Expected number of viable blastocysts using DE

[Eiremogra]

Hi all, we are using Instituto Bernabeu in Alicante for treatment. I wanted to ask opinions/thoughts on expected number of viable blastocysts when using DE. We had 11 eggs collected and all were fertilised. We are VERY disappointed to learn today that only one Grade B blastocyst was viable for transfer (I’m currently 2DP5DT). I find this staggering given the expectation and really the only reason we had for DE treatment was because of the supposed benefits of having lots of healthy good quality blasts. We are now waiting to test with no back up plan. We had thought that we would have several additional blasts to freeze which we could rely on if this round hadn’t worked. I’m gutted tbh and so so disappointed. This leaves me feeling so pressured and I’m dreading the test result next week because if it hasn’t worked,it really is the end of the line for us x

Hi, sorry I don’t have any direct experience of this but didn’t want to read and run. I think expectations around blastocysts are on of the biggest myths in IVF. It feels like everybody has loads to freeze but I think in reality that’s pretty rare and most get one to transfer and maybe one more to freeze. Our clinic said a standard set of donor eggs is 6 because research shows that’s how many you need to get a blastocyst to transfer. So I guess from that you maybe could have expected 2 but I don’t think you’re way off. Wishing you the best of luck, hopefully this one is all you need!

I think the rough general rule of thumb is he clinic gave me was to assume half to two-thirds of eggs collected fertilise, then half to two-thirds make it to blastocyst stage.

My ropey old eggs seemed to roughly achieve this (but then ended in miscarriage). If I was using donor eggs I'd definitely expect them to fall within this range. If I was in your shoes I think I'd feel equally as disappointed.

We had frozen eggs from the London Egg Bank - there were 7 - 6 made good quality blastocysts, and I am currently 30 weeks with the second one transferred (the first one was a miscarriage at 8 weeks) - I don’t know if we’re lucky but we are happy with the outcome

I’m really sorry to hear of your disappointment. I do so hope it all works out for you (as it very well still could - I’ve lost count of the number of cases I’ve heard like yours which resulted in a healthy baby). I do think you’ve been unlucky. As mentioned above, donor eggs are typically sold in lots of 6 as that’s how many are needed on average for a good quality blastocyst. Unfortunately it’s always a gamble to an extent though. My first DE cycle resulted in nothing to transfer from 19 eggs.

Back in 2014 at IVI Alicante we had 8 donor eggs that defrosted from 10, one transferred as a day 3 embryo and 2 made it to day 5 and were frozen. I didn't get pregnant with the day 3 embryo but we had another go with one of the day 5s. He's currently at school, getting ready for his dance class! It's quality not quantity.

Thanks @Cutesbabasmummy - this is lovely to hear xx

@Eiremogra best of luck, lovely! It's a bloody tough journey xxx

Yes. This happened to me. Flew to Spain,arrived in clinic and was told only one blastocyst made it. My heart sank.I absolutely understand what a blow it is. I did fall pregnant but had an early miscarriage. The clinic knocked 50% off the price for second round. To be honest, I’d lost all faith in the clinic but it couldn’t face starting the process with another clinic. I requested another donor. This time, we had 4 great quality blastocysts.I now have a baby girl and 3 in the freezer.

Thank you for this @Florence329 - I couldn’t process it tbh. So happy for your outcome - lovely story but what a tough journey! xx

I have my fingers crossed for you. I am more than happy for you to private message me if you need to.

Not sure how true this is but our clinic told us that more eggs could equal fewer blasts and that you actually want a smaller number of better quality eggs rather than a larger number of eggs.