep trying. If you do use it and it works you will be telling others to use it! Huge good luck it’s a very tough journey.

[Buenavista]

Have you tried injectable progesterone rather than the pessaries?

[Kirstycrumble]

Thank you so much Buenavista and congratulations on your pregnancy 😃

Yes I have to inject Lubion in the morning and use a pessary at night. This is because on my first fresh cycle I bled quite early.

As for the Prednisolone- it does sound like a very gray area and some of the negatives I have read about it possibly causing cleft pallet or low birth weights worry me. As well as the horrible side effects that it can cause for us. But then you hear success stories and so I’m just confused.

I am seeing the nurse tomorrow to fill in paperwork, and ask questions. So as you recommended I will ask if there are any other tests I can have to check things out internally.

Thanks again for your reply and good luck with your pregnancy xx

[Buenavista]

Have they said why they are recommending it, other than the unsuccessful rounds? Is getting a 2nd opinion at a different clinic an option?

[Kirstycrumble]

They would just be recommending it as the other cycles have failed and that’s what they usually do.
I’m with the NHS and it can take around 3 months to speak to a consultant so it’s been really difficult to get answers.
I’m thinking of going to a private clinic open day, so I may be able to get info from them xx

[Buenavista]

That’s a good idea, good luck.

[Lauren83]

I had prednisilone (plus prontogest and clexane) for IVF 4 and 5 and both were BFPs although 1 a MMC, the 3 cycles before that were all negative and have gone back on them now for a natural pregnancy. They are often prescribed with IVF after failed implantation/MC