Anyone else preparing for FET April 2024

[blahblahetc]

Hello, wondering if anyone is preparing for an FET in April?

This will be my 3rd transfer. 1st one implanted but early loss, second (euploid) and third (untested) did not implant. I'm waiting to do a hysteroscopy next week + an ERA following week prior to transfer in April.

We decided against testing this time, and are wondering whether or not to do a double transfer. Our embryos are AA/ABs so want to feel hopeful but fully aware of the possible failure(s) ahead of us..

Thanks both of you.

@Sunflower360 I was 42 at that time. At age 41/42 if using OE then you are allowed upto 3 blastocysts transfer, though 3 would be quite rare I presume. I think between age 38-40 you are allowed a maximum of 2 blastocysts transfer.

Thanks for the kind messages everyone, and reassurances!

I find real comfort in these forums from you all, I do try to speak to my partner, he’s almost too positive about everything sometimes!

My cycle started again late yesterday afternoon, so I’ve started taking Progynova this morning (2 in the morning, 2 in the evening) and have my first scan booked for 23rd April.

I’m a bit confused about the process to be honest. As it’s just my eggs that are frozen and we still need to make embryos - I feel like CD15 is a little late to check lining and start that process? Seeing as they wait for day 5 to
usually implant, that’d be at least CD21/22 - is that not late in the cycle for a transfer?

@LouP87 I'm not an expert as this is my first FET but I am also on progynova and my first scan is on CD 14. Then if they are happy with my lining they will start me on progesterone for 6 days and then transfer. So I am assuming after your scan they will see if they are happy with your lining and then thaw the eggs, then by the time they are blasts you will be ready for transfer?

xx

@LouP87 I was confused with the optimum transfer date previously; but having done an ERA to determine implantation window, I understand now it's more to do with the thickness and environment of the womb. The standard is 120hrs progesterone before transfer is my understanding.

When will they fertilise the eggs? Will that be the same time you start on progesterone?

@Serendipity24 Is this your first go with DE?

Thanks - sounds like we are on same protocol for FET.

@blahblahetc it doesn’t say when they’ll do that on the schedule they’ve given me. I did question that when it was first sent to make double sure they understand we still need to make embryos. They just replied saying the medication was the same for egg thawing as it is for embryo thawing. I’m assuming they’ll give a date for it after the first scan, seems to me that could even be the same day/day after though - I wish they’d be clearer on what to expect!

@blahblahetc Yes, first DE cycle and second transfer. The first transfer was fresh, this is FET.

@LouP87 I think it depends on your cycle. How long are they usually and when in the cycle do you ovulate? If you normally ovulate around CD14/15 then add 5 days for blastocyst stage, so CD 19/20. Then transfer on CD21 is not too late. As you are having a medicated cycle, the clinic presumably have more control than a natural cycle. For my last fresh transfer my cycle didn't really matter as they were synchronising me with the donor.

@LouP87 did they give you a prostap injection last cycle? I'm not 100% sure but I had it and I think it suppresses your natural ovulation anyway - someone correct me if I'm wrong though.

@LouP87 Is the sperm frozen too? Best ask when they intend to fertilise the eggs so you have a plan.

No, we had to abandon our IVF cycle due to my partners accident in January. So they just froze my eggs. There’s no frozen semen either, he needs to do a fresh sample on the day the eggs have been thawed I’m guessing?

my cycles are usually 27-28 days but I ovulate quite late at CD15-17 sometimes even CD18 with a borderline short luteal phase. But as you say this cycle is medicated so they have more control?

l’m going to drop them an email now and ask when they plan to fertilise the eggs!

Hey ladies, hope the others transferring yesterday - all went to plan? I did too! If successful, Christmas Day due date 😆 x

Caved and did a test, 5dp5dt definite negative, so I'm pretty sure I'm out-not surprised as I've not really had any symptoms. Good luck to anyone in their tww or pending transfer!

@Sunflower360 so sorry about that, But… I think there is still a small chance until 7 days past..

I plan to test from day 5.. and will give up on day 7..

Have you discussed double transfer options and have you decided what you want to do should this fail?

@MotherOfShihTzus 🍀🍀🍀🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

Good luck!

@blahblahetc yes, I'd be surprised if it changed, but will test one last time probably OTD now just to close it off. Regarding double transfer Dr said that would be ok if this failed, so will see if that is still the case. My only concern is that I haven't actually implanted through IVF and I am a bit nervous putting two in if there was something a miss but in all honesty I feel like I've had most of the tests, Hysteroscopy etc and not really sure what else can be advised bar trial and error. I may ask about closer monitoring through the natural FET of bloods/scans so the optimal time for transfer can be pinpointed perhaps, perhaps my endometrium is not synced with transfer time? But not sure what else can be done

My last cycle was a bit odd too as I surged CD 9, when its normally mid month. But my bloods showed it was all 'optimal' in terms of estrogen/LH (which was quite high) so it appeared as though I was ovulating, but in any case the trigger would have sorted that anyway. Think if I had another cycle like that I'll skip it

@Sunflower360 Have you done the ERA - the test that checks implantation window? Are you on 5 days progesterone prior to transfer? You might want to ask if you should do 6 days instead?

I was thinking back about my previous transfers, the only one that worked (but failed) was my first ET - I had bromocriptine to manage my prolactin level. Create does not look into prolactin; my Prague clinic did at the start but I think because the level was ok they didn't check it again and I'm wondering if I should get it checked prior to the transfer...

@blahblahetc I'm not sure how much ERA helps with natural FET because ultimately your body will start producing progesterone when it ovulates, the progesterone in natural FET is more of a supplement, if I understand correctly? And because I have had a natural chemical pregnancy which appeared to implant at 8-10dpo I seem to produce it. But I was on progesterone on 125 hours at time of transfer so just over 5 days, so hopefully that was ok

Interesting about Prolactin, how does it affect IVF? I had it tested when I started with Create and it was deemed ok, that was last summer though, what is a 'good' level? Will ask about testing again as I'm getting my TSH checked too anyway

@Sunflower360 I've reached out to my previous doctor (NHS) to ask if it's necessary to check that prior to an FET.

https://yourivfjourney.com/what-is-prolactin-and-how-does-it-affect-ivf/

@blahblahetc thanks for sharing. Were your Prolactin levels high?

@Sunflower360 Yes, they were very high when I did my first cycle + ET. I rememebr I was on bromocriptine and they took my blood to check/track that during my scan appointments. And the nurse said if the level doesn't go down quick enough then the ET might be cancelled...

I asked Create to check it and they never did, to be fair, I wasn't assertive enough back then but I sometimes wonder what might happen if my prolactin was managed during my euploid transfer..

I'm going to check with Prague too if I should get that checked; my worry is if it is too high then do I have enough time between now and FET date to bring it down.

@blahblahetc definitely worth exploring. I hadn't realised it can affect implantation, I understood it can affect ovulation and Progesterone hormones, so if it affects Progesterone suppose it could affect implantation. So much to navigate!

@Sunflower360 Yah, the NHS doctor did say previously that IVF is an evolving science, hence the subjectivity. For me (I'm sure for you as well!), I just want to know I have done everything I need to do and avoid the what-ifs for those precious embryos!

@Sunflower360 FYI my NHS doctor has responded and said my last prolactin level taken earlier this year was 1/2 or what it was in 2022; there is no concern but she has sent a letter to my GP to provide a prescription for bromocriptine 2.5g on alternate days.

I'm not sure if I'll get hold that prescription (my GP is useless).. I'm also waiting to see what the Prague doctor says. You might want to request/demand for a blood test on that prior to your next FET (should you need it!).

Hi Everyone.

Good luck to those who have transferred.

@beachbum85 @Sunflower360 and anyone else who asked. we had a negative test yesterday and today. I’m pretty sure we are out. Hcg bloods were taken today to get a definitive answer. I think at best the hcg will show a chemical. Feel like it’s dragging on now.

@Sunflower360 Sorry about your negative hope your still to early and you get your positive.

Hi all, late to the thread but I’m doing my first FET tomorrow with my one and only frozen emby after my first ivf cycle. Nervous and feeling like I’m not informed enough after skimming some messages from today. I have a very short LP 6/7 days but haven’t had any treatment from my private clinic for this. I have had a previous chemical and early mmc at 6 weeks so do wonder is this the main cause. On a medicated protocol - oestrogen tablets and progesterone gel as well as a daily progesterone injection.