Should I fresh transfer with post egg retrieval cramping/ pain

[MotherOfShihTzus]

Hi all. I'm currently in the midst of my first ivf cycle after 3 1/2 years ttc. I'm 35, have PCOS and always seem to feel bruised and sore internally after a trans vaginal ultrasound.

I've been on the meds and had multiple ultrasounds over the last week, and then a pretty horrible egg collection on Friday. That afternoon/ night, I had severe pain and cramping, that hurt persistently. It has been improving daily but I still feel bruised and sore.

My question is, should I go for a fresh transfer, either Monday or weds, or wait another month? I worry that waiting would mean I may lose embryos / I don't know yet whether there will be any good enough to freeze, and it also means increased costs for my subsidiary immunology treatment. We have only 6 fertilised eggs right now, I have no idea how many - if any - will make it to blast, but I just want it to work as quickly as possible - I've been waiting so long to get to this point and aren't getting any younger.

Also any advice on reducing internal inflammation? TIA

Hi @MotherOfShihTzus

The main reason people end up doing a freeze all is the development of OHSS. If you have PCOS then you may be at risk of this, your clinic should have been monitoring your oestrogen and will be able to advise on if your symptoms could be down to this.

As for losing embryos, if the grading has a 3 in it (using the numbered grading system) then basically the embryo could be good enough to transfer, but may not be freezable. You'll only know if you have any like this on transfer day and I'd agree that it's worth transferring one of these fresh rather than risk losing it.

Inflammation wise, I'm not sure there is any advice except for rest with a hot water bottle. While clinics often give an antiinflammatory PR during the procedure, anti inflammatory medication should be avoided prior to ET.

I was really uncomfortable after EC, but it settled over the next few days. If I were you I'd stay on the meds, see how you feel on transfer day and keep good contact with your clinic inbetween so they can advise.

Thanks so much @Gardenlady543 . I've not had any bloods taken throughout the whole process - nor did I have a baseline scan! I've had a pretty awful experience overall tbh. It's so tough making these decisions - I guess I'll know more tomorrow on day 3. Still very swollen though and worried if I only get say, 1 embryo, then I won't be giving it the best chance with an inflamed uterus etc.

@MotherOfShihTzus I wouldn't have thought the uterus is swollen. The pain I had was caused by my enlarged ovaries, as soon as they were drained that started easing. But the nurse said the follicles can fill with blood so the ovaries stay enlarged, it wouldn't affect a pregnancy though.

I think you might need to play it by ear over the next few days and come to a decision based on the embryos you get.

For reassurance, fresh and frozen cycles have similar rates of success despite everyone in a fresh cycle having the egg retrieval and being a bit sore after.

Thank you so much @Gardenlady543 just had the call to say all 6 are progressing on day 3 - which is great as it gives me 2 recovery days for (hopefully!) I day 5 transfer :)