Create Fertility - Experiences

[Sunflower360]

Hi 👋

I was hoping for people's experiences and thoughts on Create Fertility? I am considering them, so any thoughts would be much appreciated.

I am currently going through a short protocol with high stims with another clinic, baseline scan showed 4-5 follicles (expected that as I have low AMH/low ovarian reserves) but through my high stimulation am only showing 1, maybe 2 follicles that are growing...so cycle is not looking great.

So I wanted to consider Create as they specialise in natural modified and mild IVF, but would appreciate feedback on people's experiences as we would be going in multi cycle with my low AFC/AMH and want to ensure it's the best decision in those circumstances.

Thanks!

I'm just waiting on karyotype test results to start up, could be end of August now. Am also getting the latest result on my AMH as that will decide whether they suggest mild or natural modified

Just an update from me....had my AMH results... 4.3 pmol so they have dropped from 6 pmol about 6 months ago. So natural modified has been suggested for 3 cycles from end of August with them being back to back cycles. Thyroid and Prolactin was all good.

If anyone has any positive stories please share, I'm 37 going on 38...so a bit nervous about that too as I know age can affect egg quality etc

@HopefulElle how are you getting on? Have you started your next cycle? I'm sue to start end of August

@VSRCM how are you getting on? Did you stick with Create?

If anyone else has recently started with Create please do join and share your experiences!

@Sunflower360 hi 👋🏻 I am with Create and happy to share our experience so far. Prior to Create we did 2 NHS max stims cycles - first cycle 1 egg but didn't make it to embryo and second cycle went to collection with 3 follicles but no eggs in the end, devastating. We were then advised to go to donor with NHS.

We decided to try a whole new approach (far away from where we live) with the 3 cycle mild ivf with create. First cycle November last year we collected 4 eggs which resulted in 3 embryos (1 frozen on day 3, 2 at day 5). Second cycle Jan/Feb was cancelled at first scan due to all the follicles being tiny and my hormones all over the place. Second cycle attempt 2 was in March and we got 2 eggs which both made it to day 5 blastocysts. As we're far away (and I'd been doing IVF with no transfer for a year) we transferred 5 days later. Sadly this resulted in a missed miscarriage. I am hoping to do the 3rd cycle around October after I've had a scan to check a cyst is no longer there. The consultant has recommended we PGT-A test our embryos before another transfer.

I have felt very well looked after at Create, I like that they do lots of monitoring scans, bloods and it feels tailored and not just a one size fits all. I have an amazing patient coordinator who is always on hand with my numerous questions. Any questions you might have I am happy to try and help.
Oh and I'm 35 TTC #1, trying since March 2020, low ovarian reserve and AMH was 2.1 when tested a few years ago.

Oh also we did ICSI x

Hi @Jx3303 👋 Sounds like you've been looked after, which is good, and a good number of embryos too! Sorry to hear about the missed mis carriage, sounds like PGTA testing is good advice.

It's interesting you have mentioned that you had mild IVF. I have been advised to have natural modified as my previous high stims cycle via NHS we only got 2 mature eggs, so it was felt high stims did not work for me and mild may end up producing the same results which I agree with tbh (we had abnormal and failed fertilisation). Also my AMH is now below 5 at 4.3 pmol (was advised anything below 5 natural modified is advised). Does feel it depends on the Dr you speak to as what is advised, but I am happy with the advice we've been given so far.

Tbh I would prefer natural modified only because I didn't feel higher stims worked all that well for me, so may as well focus on quality where possible as I'm 37/38 later this year.

What were your meds like during your cycles?

@Sunflower360 I do feel well looked after, I cannot fault any of the Drs or nurses, they've all been lovely.

I think because at my baseline consultation scan I had something like 8 follicles (the most it's ever been) they recommended mild so it was 150ui compared to 300ui with NHS. I however normally start with 5/6 follicles and they don't all grow to where they need to be. The first cycle I had one at 17mm from the first scan which was strange and we had to keep a close eye the entire time on it. The clinic haven't actually taken my AMH and I don't think intend to.

Yes I agree it depends on the Dr, I've had lots of different ones but was lucky to have the same for the most recent collection, transfer and call re testing. I think he's the one in charge of testing so has advised it - but I'd also pay anything to lessen the chance of a miscarriage again as it was a long drawn out heartache.

Both cycles I had 150ui bemfola, a couple of extra Cetrorelix as I think my LH was high before collection and double trigger. I do believe that the lesser stims have worked better for us, didn't push so hard and I was so happy to get 3 the freezer first cycle and 2 the next as really they aim for one I guess and any additional are a bonus xx

@Jx3303 Hi really good to read your experience esp the better experience with their infamous patient coordinator lol! May I ask which branch you are with?

I'm with ABC fertility (a branch of Create for more simple cases) doing my first IVF after 3 failed IUIs. ABC is nurse led and you do have to meet certain criteria to be eligible. I have found them super helpful throughout and really taking the time to explain things in more detail when needed so believe create will be the same.

@RarePlant yes I believe not all patient coordinators are as good at communicating in a timely manner so we are super lucky. I've also complicated things since we live far away - we're NE Scotland and at the Manchester Wilmslow clinic so I've had some bloods and things up here which have been at an additional cost but easier than going down. I had planned for our second attempt at cycle 2 to have some monitoring scans up here but decided against it as I wanted to be in the clinics hands from the start (it was just after losing out on money for travel and accommodation the second cycle that was cancelled) I have heard good things about ABC too being their sister clinic and good for those who meet certain criteria x

@Sunflower360 Yes because it's more convenient. New PC isn't great, had problems again with medication delivery. Had my first scan on Monday, doctor seemed hungover and didn't put in correct date. Second scan was today with a much better doctor, I've been seen by this one before so I hope my next one is with her too! One more scan and if all goes well, egg collection on Monday :)

@Jx3303 that all sounds good. Did you take any supplements/make diet changes at all in preparation?

@VSRCM that is unfortunate that you're still having issues. Have they suggested any tweaks to your protocol this time round?

@Sunflower360 in all honesty, no. I tried a lot of things prior to my first NHS cycle like no alcohol for 7 months prior, tried a very strict diet and supplement plan from a dietician for a few months, reflexology, hypnotherapy, meditation - you name it I've tried it. So by the time I started with Create I'd given up on all of that except the bare minimum of folic acid and vitamin D. And I had a much better round even after an all inclusive cocktail fuelled holiday 2 months prior to my first cycle. I did yoga every single day for an entire month before my second cycle with create - which was then cancelled, I was raging ha. So now I let myself have coffee, my diet hasn't been very good but I'm an emotional eater for sure so need to try and shift some lbs before the next cycle, and I have some drinks now and then since we're on a bit of a break. I completely understand the want to try anything and everything, and I did at such a cost but I have realised my mental health is important to take care of too xx

I second what @Jx3303 says. After my IUIs I felt broken because I had barely done anything enjoyable .. everything was fertility focused and I missed out on nice things and that in itself can be more stress on a body than we realise. Hope all goes well

Thanks @Jx3303 @ttcsolomumtobe good to know!

Hi @Sunflower360, almost - I’m on CD2 today so I’m in for first scan of second round on Monday (CD5). Here’s hoping for a good cycle!

@HopefulElle good luck! Did they suggest any tweaks this time round as I think you mentioned they were going to try to collect 2 eggs this time round?

@Sunflower360 thank you - Yes, only change she wants to make is to switch to daily monitoring rather than every other day from a certain point, since my LH rose unpredictably last time. We’re also pushing to day 5 before (hopefully) freezing on this cycle. I’d be delighted to get even one day 5 embryo honestly, given how low I know my chances are, but 2 would be incredible.
Do you know when you’re getting started?

That all sounds very positive! Just waiting on Karyotype testing results but should be starting by the end of this month hopefully

@HopefulElle what day did your embryo from the last cycle get frozen?

@HopefulElle on my first cycle with Create I was daily monitoring for 3 days in a row (I had the first scan then after the second it was daily) with bloods and scans and they called in the afternoon each day to let me know whether to continue with meds or to book me in for collection. Although the unknown each day stressed me a little, i took comfort in the fact they were keeping such a close eye on me x

@Sunflower360 not long to wait now then! First cycle they froze on day 3. It was good quality but they explained that they recommended freezing first on day 3, then subsequent on day 5 - so that they can get an idea of what happens in days 3-5 and we have a “back up” high quality for transfer of need be.
@Jx3303 thank you, I’m also reassured by how closely they monitor. Wish I lived a little closer, but of course absolutely worthwhile travelling and very reassuring to feel like you’re getting the best possible care! My LH rose so quickly last time that I would’ve ovulated before egg collection if they weren’t so good at monitoring bloods etc., which is what I’ve read about with other clinics.