IVF - 2 failed rounds

[skot]

Hi. apologies in advance for such a long post :(

just underwent my 2nd round of IVF. Got a BFP last week but with a really low HCG. And lots of cramping. Initially, HCG was doubling slowly but this Wednesday it dropped by almost half. The EPU said it's a failing pregnancy, hoping for a natural miscarriage. Have to go for a repeat blood test next Wednesday

While I am waiting for AF / MC, also thinking about next steps. As am not ready to give up yet.

We were with ABC; I can't flaw them at all. However, I am wondering should we go with them again or find another clinic or try abroad.

Most importantly, what are the questions that we should be asking this time?

They transferred an 8 cell grade 1 embryo on day 3. According to them it was top quality. We were hoping for a better result this time.
I have thyroid problem as well, but just before treatment started it was under control.

Is there anything more that can be done after embryo transfer?

Should we be getting any tests done before next round?

There must be something that we are missing i.e. something wrong somewhere due to which i am not able to conceive. But I am not sure how to find the right answer or what questions should i be asking now.

I'm sure it will be fine @PineappleC You will have to let us know how you get on. Hopefully, it will be all clear.

@skot I had a weird 2nd period brought on by stopping the progesterone. My cycle was about 5 days longer I think because in my case by hcg stalled for a week or so and then continued to drop. I didn't want to get caught out so I did opks when I started to see ewcm. My luteal phase was as usual.

@SpyroC I will do! Yes fingers crossed for the all clear, it'd be a nice one to tick off! X

@SpyroC - Good luck 🤞

@SpyroC @PineappleC - Thank you, I am still waiting for periods, hopefully soon.
My IVF clinic said that until I have 3 failed IVF cycles / missed carriages they don't do any immune testing here. Same answer from my GP. But I reminded them about failed natural cycle + 2 failed IVFs. It's 3 with proofs. Hopefully they will recommend some tests now.

@SpyroC Hysteroscopy yesterday. It was fine. Only after-effects have been a sore throat (breathing tube from the GA) and some light period-like cramps (from the biopsy). Bad night's sleep too, but I think this was mainly the sore throat and the "afternoon nap" iyswim 😅

Consultant said all looked good, lining great, no structural issues or cysts or anything. 90% of me is very relieved, the other 10% was holding out for an easily fixable "answer"! Obviously the biopsy may prove otherwise but that won't be back for a week or two.

So, if you are thinking of having one, I know everyone reacts differently to stuff but as a procedure it was fine for me. Hope this helps 😊

Hi @PineappleC I see you are having issues with progesterone - I had similar. 1st transfer I was on two cyclogest pessaries and got period around day 7. 2nd transfer i was on 1 pessary and 1 prolutex which is an injection into stomach. I added another pessary when I started to spot day 7 and it held off but got my period on day 12 while still on all meds.

My consultant has said he will increase me to 2 prolutex and it ‘should be ok’ they also begrudgingly said they would test my progesterone. He mentioned very painful injections into thigh of progesterone in oil but did only marginal benefit

Is this what you guys are on re lubion? I feel like I should go for most painful just in case there’s a bit more benefit.

@likeafriendivealwaysknown I was on Prontogest but think it's similar to Lubion from what others have said. Yes it is in oil, but goes into your bum muscle. It made a massive difference to me (albeit too late) but the key is to keep testing! I hope the injections help you 😊

I think I am going to go with a natural cycle next time. There's nothing wrong with my own hormones and I am just so fed up of pumping my body full of stuff when it seems to give such a worse result than what is get naturally 🤷‍♀️