Much better results in 2nd cycle after 1st failed cycle

[Ikigai22]

Hi,

We had first IVF cycle at Create Wimbledon in June 2023, at age 37, unexplained. It was a bad experience as the clinic didn't really address our issue even though the first cycle was cancelled due to a big dominant follicle on day 2. Other than that as well, the clinic didn't advise properly on preparing before embarking on IVF. Overall, it was a bad experience that left me traumatised for months. We made no blastocysts on day 5 and poor quality ones on day 6. It felt like an IVF conveyor belt where everyone is treated the same, no personalised protocol. A compacting morula was transferred and after the transfer failed, apart from a nurse calling regarding a blood result, I never heard from them again, zero follow-up.

It took us a few months to recover and we started researching. We had our second ICSI cycle at Evewell Hammersmith and had retrieval on 29th January. 8 eggs were retrieved, 6 mature and 5 were fertilised. 5 blastocysts (2day 5, 2day6 and 1day 7) are created of varying qualities but all suitable for genetic testing. Best embryo is a 3pn but it's the best looking one and AA, so hoping it'll be normal. We are so grateful and still can't quite believe it. There's still a long way to go but this result makes us hopeful for the future and that's what we need at the moment. Last week was so stressful with having flashbacks to June 2023 and feeling like it would be the same result as last time but again, so grateful for the result this time. It was a long agonist protocol, with Buserelin and oestrogen priming a week after ovulation in previous cycle. Touch wood, so far we had a brilliant experience at Evewell. Everyone we have come across during this process seems very nice and engaged in our treatment.

During the cycle I was on dexamethasone, gonal f at first and then Pergoveris, 1.2mg growth hormone (HGH) and Gonasi 10,000iu trigger. Also, I was on 25 days of HGH (0.4mg) before the cycle started and had PRP on 28th October in Turkey. Just before prp, my AFC was 7 and after prp in Dec, it was 9. For baseline scan in Jan 2024, it was 10. At this point, I was also on DHEA for around 3-4 months so it could have been that or just normal variation in AFC. We went to a very famous doctor and a specialist hospital in Turkey, based on a recommendation from a couple who were successful on their 4th cycle in Turkey(prp and IVF at 42, birth at 43) , after 3 failed cycles in the UK. I just wanted to clarify this as I know there are shady places in Turkey with botched surgeries, but this place is extremely reputed. We wouldn't have gone if we didn't get this personal recommendation.

When I first got tested in Feb 2023, my AMH was 10.6 and AFC was 13-14. In Dec 2023 AMH reduced to 4.73, AFC was 9. I did panic momentarily about it but the only way was to get on with the cycle.

It'd make me really happy if this post could help someone. I've been so distraught during this journey and after my first failed cycle, would have appreciated reading such a post.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

@HNewLeaf sorry to hear about that. For the first cycle at Create, I took Gonal f for two days in May 2023 but there was a dominant follicle so Create suggested to cancel as I won't get many eggs. But then they didn't suggest anything to prevent it in the next cycle. Their doctor suggested taking birth control which any good IVF doctor knows can over suppress old women. So, I read that online and didn't take birth control. But any good IVF doctor knows oestrogen priming is used for the same purpose. That should have been a red flag and I wish we hadn't gone for the next cycle with Create at all. Anyway, the same thing happened next month but they increased my medication and went ahead with the cycle.

Other than Evewell, we had paid consultations with ARGC, CRGH and the hospital in Turkey. ARGC's consultant said all cycles they do are short protocol. When I asked about dominant follicle issue and maybe that means we will need a long protocol, I didn't get a clear answer. With ARGC, the issue is communication. They won't tell you anything substantial unless you do a monitoring cycle with them. After a point, they stopped replying to my questions in the email. I know it's good for people with immune issues but didn't inspire confidence in me.

Actually I really wanted to go CRGH but was put off by the appointment there. I'd read many amazing stories of success at CRGH on MN. The consultant proposed progesterone based down regulation and also progesterone as antagonist. I found online in a couple of places that progesterone exposure to eggs in follicular phase is not good for quality, also this is not a very common protocol and seemed a bit experimental. I didn't want to question it too much so I didn't ask anything else. This may not even be scientifically correct but this was just my apprehension. Having said that, so many older women and those with DOR and other complex issues seem to have success with CRGH so probably my experience was a one-off.

Dr in Turkey also suggested five days of oestrogen priming although I'm not sure that would be enough. Also, he's a very famous doctor so I'm not sure if I would've been able to question him. And anyway, I was keen to stay at home in London.

Evewell was the only one that prepared a proper protocol to work on egg quality and address the issue of dominant follicle in the follow-up communication after the initial appointment. During my initial scan at Evewell which was I think on day 5, the doctor said that they wouldn't start a cycle with that big a follicle.

I'm under Dr Kat (Kathisuka Kriedt) but I think other consultants might be equally good. The two clinics have weekly meetings to discuss cases so there's shared knowledge as well.

I know people who had success at ARGC and Create. So, it depends whether the issue is being addressed. Although a good clinic should help us to identify what the issue is and work on it.

@Ikigai22 wow you really understand a lot of complex things about ivf. I don’t even know half of what you’re referring to! Thank you for posting and I’m sure it will help many. I had 6 failed cycles at Create (I shouldn’t have gone and shouldn’t have stayed for 6 IK!). I think it’s a really poor clinic (as in understanding of doctors isnt up to date and they don’t know what to do different). I am looking at IVF Life in Alicante but it’s getting a bit complicated because I only had 1 follicle in last scan So cycle cancelled and I had booked to go. Am nearly 45 (had first at 41 without ivf). Am thinking of PRP... do you have any thoughts re trying with Argc or with Evewell? Why did you have to go to turkey for prp? X

@Lndm thanks, each case is different so I think it'd be best to have paid consultations with argc and Evewell to get a feel of those places and get proper medical advice. I know people mean well but there's a lot medical misinformation floating around on MN threads. Went to Turkey as partner's colleague and his wife went there, no other reason.

Hi All, I am new to the group and hoping for a recommendation. I am 41 and have been told that I have very low AMH.

My partner is Turkish so we are looking to try a clinic in Turkey, hopefully specialising in those with low AMH who want to use their own egg.

Long shot but does anyone have any recommendations on fertility clinics in Turkey which support cases such as mine? Ideally someone with a positive success story.

Much appreciation in advance! 💗

@2Catcr70 hi I only know Acibadem in Maslak. I had prp there and had good results after that. I'm planning a second prp before another IVF cycle. I know a couple who had success there as well. She had IVF at 42 and gave birth at 43. They are a very big hospital and IVF clinic and seem to use the latest technology.

Hi @Ikigai22 - thank you so much for giving me the details of the clinic you are using.

I will certainly contact them and see if they may be able to help me too.

I have everything crossed for you that your miracle baby will come soon. Would love to know how you are getting on with your treatment.

Once I start, I will also be happy to share my progress too. Sometimes it just helps to know that others are with you on this journey, hopefully with happy stories to share at the end of the road x