Unexplained infertility at 29

[Llewellyn91]

Hi there - first time using Mumsnet after reading lots of threads so hoping maybe someone might have some advice/ similar experience?

I’m 29, have no health issues (partner same) regular periods etc. Came off the pill 3/4 years ago and wasn’t getting pregnant.

Tests done at Homerton fertility clinic - everything came back fine. Sperm test fine, I had a laparoscopy - all fine.

I’ve just failed my second transfer. First fresh cycle produced 9 eggs, 5 fertilised and 3 were top quality I was told (they kept going on about how great they were). So implanted one and froze two. First round failed.

Have just found out my second round failed - I was taking cyclogest and progynova.

I now have one go left on the NHS with this last frozen supposedly top quality embryo but I just don’t know why it’s not working - and I’m not convinced doing the same thing again and hoping for the best is sensible. Is it just pot luck?

Wondering whether anyone else has had a similar issue - they keep telling me I’m so young that I shouldn’t worry and yet it isn’t working.

Thanks

Hi sorry I have no advice as this is my first time, But hate seeing a question with no reply! Have u spoken to ur clinic about why they think this is happening? I research everything (abit too much) and I've seen ladies get their progesterone checked after transfer or maybe getting a endometrial scratch. Im sure there will be loads of ladies on here who can help more! When I asked a question a couple of month ago and no one responded I went on to a couple of the group forums and asked the same question and had lots of replies xx

Hi @Llewellyn91 this is looking like recurrent implantation failure. In my fresh cycle I produced 9 blastocytes, half of which were of the best possible grading and when I had them genetically tested 83% were euploid. But I've never had a BFP. After 2 unsuccessful transfers I was investigated for recurrent implantation failure.

When treatment fails it can be because of the seed (the embryo- Eg chromosomal abnormalities) or the soil (the endometrium). Now in most cases the issue is the seed. Clinics only usually start considering the soil after 4-5 unsuccessful transfers.

I am with a private clinic and insisted on tests after the second transfer. I PGT-A tested the embryos. Then I had:

• recurrent implantation failure blood tests to look for autoantibodies and a thrombophilia screen.
• ERA EMMA ALICE - the era detects if the endometrium is receptive on the usual progesterone regime. 1 in 3 women have a displaced transfer window and require more or less progesterone. The EMMA and ALICE looks at good and bad bacteria in the uterus. This is really important for good outcomes, mine was awful so I was treated on antibiotics and probiotics.
• A HSG, a lot of clinics don't do any imaging other than an US that miss uterine abnormalities.

I don't know how NHS clinics work, but can you speak about having investigations prior to another transfer?

@llewellyn91 are you still at Homerton? I've been having similar experiences as you and I'm at my wits end. I tried to move to another ccg, but I'm not in their jurisdiction and they've refused funding even though I have it at Homerton.

I think it would be worth doing a hystercopy before next transfer. They check uterus and remove lining at same time leaving you with a fresh lining for next transfer. Works similarly to the endometrial scratch but more effective. I did it and cycled a month later and have little girl now

Thanks for all your replies! Afraid to say I finished my 3rd attempt at Homerton and all unsuccessful - I am now a patient at ARGC and it looks like my issue is immunology and implantation failure (so IVF alone is a waste of time). If you have the money, which I know lots of people do not, I would suggest going to ARGC @Aliceinivfland - I wish I had sooner. Staff at Homerton are lovely but they just are not interested in doing anything than the cookie cutter approach they have for all women.

@Llewellyn91

Thanks for all your replies! Afraid to say I finished my 3rd attempt at Homerton and all unsuccessful - I am now a patient at ARGC and it looks like my issue is immunology and implantation failure (so IVF alone is a waste of time). If you have the money, which I know lots of people do not, I would suggest going to ARGC *@Aliceinivfland* - I wish I had sooner. Staff at Homerton are lovely but they just are not interested in doing anything than the cookie cutter approach they have for all women.

I've actually said to DH if our NHS tries don't work then we are going to ARGC. I spoke with a senior consultant at Homerton and tbh I'm still not entirely happy. They take a very standardised and slap dash approach in my opinion. Have you started your treatment at ARGC yet?