Second opinion for IVF round 3 - recurrent implantation failure

[Ss112]

Hi All. Hoping somebody can help. We have had 4 transfer (two double - one by choice & one clinic’s error), had 3 failed (inc two doubles) transfers and chemical pregnancy. They were good quality embryos, two of them being 6AA, 2 4AA etc not pgt-a tested as I’m in my early 30s so they didn’t think it was necessary.

We are unexplained, all normal. Clinic is now suggesting to do Hysteroscopy, Emma, Alice,ERA etc
It feels like they don’t really know exactly what it is wrong so are pretty much doing all the possible things they can, which is good however the current add ons and treatments will cost alot of money hence we want to get second opinion.

Is anybody able to suggest a good consultant to get second opinion from? We don’t mind paying a little extra (which will save her money in the future) to get the best consultant and get some assurances regarding what the clinic is doing.

@Ss112 I don't have a success story unfortunately but am finding myself in a similar position as I possibly may have a failed 2nd FET under my belt (OTD is a few days away), I've also had a natural chemical pregnancy before going into these FETs.

Regarding tests I do think it is worth exploring if possible. I've not personally had EMMA/Alice/ERA but they can be explored to diagnose bacterial/microbiome/timing issues. Whether they work I think there is mixed research.

Hysteroscopy can be a good diagnostic tool. I had that to remove adhesions and polyps on the lining which can apparently affect implantation if not sorted. May be worth exploring this one.

Other tests can be immunology tests, I insisted on having miscarriage tests at a cost before transferring any embryos (usually suggested after 2 miscarriages or failed implantations) and discovered I had thyroid antibodies so have been on steroids/aspirin for it for each FET. Of course I'm still as yet to see a positive through the FETs and ironically my positive was before I even took steroids/aspirin as it wasn't diagnosed then. So jury's out on what difference it'll make. Again mixed research, but I suppose may as well give it a shot.

I ought to add I am 38 so some of my issues could well be the emrbyos, but you have age on your side so hopefully they would be chromosomally normally (think 1 in 2 or 3 are normal for under 35's, over 35 it becomes more 1 in 3 or 4).

Assuming you have also had thyroid levels tested? That can affect things, and I think that is well documented and understood, there are meds for it.

Reality is IVF is an evolving science and I hate to say it but I think the Dr's are still learning about it too. When it comes to failed implantation it would appear it is somewhat subjective dependent on the Dr, so it is important to be aligned to the Dr's views/approaches. I think before you put more embryos in further uterine investigations is worth doing then you've covered all bases, or as much as possible anyway.

Also the double transfer error...not sure how that occured but I hope they explained themselves!!!

Wish you all the best!

@Ss112 sorry you asked about a consultant name... I'm with Create Fertility but that is a chain. Would you rather not explore it with your current clinic?

Hello - Definitely explore options abroad, I have had one NHS cycle, then 3 cycles with a private clinic (Create). I later did a duostim cycle in Prague, so 2 collections in Prague. I can confidently say I feel the Prague service is much better, more prompt with no surprise add-on costs, and the doctors are more skilled i.e., no pain after EC, hysteroscopy, ERA.. I have wondered if they did anything at all!

It is also a lot cheaper, both for the treatment and meds.

I had a conversation once with an online GP; she had hers done in Spain 5 years ago and said she would recommend to anyone to go abroad in the first instance and not waste time and money in the UK. I've heard that Spain and Greece have leading technologies too; I chose Prague because it was the easiest to get to and from and also probably cheapest.

That said, I haven't got a success story (yet), and am waiting to do an FET this time next week!

Hi @Ss112 hope you don’t mind me jumping on an old thread but can I asked how you got on with your treatment from here?

I am in a similar position in that I’ve had 4 transfers (2 single, 1 double) of apparently good quality embryos and none have implanted. We didn’t test them as were advised no need as I am late 20s so can’t say if it’s an embryo issue but am wondering what tests we should do before doing any more transferred

In a FB group, I saw that the teams from eggdonationfriends and fertilityclinicsabroad have started offering consultations. From what I know, they are very knowledgeable, and their services are free. Hope this helps