IVF add on treatments

[Gillywater]

Sorry if this is repeating previous topics, but I am about to start round 1 of ivf and I was asked about the endo scratch and embryo glue today. It was mentioned before, but we thought we wouldn't try this time (as you can see, I'm already planning ahead....) but now I'm wobbling. I'm almost 38, AMH is ok ish, high ish FSH, endo and OH has variable motility, so we might have ICSI. We're every clinics dream......

This round is NHS funded but additional treatment is obviously extra. I don't mind paying- but also don't see the point if it's not going to work.

I've checked this website: www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/treatment-add-ons/

Plus, I've read about the recent endo scratch study that basically said the previous studies were poorly designed and it makes no difference to pregnancy or birth rates. Some clinics eg.Bath aren't even recommending it anymore apparently. My clinic is supposed to be one of the best in the area, so I'm wondering why they are still recommending it.

Anyway, would be really useful to hear opinions- both for & against. I also don't like pain, I've just had enough of it due to the endo, so if it hurts- please say so!

Hi Rubyboots7
I don't think the research/evidence breaks it down to that level of detail- or at least I haven't found research papers that have. There are so many variables to factor in, and you're right about it being vague & experimental. It is certainly not an exact science.

We have one funded cycle (which includes frozen transfers if we are lucky enough to get to that point). It's a shame we don't have funding for the recommended 3 cycles, as it would feel less pressured. As it is, we feel that we have to throw everything at it. Good to hear the scratch might not be too painful!

Gillywater my clinic was really against the scratch for me which left me a bit peeved at the time, my consultant explained that when the scratch occurs, you are causing an injury to your body and as with any other injury, your body starts producing antibodies etc to work into fixing the issues, this can further lead to additional issues when trying to implant etc

I was told the scratch could cause infection so not to have

We did have glue on 2nd cycle. With 3 implanted. All 3 failed

I would do glue over scratch

Time imaging is costly - tho relative when paying for ivf anyway

Yes you can use the better developed embroyo

Tho again I’m cycle 3 we had the top embryo transfered - failed

4th was next grade still high and think day 6. Failed

5th was 3rd best out of that cycle and that was the one that implanted. No glue. No scratch tho did have an era previously which hinted I needed more progynova tho took for longer

Will never know if that’s why 5th was successful after 4 failures

But obv overjoyed ivf finally worked

Dd is 2 in 2w