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..

@Serendipity24 I haven’t got my treatment plan but I’m on estrogen 2mg x 3 a day and cyclogest 400mg x 3 a day. I think that’s in preparation for the scan/biopsy tomorrow. I should get my treatment plan tomorrow.

I haven’t tried lubion, although I was offered it by the NHS when I was miscarrying previously. I’ve asked my current clinic and they said they will check levels before prescribing that (prolly for the cost reason).

I don’t actually know what FET I’m doing, but based on what I’m on already, I can assume… heavily medicated?

@lemons44 I had a 'trial catheter'my nurses to check it was easy to insert in prep for embryo transfer but youve already had embryo transfer so not sure why this time. What a journey you've had! We have mfi as well as my endo and pcos but always gone straight to icsi, similar pattern of embryo development and transfer result as you.

We're getting our plan today although I do have questions about why they want to give me fyremadel with oestrogen and then progesterone

@Serendipity24 As for progesterone, I've never had mine tested at all but never bleed until meds stopped after BFN. not sure whether to ask this too as they've previously said that the fact I wasn't bleeding meant it was high enough as it was maintaining lining 🤔 I'm very wary about not covering everything with our precious frosties

Thanks @Vik27 and @blahblahetc

And OP, it looks like you are on a medicated cycle. There's no oestrogen tablets in a natural cycle. Basically mine will be no meds during the first two weeks, then a hcg shot (Ovitrelle) based on the scan, progesterone, and then transfer. Good luck for ERA tomorrow.

@kerrym87 I also wasn't tested for progesterone before my first two transfers and I didn't bleed until I stopped the medication. I was tested last time and it was found to be adequate. So in all likelihood I would probably be okay but I think a test would give me peace of mind as this would be the first natural FET, all the previous ones were medicated fresh cycles.

Thanks for the welcome all.

I had my 3D Sis scan. It turns out this is to check for scar tissue, polyps, fibroids etc they inject saline solution in your uterus to expand it and have a good look. Also had my dummy transfer at the same appointment

@kerrym87 I needed the dummy transfer as I have history of it being difficult for me. And today sadly also didn't go smoothly. My stupid cervix is just really hard for them to find. It somehow is really high up and to the side and hidden. I also have really strong vaginal muscles apparently (god knows how as I have never done pelvic floor) and it makes having a speculum in really difficult. Even with gas and air when I'm melting into the chair so relaxed and high off my face on the gas and air, the muscles still squeeze together ! It's like I can't control it. It makes it really difficult because the speculum gets pushed out and I feel like I can sense the nurses/doctors getting annoyed but I honestly can't control it! Anyway they got it done in the end and they've made loads of notes to help the doctor on the day of the FET by knowing where exactly my cervix is hiding and what speculum to use etc. I still feel so nervous though as I don't want to be prodded and poked I just want a nice smooth transfer with a nice calm environment for the embryo because I saw another poster saw a traumatic transfer can impact the chances.

Just feel all crampy now and exhausted. Hope everyone else is ok. I haven't got my treatment plan yet so don't know what progesterone I will be on.

XXx

@lemons44 I remember someone mentioning sedation for difficult transfers in order to manipulate and ensure embryo is released at the right location, have you asked that question?

Hi all, ERA all done! Doctor confirmed it’s a medicated cycle so I will be starting estrogen and aspirin on period day 2, have a scan on day 10/11 to determine when to start progesterone and when transfer date is 🤞🏼I also had my blood taken to test progesterone level, he said if it’s not adequate then it will need be to injected..

I asked why the different types of FET protocol and he said the bottom line is it’s easier to manipulate medicated cycles.. I still don’t know what determines what type of FET one should be doing though, I mean I would prefer the medicated one personally regardless so I have more control?

Hope you are all well and looking forward to the weekend!

@blahblahetc Good to hear the ERA went well. I have no idea how it's done. Hope it wasn't painful.

I don't think there's any definitive guidelines as to which FET you should have. Our doctor suggested natural modified but said if we preferred medicated then that would be fine too. As you have said, you have more control in a medicated cycle which also makes leave/ travel planning easier. In the natural cycle I will know the transfer date a week before only. If my lining is not good, the cycle will be cancelled. So more uncertainty.

He said that in a natural cycle body forms Corpus Luteum post ovulation that doesn't happen in a medicated cycle. It's Corpus Luteum that produces progesterone and it is also believed that it might make the womb more conducive to a pregnancy.

I have read some scientific papers on the subject and the results are mixed- natural cycle had better outcomes in some, medicated in some while there was no difference in others.

I wanted to do something different this time, so chose it. It's a natural modified. Modified meaning that it's not completely natural, I will take Ovitrelle trigger around mid-cycle. But no meds in the first two weeks.

@Serendipity24 It’s like a prolonged Pap smear 😁no pain, not too uncomfortable but weird to see the doctor scrap bits of the bloodied insides out!

Yes, my original doctor from NHS said IVF is an evolving science, hence it can all be very subjective. Good to try different methods.

Hi everyone, quick update from me. Aunt Flo was very impatient this month and arrived yesterday 😱I got in touch with my clinic this morning and they said the ERA result may not come back in time but I can prepare for the FET (with the risk of cancelling it if result not ready by 22nd). I have decided to take the chance as I’m impatient too!

How is everyone getting on?

@blahblahetc mines the opposite and is delayed! We're not going for next bleed but one after due to a booked holiday so it's frustrating! Fingers crossed for you

@blahblahetc best wishes for the cycle, hoping you get the ERA results soon. Mine not starting until another week or so.

How's everyone doing?

I had my endometrial scratch and they found my cervix much easier so I'm going to opt for embryo transfer without sedation. Seems they have worked out the best speculum and angle to get to my cervix. I still feel nervous though.

Question for you all, how have previous transfers felt for you? Do you find it uncomfortable having the speculum in? Or does it feel fine? Just wondering if it's normal to feel uncomfortable.

Anyway my endo scratch when they did the 'scratch' bit was really painful 😩 so weird as it brings on instant period cramps that only last for like 10 seconds but are really quite something.

x

Hi @lemons44 embryo transfer is really quite straightforward (I also have an inverted uterus) and less uncomfortable than a smear test. The most annoying bit for me is the full bladder!

I keep hearing stories about pain and cramps after endo scratch. I had a hysteroscopy, and the doctor confirmed it also works as a scratch but I didn’t have any pain/cramps when I woke up so I am really skeptical now..

When is your transfer date?

@lemons44 for me the speculum was the only painful bit during the first two transfers. At my last transfer I didn't have any pain at all and I think it's due to the size and type of the speculum used.

I totally agree with @blahblahetc , the full bladder is probably the most uncomfortable thing about the transfer!

Hello hope its okay to join although I am not sure when I will actually start prepping for my FET

I have my appointment on the 10th of April to discuss what is next for us. We just had our first cycle fresh transfer failed.

How will everyone be preparing for their FETs? I feel like I'm more scared and nervous about this appointment than any appointment I've had so far. I feel like I have more fear now and negative thoughts 😕

Hi @Sherr33, welcome. Sorry about your failed cycle. I remember feeling said, hopeless and confused after my first ET..

I’ve read that FETs are better as your body would have had the time to recover and reset; although that said, my previous FET with an euploid failed so I can’t provide much comfort here except to say to keep trying for now.

Im trying to keep positive myself. A chance is better than none 🙂

@blahblahetc with my fresh cycle I wish after transfer I had taken it easy and not lifted the vacuum or anything heavy. I think deep down I know had I taken it a lot more easier I may have had a better chance but I guess we live and learn. Its for this reason everytime I hear a success story I want to know what they did after transfer 🙈 people must think im crazy but I just collect this as data and go ahead with what majority have done 🤣 I hope they don't delay it too much. In the mean time we will continue trying naturally. I was wondering how people used the thermometer for BBT and ovulation testing strips. When would you say is ovulation day the day the two lines are strong or day after? And with BBT is it ovulation when this rises? Or has ovulation taken place then it rises?

Hi @Sherr33 My plan is to take a few days off after transfer this time, and really take it very easy and eat and drink all the good stuff and hope it sticks!

I’m not too familiar with ovulation tracking as it never really worked for me. My understanding is your base temp should be taken the same time every day.. there is an app ‘Flo’ (I use the free version) that will tell you when your fertile window is.

Thanks for coming back to me @blahblahetc @Serendipity24

Welcome @Sherr33 I have felt a bit like that as this is my first FET so all new to me. Honestly I'm not sure what my plan is after FET. I think I'm going to book the odd day off for the following two weeks (maybe Mondays and Fridays so I have 4 days off and 3 days working?) however don't want too much time off as I will just sit there thinking about it. I am in a desk based job.

Today I had my Prostap injection. I'm not 100% sure what it's for 😂😂 I think maybe it's suppressing my hormones? Has anyone has prostap before? I am then on provera until next Wednesday, then wait a few days for my period and then start oestrogen xx

@lemons44 I had Prostap in my mock cycle to prevent ovulation in the actual cycle. Prostap is a slow releasing injection that works over a month. Good luck 🍀

@Sherr33 welcome! I plan to take it easy after the transfer even though my clinic says I should lead a normal life from the day after.

I have stopped tracking BBT and ovulation a while ago but from memory you ovulate 24 o 48 hours after the strongest lines.

Best wishes for your upcoming consultation 🍀

I went back to my normal routine gym/work/housework right after my very first ET (2BB), this was a chemical. The next FET (4AA euploid) and subseqent ET (5AA) I took it slightly easier i.e., no gym, quite sedentary as compared to my usual physical activities - both times, implantation did not occur.. so I don't think sitting still helps 😅What I want to do differently is to try and be stress free (easier said than done!) and plan to do nice things for the first few days. I had been quite stressed each time after transfer, obsessing about every little sensation..

How many transfers have you girls had?

My transfer is in Prague so maybe I'll treat it as a holiday and take the train to somewhere I havent been 😊That said, I'm really hoping it can happen over the upcoming bank holidays so I can save on leave too!

Thanks @Serendipity24 did u have any side effects?

I've had two previous transfers

• ICSI round 1: transferred a top grade 8 cell on day 3. Didn't work and none of our others progressed beyond day 3

ICSI round 2: transferred two top grade 8 cell embryos on day 3. Same as above didn't work and none of the others moved past day 3.

We had a new surgical sperm retrieval as thought our issue was the previous extracted sperm was bad quality and now have 2 blasts both BB grade. Can't wait to transfer one!

xx

@lemons44 I read about some painful side effects from Prostap on MN so I was very worried because I had to drive long distance later that day. Fortunately I didn't have any at all!

@lemons44 I had prostap and was worried about side effects and I had none x