IVF embryo numbers

[Harrjenk]

Hi everyone, first time doing IVF and we are in the 5 day wait after egg retrieval. We had 13 eggs collected and now on day 3 we have 6 embryos but only two are developing normally with 6 cells. One is a grade B and one is Grade BC. Seems like really low numbers to me and I’m worried. Any positive stories out there? TTC my second child at 40 years old. Thanks

I had 27 eggs collected and only 6 embryos at day 5…I was told 25% of eggs collected make it to day 5 on average, so if you had 2-3 on day 5 that would be a great number! I had a real mixed bag on day 3, so things can definitely change between day 3 and day 5!

best of luck

The numbers are so individual and will differ from cycle to cycle, person to person. It's so unpredictable. I had 4 eggs collected... 2 were mature and both made blastocyst stage on day 6. They're graded BC too, so statistically less % of being successful, but still with a chance! Our consultant has recommended a double FET. Was this your first cycle? If so, it's all trial and error and 2 blasts is still very good x

Yes this is our first cycle and probably our only one. They are still at embryo stage and so not blasts yet I think? It feels that only 2 by day three isn’t great. So are you freezing yours?

When did you have yours done? And have you had a transfer yet?

Unfortunately I'd say they are pretty normal numbers for your age OP sorry.

Everyone's statistics are different and it's such a personal preference experience but here are mine

Age 35 - 14 eggs - 4 fertilised normally. 4 grade 2-4 on day 3. 2 average blastocysts on day 5 Both transferred - both failed

Age 36 - 14 eggs - 4 fertilised normally. All grade 2 on day 3. 2 Average quality blastocysts on day 5 - PGT tested. One abnormal one mosaic. Mosaic transferred - failed

I did go on to have success when I changed protocol but my point is it's actually really "normal" so have so few numbers and I think IVF clinics aren't also honest about what numbers they actually expect to achieve for you - probably because they don't want to get hopes up or then leave themselves open to a lawsuit if they can't deliver

Your numbers sound pretty typical for your age to be honest. Do you have a diagnosed fertility issue? It might be worth reading Robert Winston's views on his genesis research trust website, he has a very factual and pragmatic approach to use of IVF.

2 at day 3 is good - you could have 0! Like me, you're never going to get a huge amount, but that's okay.

You could be extremely lucky and get a BFP first cycle, but it is usual for it to take more than one. My consultant was pretty open about that given my AMH. We have a multi cycle package so don't feel any pressure with this first cycle working - realistically, it won't, but my consultant has managed my expectations and I find comfort in that. I do feel like if it was our first and only go, I'd be a lot more stressed about it, so I fully get why you're feeling like this.

We frozen both blasts and will be transferring both in the next couple of months.

Fingers crossed both of yours make it to day 5 - you can't have long to wait now? Will you be doing a fresh transfer? Good luck xx

Hi there, whoever is reading this have faith! I'm 37 and have had 15 eggs retrieved, of those 15 only 9 made it through the first night! On day of embryo transfer I was then told there were 5 BUT only 1 was mature enough to be transferred, that the others would have to wait the night to see if they grew further.. I had embryo transfer yesterday. Today I got a call and was told 2 were "average" quality, and 2 were "top" quality, and that the embryo I had transferred was "average to top quality".
I am extremely relieved I will likely not have to go through the injections and egg retrieval procedure again.. will do a pregnancy test next week.
If I had to go through the injections and procedure again, honestly I would. The effort does pay off! I'm very happy with the treatment at the hospital I'm doing it at to be honest. I think the most important part is to feel and know that the clinic is professional, responsive and caring. Good luck to everyone xx