Advice please - going into 5th IVF/ICSI cycle. Blocked tubes and hashimotos.

[RosiePea86]

Before we go into our 5th ICSI/IVF cycle.... I thought I would just ask everyone if there is anything else I should be doing or thinking about differently, to make this cycle more successful than our last. And whether we should move clinics, given we have had 4 unsuccessful cycles at the same one.

Some background: I am 38, TTC for 2.5 yrs. AMH is 5.1. Partner's sperm is normal. I have hashimotos and two completely blocked fallopian tubes. I've had two miscarriages.

Here is our sorry story.....

I conceived naturally in Feb 2023 (identical twins!) but miscarried at 7 weeks. Then I had an MVA and it's thought I got an infection following my MVA which has completely blocked my tubes.... devastating. IVF is therefore our only option.

1st round was on NHS but I was on the wrong protocol and it was a disaster. I started with 10 follicles but they only got 2 eggs, 1 fertilised and didn't make it to blast.

2nd round, new protocol. 6 eggs, 5 mature but sadly only 1 fertilised normally. It was transferred on day 2 but BFN.

3rd round, we did ICSI this time. 5 eggs, 4 mature and all 4 fertilised. 2 transferred on day 3, BFP! Singleton pregnancy but MMC at 9 weeks. (I was on pred for this cycle). Nothing on ice.

4th round, ICSI again. 4 eggs, 3 mature, all 3 fertilised, 2 transferred on day 3 (both 8 cells, little fragmentation), BFN. Nothing on ice.

After two miscarriages, I was tested for APS etc by the recurrent miscarriage clinic and they couldn't find any issues. Said I had basically had some bad luck. I went to see Prof Regan who basically said the same thing. No obvious issues as to why I am miscarrying.

Does anyone have any advice for us? Or at least some success stories to give me a little hope? I am feeling pretty broken at this stage. Anyone with hashimotos has any tips? And do you think we need to think about a new clinic given 4 unsuccessful rounds. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you.

Hello - I also have Hashimotos and had a previous MC before my IVF - my TSH was out of range constantly to and periods were all over the place ! - I am currently 13 weeks pregnant from FET!. My endocrine consultant managed me properly for up to a year before as my levels would keep fluctuating- it took ages to get me on the right dose of Levothyroxine! I changed my diet to gluten free, came off night shifts and got into a routine to help my body! TSH levels need to be under 2 consistently for at least 4/6 months before doing any IVF - anything above can actually increase the risk of a miscarriage. My consultant made sure to keep an eye on me as the IVF hormones can also make your thyroid levels fluctuate e.g the estrogen and progesterone! - they checked me every month before I started IVF and still check me now! Good luck stay positive it’s gonna happen for you ! Also maybe look into the use of embryo glue as that’s supposed to be a good option Xxxxx

@CEllenx thank you so much for getting back to me and congratulations on your pregnancy* *😍I have been thinking about going gluten-free but I just love bread and pasta so much 😩have you been on prednisolone for the first semester?
I was worried going into my most recent cycle that my TSH was 2.8, but my consultant didn't seem worried. I was though! I've since increased my thyroxine by 25mcg and my TSH has come down to 0.8 but I did wonder if that had something to do with this cycle failing. Thank you for your advice 😘

Nope I asked about the pred and my consultant said it wasn’t worth it - but it is different for everyone - plus your antibodies level go and down throughout the year! Good luck hun I’m praying for you ! Xx

Thank you - yes the advice on pred seems to vary. But very good to know that it's possible to have hashimotos and get to 13 weeks without it! xx