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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Ivf. Doctor seemed overly negative.

209 replies

mikkyr · 06/11/2020 09:18

So husband and I have had 3 failed ivf cycles in the last 2 years. I am 41 and husband has had a vasectomy (previously married). Given the time constraints we decided that a testes biopsy was the best route to go instead of a vasectomy reversal which may not be successful and then still need to do a sperm extraction via biopsy at a later stage.

My last cycle failed completely whereas before I have had two early miscarriages. Without going into all the medical jargon I retrieved a fair amount of eggs for my age, they were reasonable quality, the embryos were not A grade but also not the worst. Everything seemed pretty average.

My appt with doc yesterday was terrible. I went in feeling so full of hope that we would be able to do another egg retrieval, ICSI and transfer before Christmas. But the doctor was so negative. He didn’t have anything hopeful to say. Basically I’m old my eggs have aged. My husbands sperm is less than great because it’s been extracted via biopsy and a vasectomy after 10 years rescues the quality. Our embryos are poor. The chances of genetic abnormalities are high. Our track record of 3 failed cycles leaves such a small percentage of success in the future. It’s costly.

We told him that money was not an issue (that sounds pretentious but we have enough to do another few cycles)

I’m just so disappointed in his atttitude. It’s like he doesn’t want me to do another cycle. I thought this whole process was about hope and that these doctors would be able to try and try. 3 cycles seems very little compared to what I’ve read and I’m surely not the only 41 year old who is seeking fertility help when there are 41 year olds falling pregnant naturally?

I don’t know what to do.

OP posts:
FFS123 · 10/11/2020 13:09

Yep

Hannahmates · 10/11/2020 13:10

He's being realistic of your chances. It is the ethical thing to do. You can keep trying if that's what you want to do but you also need to manage your expectations.

Westnorwood · 10/11/2020 13:12

Yes

DigOutThoseLemonHandWipes · 10/11/2020 13:15

People are still here - as you are not in the UK thing may be different here (and my experience was several years ago) but happy to help if I can.

frogswimming · 10/11/2020 13:39

I had seven failed cycles (including frozen). Then changed clinic and was successful. Maybe you should change to somewhere that doesn't write you off.

mikkyr · 10/11/2020 14:56

Is an embryo with unequal number of cells inferior or abnormal as opposed to one with equal number of cells.
I understand a cell divides 1 to 2 to 4 to 6...
Just checking?

OP posts:
DigOutThoseLemonHandWipes · 10/11/2020 15:55

www.arcfertility.com/understanding-embryo-grading/
Not according to this information

Lozmagill · 29/12/2020 22:40

Hey everyone!
I’m new to this so not sure if I’m on the right thread. I’m 41. AMH 0.12 so very low and Testosterone very low 0.3. Going to try DHEA for a month . Not had a period in months . I’m Menopausal. Meant to be trying IVF cycle end of Jan. Has anyone else on here got a similar story to mine ? I feel so devastated as I only got married a few months ago during lockdown.

JamieNorthlife · 24/08/2021 13:11

Hi, not sure if you are still checking this thread. I found this info online

they also do a lot of work with women over 40 and 2nd opinions www.centerforhumanreprod.com/getstarted/second-opinion

My friend's had an appointment with this fertility nurse www.andreiatrigo.com/

Good luck!

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