TTC Cycle 12 - SMEP

[LSL0708]

Hi
I’m totally new to this but hoping to speak with people in a similar situation. I had the implant removed beginning of June 2019 and have had regular 28/29 day cycles since. But, 11 cycles in and no BFP Just read up on SMEP (Sperm Meets Egg Plan) and thought I’d give it a go this month. Is anyone else trying/tried this?

Hi @LSL0708, sorry for the delay but now I can give you a full update! Out of the 21, we got 10 fertilized, 6 that looked good on day 3, and then 5 that made it to blastocyst stage today. I have had one transferred today! But unfortunately it's not great quality - the grading is quite low, and based on what I've read since I got home I think our chances of it sticking aren't very good

The other 4 blastocysts are 'slow growers' and they are carrying on with culturing them until tomorrow to see how they do and whether they are good enough to freeze. I would be so pleased if I got even one that was a good quality to freeze tomorrow, to have as a back-up.

I'm feeling a little deflated - but also, I started the day thinking I might not have one transferred at all, so trying to stay positive and thankful! I've been feeling quite ill with mild OHSS for the past few days (quite a lot of bloating and much reduced appetite). I had heard that they often cancel a fresh transfer if you have OHSS, because pregnancy would make it worse, but the doctor decided it counted as mild enough for me to go ahead so I was relieved. Now just taking it easy and hoping for the best, while also being realistic.

Re your questions, the trigger injection timing varies depending on your response but is usually sometime between day 9 and 13 I believe (with first day of AF being number 1). So mine was on the early side at day 9. And nope, no pain at all for the egg collection. I'm sure it would have hurt a fair bit if I was awake, but I was not aware at all, and all I had when I came round was a bit of mild cramping for half hour or so - no worse than AF. So I would say these past couple of days have actually been the worst part of the whole thing - although bloat doesn't sound too bad, it's pretty unpleasant! And a bit ironic to look so pregnant at this stage haha...

Hope you're doing ok xx

Hey @Jh2019 x No worries at all.

I'm pleased to hear you got 5 and one transferred today. Although sorry to hear it's grading is low. However, it doesn't mean it won't work and try to think on the positive side that at least you've had one transferred so the chance is still there. I know it's easier said than done to think positively though. I have my fingers crossed that it sticks and you're sharing happy news soon. I also hope you get at least one which can be frozen so you have another option there. Keep me updated on progress and I hope the two week wait until testing doesn't go too slowly.

Sorry to hear you're suffering with OHSS. It doesn't sound pleasant at all. I hope you're feeling better soon

It's good you responded so well that you were on the early side. Less medication is always a bonus. It's fab that you didn't feel a thing during the extraction too. I hope I get as lucky in that sense.

Did you and your other half do any preparation before starting the treatment? E.g. cutting out alcohol.

I'm doing ok, thanks. Just in the TWW with AF due next Wednesday. Feeling quite relaxed at the minute. I have lots of plans over the coming weeks so I feel like it's occupying my mind.

x

Thank you, really appreciate the well wishes and will definitely try my best to keep positive

Yes we did make a bit of an effort these past few months - didn't cut out alcohol completely, but cut down substantially, tried to follow a meditteranean diet as much as possible, and took a few new vitamins (extra vitamin D, omega 3, and ubiquinol [q10] - which is horribly expensive!). OH also stopped having baths. Who knows if any of it contributed! Though he did at least have much better readings for his sample, with his count about doubled and higher motility, so it seemed to make some difference. He's back on the whisky and baths now

Really pleased to hear you're relaxed and have a lot going on, that's great - definitely better now with restrictions lifting! Enjoy getting out and about in the next few weeks xx

Hey @Jh2019

How's the TWW going? Are you feeling better from the OHSS now?

I was hoping to try a few lifestyle changes on the lead up to treatment too. I feel it may be quite difficult if treatment is in September like they suggested. Mainly cutting out alcohol due to different plans we have over the next few months. But hopefully we manage to cut down a little. I was also thinking about taking some extra vitamins. Haha. I bet he's pleased to be back on it

Yes, it's lovely being able to get out and about. Especially in the sunshine we've had these past few days. I'm just waiting on the arrival of AF in the next day or so. Not holding out much hope as usual. Tomorrow is the 2 year mark from having my implant removed. I feel like it seems such a worrying milestone but I'm trying my best not to worry about it too much

Xx

Hey @LSL0708, unfortunately found out on Thursday this cycle has failed Was kind of expecting it but obviously still has hit us very hard. I realise I didn't update you for a while - basically none of our other embryos made it to freezing, so we just had this once chance, and I'm finding that hard to deal with as it means back to square one. It was all a bit of a shock going from 21 eggs to just one low-quality embryo, I'm worried that it indicates a general problem with my egg quality that might explain why we've struggled so far. The clinic will discuss our case in their meeting on Wednesday and I think we'll see what they say and go from there. Just trying to stay distracted and enjoy the sun and a few drinks for now. Have just returned from a lovely week away with the family - we were so lucky to be able to enjoy this great weather, and although the news obviously put a dampener on the last part of the holiday, it was better to be in that environment rather than at work.

The 2-year mark must be a tough milestone, I'm sorry you're having to deal with that - try not to focus on it too much, and hope you're able to keep looking forward as the start of your treatment edges closer.

I know what you mean about the lifestyle changes - part of you wants to try everything you can, but at the same time, life is for living and you shouldn't have to deprive yourself of drinking at social events when it's not even clear that it makes a big difference! I guess it's about moderation, that's how I try to see it - am going to go back to allowing myself a few guilt-free drinks at the weekends and just keep as healthy as possible during the week. Take care and sending you best wishes as always xx

Hey @Jh2019
Sorry for the late reply.

I'm so sorry to hear your news I can imagine how hard it must be. All of your hopes would have been pinned on this (as mine will be) so to have it fail will be such a blow. Sending hugs x

How are you feeling now? Did you get any more answers from your meeting on Wednesday regarding egg quality etc? What are your next steps?

I'm pleased you still managed to enjoy a week away with family and you had something to keep you busy and occupy your mind after the bad news.

I've managed to push the 2 year mark out of mind. It might be because I've had such a busy week. But whatever it is, I'm glad it's not bringing me down. AF arrived last week, which was a tough blow like usual. Just trying to remain positive.

You're totally right about the lifestyle changes. I said this to DP a few days ago. We're already going through such a tough time, why make things even harder by not enjoying the things we like?! Like you say, we should be able to have a drink without feeling guilty about it.

I hope you enjoy a few guilt free drinks in the sun this weekend x

Hey @LSL0708 - sorry it's been such a long time since my last message here! I was wondering how you're getting on, and whether you've been able to go ahead with your first IVF attempt yet? I remember you were hoping for September. Sending all good wishes your way x

Hey @Jh2019
No worries. It's lovely to hear from you. How have you been?
We have our consultant appointment on Wednesday so hoping we'll start our first cycle soon. Feeling excited but also really nervous. Trying to stay as positive as possible xx

Hi @LSL0708, oh that's great that you have your appointment on Wednesday - I hope it goes well and that you can get started soon after! Completely natural to be nervous, it's a daunting process but you've got this I've tried to approach it as an exciting chance to finally have the odds much more in your favour than a 'normal' month trying. And you'll find you get into the swing of the meds and scans once you get going, helps to just take it day by day

I've been ok thanks, I found it tough to bounce back after my failed cycle back in May/June but have pressed on and also had some counselling which has been helpful. We actually went through our second cycle last month - it ended up being a 'freeze all' because I was at risk of OHSS, but I'm pleased to say we now have 3 embryos frozen so that was a relief. They're still not considered top quality - two day 5 (blastocysts) at relatively low grade and one day 3 (which generally has a lower chance of success) - but it's an improvement on last time and the fact we have 3 gives me a little hope. I'm going for a consultation tomorrow to find out how the frozen cycle works and hopefully can then get started with the first embryo in a few weeks time.

All the best and let me know how it goes with the consultant xx

Hey @Jh2019

I'm sorry to hear you struggled after the first cycle. It's totally understandable and a big worry I have if ours doesn't work. I'm glad to hear the counselling helped though and that you've pushed on to have another cycle! I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to. I find it's difficult to talk to people who haven't experienced infertility as they don't understand the mental strain it puts on you. Fingers crossed this is the lucky cycle. 3 chances is definitely a positive outcome! How did your appointment go? Do you know when you'll have your first FET? Is this with the same clinic as last time, or is this your first NHS cycle?

We had our consultation yesterday and are ready to start down regulation meds on 1st November. All of my test results (AMH etc.) came back normal and DPs count had improved massively (from 11m to 27m ). However still a slightly low morphology of 3% and motility has dropped below average. So they have made the decision to see how his sample is on the day as to whether we go down the standard IVF route or ICSI. We're on the long protocol, which is what our clinic uses in most cases. If all goes to plan Christmas Day will be testing day! So it could be the best or worst Christmas present we've ever received. Just feeling excited to get going now!xx

Thank you @LSL0708 that means a lot Absolutely, it's really hard for people who've not been through it to fully understand...my friends are really sympathetic but they are one by one falling pregnant and that can be so hard to deal with.

That all sounds really positive, glad the consultation went well and you can get started soon! 1st Nov will be here before you know it I have everything crossed for an amazing Christmas present for you, keep me posted on how it all goes - I don't have experience of the downregulation but I guess the later parts will be similar so happy to help with any questions around that too. Great news about your results and the improved sperm count! That's similar to what my DH had on our egg collection day this time. Did he make any lifestyle changes that you think might have helped to improve it? Good to have ICSI as a back-up just in case.

My appointment went well thanks - we are all set to go with this next cycle, I'm doing a medicated one so will be starting oestrogen pills in a few days time and then adding progesterone pessaries a bit later. The transfer itself will be in around 3 weeks! There is a bit of a decision to be made around which embryo to use first, but we are giving that a little more thought. Yep we are with the same clinic this time - we did plan to wait for the NHS but then various things swayed us towards one more shot with this clinic. It is a little stressful with the costs, but on balance I think it was the right decision at the time and if this doesn't work we do at least still have the NHS go afterwards.

All the best and catch up again soon xx

Hey @Jh2019 x Sorry it's taken a while to get back to you. Things have been non-stop with work etc. I suppose it helps to keep my mind busy though.

I totally agree and I think sometimes, although they mean well, they don't realise the things that they say don't help. One of my friends had a little boy yesterday and another is due in January. It's tough but I'm trying to stay strong and focus on myself. I hope you're managing to do the same.

1st November is fast approaching. AF is due in a couple of days so no doubt it'll be a low week but at least we have the start of our cycle to focus on. Thank you for the offer. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions. And thank you for the well wishes. I'll keep you updated throughout.

We have cut down on alcohol a little bit but haven't cut it out completely and he started taking a multivitamin a couple of month ago. So no major changes. But we're carrying on with them just in case they are the reason.

How is your cycle going? Is the transfer still planned for around a weeks time? Any decisions been made about the embryo?

I have everything crossed that this goes well for you and you don't need it but it is good to know you have the NHS as a back up. How many NHS cycles are you entitled to?xx

Hey @LSL0708, not long to go now - under a week until you get started! How are you feeling? AF is never welcome, but if it has arrived, hope that you've found it slightly easier to accept this time with the treatment to focus on - it definitely felt that way for me. I don't know much about the downregulation process, what are the meds that you start off with?

I had my check-up scan yesterday after a week of the oestrogen and all was looking good, so I'm booked in for my transfer next Wednesday which is exciting! We decided to go with our best day 5 embryo first and leave the day 3 one frozen for now. Other option would have been to thaw the day 3 and let it develop to day 5 to see if it is a better quality one, with the existing day 5 ones as a back-up, but I don't think I'm mentally ready to potentially lose one at this stage (if it turned out it was one that didn't have the potential to reach day 5). Yep it's definitely good to have the NHS cycle in reserve still, we're entitled to one try - is that the same in your area?

Wishing you all the best as always! xx

Hey @Jh2019

Thanks for the well wishes! AF did arrive and I have officially started treatment. Feeling very emotional. It seems to have taken so long to get to this point that it feels a bit surreal that we've eventually started.
For down regulation I'm taking Synarel nasal spray. I chose the nasal spray to reduce the amount of injections I would be doing. I take the spray up until my baseline scan on 23rd November. The scan will check that my womb lining has thinned out and if it has I'll be ready to start stims. Down regulation mirrors menopause so I can potentially get all symptoms associated with that and I should have a bleed at some point in the next few weeks. So we'll see how it goes and let's hope I get little to no symptoms.

I'm glad your scan went well. How are you feeling for the transfer on Wednesday? I think you've made a good decision in relation to your embryos and I have everything crossed that this one sticks and you're sharing happy news soon. I hope the transfer goes ok!

We get 3 NHS cycles - I feel very lucky! It's terrible that people are treated differently based upon the area they live in.

As always, keep me updated on progress and I'm sending lots of baby dust your way xx

Hey @LSL0708, I'm so pleased for you that you've started on your treatment! Yes it does feel emotional doesn't it, it's momentous to be able to finally take some positive action, after so long of what feels like fruitless trying the natural way. I'm sending all my positive vibes and hoping that you don't suffer from some of the more unpleasant symptoms - how are you feeling so far? I guess at least once you get started on the stims the menopause-type stuff should go away in any case . It's great that you have 3 cycles on the NHS! Can't deny being a little jealous of that, and I agree it's crazy that it differs across the country - but really pleased it's a good situation for you, it must take the pressure off a lot

I'm pleased to report all went as well as it could on Wednesday! Our embryo survived the thaw, which was a huge relief as that was my main worry, and the transfer itself was fine - a little uncomfortable but nothing major. Now just the nervous wait...I'm feeling in good shape, and trying to maintain a 'positive but realistic' mindset - easier said than done! I know that with our embryo grade the odds aren't great, but equally they wouldn't transfer it if it didn't have a chance so I keep telling myself that. Blood test day is a week on Monday, but I'll take a home test at the weekend just before as I'd rather have time for it to sink in before the working week.

Happy weekend, look forward to catching up again soon and hearing how you get on! xx

Hey @Jh2019

Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you.

I'm pleased all went well with your transfer and hope the 2WW wasn't too torturous for you. From your last message I think test day would have been Monday. I really do hope you received some happy news and you're feeling on top of the world. If it wasn't the positive outcome you hoped for I hope you're doing as well as you can be and I'm sending lots of love xx

I've felt ok on the down regulation meds. Just very bloated! Currently having a bleed which I'm hoping means I'll be on track to start stims when I go for my baseline scan on Tuesday.

Three cycles on the NHS is great. I'm also very lucky in that our closest NHS clinic is only 10 minutes away and is placed in the top 10 infertility clinics in the country. So I do feel extremely grateful. I can't believe it differs throughout the country. It's so unfair! Everyone should be entitled to the same treatment.

Looking forward to an update from you x

Hi @LSL0708, sorry for the delay in replying - it was bad news again for us unfortunately so have just been coming to terms with that

It's been a tough time, and have been feeling quite pessimistic about our next steps because that was our 'best chance' embryo, but feeling a bit better the past few days and trying to pick myself up and look ahead again. We can try again in mid-January, and they've suggested trying a 'natural' cycle - using my natural hormones and just a bit of progesterone support, then putting the frozen embryo in at the appropriate time after ovulation. For now, I guess we'll just try and enjoy Christmas, have a couple of non-IVF months hoping for a 'natural' miracle, and be ready to go again in the New Year.

Glad that you've been feeling generally ok! Bloating is no fun though, I hope that doesn't get any worse for you. How was your baseline scan this week? Hoping all is looking good and you're on track to start your stims - let me know! I know it can be quite nerve-wracking starting injections for the first time, but you'll find once you've done a couple it's not so bad. I'm so pleased you have a few NHS cycles, and that you're lucky to be near a good clinic - that's great and really helps your chances Look forward to hearing how it's going for you xx

Hi @Jh2019
I'm so sorry to hear that it was bad news again. I'm sending lots of hugs your way. How are you doing now?
I can imagine it's hard to pick yourself up and think about moving forward. Mid-January isn't too far away and with the busy Christmas period it will be here before you know it. It will be hard but try your best to enjoy Christmas and like you say you might just get a natural miracle xx

Things have moved on quite a bit since my last message. My baseline scan went great. My womb lining was perfect so I started stims on 26th November. I had a stims scan yesterday morning which showed I had 12 good sized follicles so we did our trigger injection last night in preparation for egg collection on Wednesday morning.
All in all the injections weren't too bad and other than more bloating I haven't really had any side effects. I'm really nervous about tomorrow's egg collection but just telling myself it will (hopefully) all be worth it xx

Hi @LSL0708, that’s great news! I’m so pleased that all has gone well for you so far, how exciting that it’s time for egg collection well done on getting through the injections, they’re not so bad are they once you get used to it. I’m sending you all the best for tomorrow, will be thinking of you - it’s a big day for sure, but you’ll be absolutely fine and won’t feel a thing with the sedation. I actually quite enjoyed being sent off to a deep sleep! It’s what this has all been building towards, so give yourself a big pat on the back, put your feet up afterwards and make sure your partner waits on you nicely

Things have taken an unexpected turn for me, it’s been a rollercoaster couple of weeks, on again and off again, but the upshot is I’m somehow now having a frozen transfer on Thursday! Really pleased to be going ahead earlier, though a bit of a shock…means we’ll be going through some of the 2WW together (assuming you’re going ahead with fresh transfer?)

All the very best for tomorrow, look forward to hearing an update when you’re ready. I know it can be so nerve wracking though waiting for the phone calls and getting over each hurdle, so of course understand if you need to take some space - but I’m here for you as and when! Xx

Thank you @Jh2019 I know! I can't believe it it is happening today. I'm so nervous. Absolutely dreading it. I'm so pleased you said you didn't feel anything and were in a deep sleep because that's exactly what I'm hoping for. I've planned an afternoon of Christmas movies on the sofa. Where he can wait on me hand and foot. Haha.

Aw that is excellent news! I'm so pleased for you. I hope the transfer goes well and wishing you all the best for tomorrow. Keep me updated on how it goes.

Aiming for a fresh transfer, as long as we get some embryos. That's my worry at the moment. That we end up with nothing to transfer. But fingers crossed it all goes well. It will be good to have someone to share the TWW with. We can support each other through what I can imagine is torture.

Thanks again for your support and well wishes. Please know that I am here whenever you need xx

Just a little update on today @Jh2019

The procedure itself wasn't too bad. I wasn't in a deep sleep and could feel a bit of pain but nothing excruciating.

They collected 7 eggs. I left the clinic feeling very disheartened and upset. But I've had a word with myself and am adopting the mindset that it's about quality not quantity. We could still get some embryos from those 7. We are going down the ICSI route so expect a phone call in the morning to let us know how fertilisation has gone.

Keeping our fingers crossed for some good news xx

Hi @LSL0708, so pleased all went well for you and wasn’t too painful. That’s great you got 7 eggs! I know it may not sound lots, but you’re so right it’s quality over quantity. That old cliche of ‘it only takes one’ is very true in this context. I’ve read many stories of people with single figures in terms of eggs going on to get a few blastocysts and a BFP. Well done on keeping positive it’s the hardest time waiting for the phone calls, thinking of you and I have everything crossed for a good fertilisation update for you xx

Thanks for the well wishes @Jh2019 it means a lot I've spent most of my evening reading various threads finding positive stories where people have had 7 (or fewer) eggs collected. So it's helping me remain a bit more positive. Although I'm dreading the phone call tomorrow morning and the next 4 days before transfer.

I hope all goes well with your transfer tomorrow. Keep me updated xx

Hope you’ve had some good news today @LSL0708, been thinking of you.

Transfer went well thanks, home and back in the warm now we took the plunge of thawing out our day 3 and seeing if it made it to day 5 (today), and it did, with a grading higher than either of our previous ones, so really pleased with that…trying not to get my hopes too high but feeling more optimistic than before.

Fingers crossed for you and look forward to hearing from you when you’re ready xx

Hey @Jh2019 I'm so pleased your transfer went well and that your day 3 made it to day 5. What was the grading if you don't mind me asking? I have everything crossed for you that this one sticks. Is testing day on the 22nd?

We got some great news yesterday. Of the 7 eggs, 6 were suitable for injecting and 5 have fertilised. So I'm absolutely over the moon. Transfer is booked in for Monday so it's still a long wait but I'm feeling more optimistic now.

Keep me updated with how you're getting on in the TWW. I hope it isn't too torturous for you xx