IVF cycle 2 - when to start?

[Holothewise]

Hi, just looking for a bit of advice/experiences.

Our first IVF cycle failed in June, we've had a follow up with our consultant who has told us we can start cycle 2 with my next AF or the following month if we prefer.

As much as I would like to get going again asap I am worried that I won't have given my body enough time to recover from the previous cycle and that I could be hindering my chances. Just wondering what other ladies have done - start again straight away or wait a bit longer? My consultant says there's no recommendation, it's just down to our personal preference.

Cycle 2 would be another fresh cycle as we have one blastocyst in the freezer and I would like to try and increase that number if I can.

Thanks in advance

Hi, so sorry about your failed cycle I also had a failed fresh in June. I'm starting a FET in about a weeks time. So I had my AF upon failed cycle, then will be starting on the next cycle. I don't think there's any harm in going ahead, just depends emotionally how you feel. From what I've read it seems you only need to wait a few extra cycles following a miscarriage or if you want to do a natural FET. Wishing you all the best xx

Thank you for your reply Scottish, I'm so sorry about your failed cycle too . It's a rough old ride isn't it?
I think I'm emotionally ready for it again, and I think I ovulated this month so I guess my body is ready too. Maybe I'll just wait and see how I feel when this AF turns up.

Good luck for your FET, hope everything goes well

Hi,
I had a failed fresh cycle in June too. Sucks. I was told I could start on next bleed which is now but after my review it sounds like I have egg quality issues. I have therefore decided to take 3 months out to take supplements before I have my second cycle. Then I can be emotionally and physically ready hopefully! Good luck xx

Lily - what supplements have been recommended/ are you taking?

Hi Physicskate,

A long list:

ubiquinol COQ10 300mg
Vitamin B 50 Complex
Royal Jelly
Pregnacare
Omega 3
Shatavari
Maca
Extra vitamin D
Extra vitamin C - at least 500mg

I'm going to start DHEA too - but there are some women it's not suitable for apparently so that's one to check with a doctor. It's a Hormone.
All the others are from my own research and recommended from friends that have also done IVF and were advised what to take.
I just read It Starts With The Egg which gives really good insight into what to take and also diet etc.

I'm rattling!

What about you?

Holo my first cycle failed in April. I waited for one "normal" period after the failure period and then had a second fresh cycle. My OTD isn't till Fri but I had a bfp on Monday when I tested early because I started spotting. Sadly I'm full on bleeding now so guessing it's a chemical. Not a positive story I'm afraid but the good news is you can definitely go again if you're mentally ready. My second round embryos were better quality - more reached blasts - so no downside I experienced. Good luck!!

Thank you for your replies ladies. Lily and geeup I'm so sorry things haven't worked out for you both yet. Crossing my fingers for successful future cycles for you both .

I feel a bit better about just going for it next cycle now. Just have to wait for AF to turn up! My consultant wants to throw in steroids to help with implantation this time as apparently last cycle everything went great until the embryo was given back to me! Anyone have any experience of steroids?

Hey Geeup - sorry about your CP :(
Did they do anything differently for the second cycle to get better quality? Change drugs etc?

Haven't tried steroids I'm afraid although I'd try anything! Are you private? My NHS clinic won't give them
Only thing we changed this cycle was I had the scratch before this cycle and they increased my drugs from the start (first cycle we increased half way through as I wasn't responding).

If your eggs are totally healthy then all it boils down to is your state of mind. If you feel ready to try again go ahead and do. It would not hurt to try some of the supplements that have proven to help before though. I am rooting for everyone here, one step at a time and we are going to get there!

geeup No I'm NHS too, although my clinic is private but they see NHS patients. It's strange how the protocols differ so wildly from clinic to clinic. The steroid treatment is not an evidence based therapy, I guess that's why NHS clinics won't prescribe it. I'll probably get a bill from the CCG! My consultant says he's had a lot of success with it so I suppose it's worth a go, even if the dosing is weird and funky .