Another failed transfer, collapsed embryo and fertility massage?

[Dot457]

Hello. Sorry for the long subject line, just wanted to grab attention from those who might be able to help.

Yesterday it was confirmed that our 3rd transfer (2nd frozen transfer) had failed again. We have no more frozen left so it does mean we’ll have to have another round of IVF.

When I had my last two frozen transfers, the embryologist advised that they had collapsed when taking them out of the freezer. These were on two separate occasions as I can’t have a double transfer. Obviously this sounds a bit scary, but after speaking to them and researching, they said it’s part of the development stage and nothing to worry about? Has anyone else experienced this and could this be a factor? It has played on my mind on both transfers ever since they told me.

Also, I have lost the thread but I saw someone advise another lady on here about getting a lymphonic massage before or during IVF. I know for a fact ive got that name wrong, could someone enlighten me on what I’m referring to please? When I was reading the thread both women said it helped them with hormone balance and more eggs. So I’m thinking I’ve got nothing to lose in giving it a go for our next round.

Thank you xx

I'm so sorry to hear about the outcome of your first IVF cycle- it's heartbreaking.

I don't know much about fertility massage but I think if you can afford it, alternative treatments (and supplements) can give you the feeling of having some positive influence on a process that is ultimately completely out of your control. If it doesn't cause harm- then why not?

We found out that our embryo had collapsed right before our last transfer. I knew there was something wrong when the embryologist asked if we wanted to see it on the screen when normally it's just there and everyone says it looks great. It looked terrible (my partner said it looked like a squatted fly). Like you I was told it's absolutely fine and part of the normal process but I have my doubts. The embryo did implant but I had an early miscarriage soon after. I looked at research and found some sources which made a connection between how embryos respond to being defrosted and what this means in terms of them being genetically correct. It was suggested that if embryos are slower to defrost or collapse during the process they are more likely to be genetically abnormal. This is not always the case and as such you cannot simply get rid of an embryo because they may still be perfectly fine. Interestingly, if embryo are PGS tested it absolutely doesn't matter if they collapse.

Ultimately ivf is a numbers game and it is good you can try another round. I did three and each round has been so different. I've not had success yet but I do really think that the complete fertilisation failure during my second round was due to a lab failure. Perhaps in your case there was a tiny discrepancy during the freezing process which means both your embryos were slightly damaged. I'm only saying this because fertility clinics are so quick to claim everything on bad egg quality. Professor Winston who was fundamental in developing Ivf points out that technically the process isn't flawless. Of course human mistakes can be made but for us patients these have huge consequences. For that reason he suggests to try at least 4 to 5 rounds.

Take care and good luck with everything xxx

Hello @Matilda128 - thanks so much for replying. Sorry I haven't replied until now!

I'm so sorry to hear about your miscarriage, I really hope you are healing from that. It's a relief to know I'm not the only one with a collapsed embryo! It's honestly baffled me how they can say it's nothing to worry about but then you have found information that actually, it is something to worry about! I really like my clinic but I'm so scared of this happening again.

Thank you so much for sharing that info, you have done your homework! I get so confused with all the information that my brain just doesn't process it. May I ask which clinic you were with or which clinic you would go with in the future? I'm thinking of changing but it's hard because I do really like them.

Thanks Matilda, take care and good luck too! xxx