IVF and reoccurring miscarriages...would you risk it?

[NZmum40]

Hi all

So I had my first IVF consult today and have come away feeling confused.

I have had 3 losses this year (early miscarriage and chemicals) so there is a history of failure to stick.

The cost for IVF in NZ is just a smidge under $15,000 for one treatment.

Judging by my numbers the doctor said there was a 50% chance of retrieving 6 eggs and he guesstimated we might end up with 2-3 embryos from that.
He felt I had a 40% chance of having a baby from this cycle, however it might take further transfers of the remaining embryos (obviously he didn't flat out guarantee this but it's the impression he gave)

Each additional transfer of the remaining embryos (hopefully more than 1 remains!) is a further $2,500.

There is nothing that can be done to reduce my chance of miscarrying.
He said due to the low number of eggs estimated to be retrieved they wouldn't reccomend testing them for deficiencies and thus potentially discarding some (they only advise this if 6+ eggs and you can afford to be picky!)

Under these circumstances, and the fact we can really only afford 1 cycle + a few extra embryos transfers, would you commit to IVF?

My amh is 4.9 and I am 40 years old.

Any advise or feedback much appreciated

Nothing is guaranteed for IVF but if it's something you want you will forever regret it if you don't try. If it doesn't work it will be absolutely devastating but there are so many success stories as well. But if you want to have your own baby you can't deny yourself the chance to try.

@Asherline that's how I'm feeling at the moment...I'll forever wonder 'what if' if we don't take this chance.
Its like the lottery only worse!

I have recurrent miscarriages and have just done a round of ivf as we struggled to conceive after my 4th loss last October and had my 5th loss last month. But before I started the ivf I had lots of tests to try and identify a cause for the losses. I've been found to have an overactive immune system, so I need an immune protocol with steroids, amongst other things. But my loss after the ivf was unrelated to the immune stuff and my doctors think it is due to my lining, so I'm doing more tests before I transfer a frozen embryo.

I would recommend getting additional tests such as your thyroid, vitamin D, lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid syndrome as a starting point. You can also genetically test the embryos but I'm simular to you on that my amh is only 5 and we only got 3 embryos but they were all good quality blastocysts. I've had a previous loss tested and he was chromosomally normal and my recurrent miscarriage specialist doesn't believe that our losses are due to chromosomes.

Best wishes x

@VenusStarr this is very helpful thank you!
In regards to all the additional testing...did you have to push for this yourself or did your fertility clinic help you with it?

The one I've talked to didn't mention anything about additional testing to try and identify why I have been losing my pregnancies.
I'm happy to approach my doctor and request the tests separately if need be.

There are all sorts of further treatments and protocols which can be used if the losses are related to a particular reason. I would research repeat miscarriage specialists in your area. They can often prescribe/use protocols alongside ivf treatment. I was also treated for immune using intralipids, steroids, blood thinners. I had multiple ivf miscarriage/failures.

I’m not sure IVF is right for you. You’re getting pregnant (the bit IVF solves). You need a miscarriage specialist to help you investigate why you’re having losses and how you can prevent them.

@NZmum40 my tests were done separately from my ivf clinic.

@AvantGardening @VenusStarr @Bordernotboarder I don't know WHY I haven't thought about finding a reoccurring miscarriage specialist before! 🤦🏼‍♀️
That is great advice thank you...I've googled and it looks like there is one in my area so I'm going to touch with them tomorrow to see what's involved.
I feel like I've taken a step forward!

Glad you've found a specialist, I hope you can get some answers @NZmum40

That’s great news. Unless there is a chromosome issue, you are better off putting the money into a recurrent mc specialist as you seem to be able to get pregnant ok. Best of luck.