NK cells .. do they matter ?

[hopefullsosbry]

I am thinking about the NK cells, I have two euploid embryos which is the 1st time we have done the PVT -a testing on embryos, I have had 6 miscarriages, 2 natural , 4 from IVF, age 42 now but started at age 36 .. only thing not tested is NK cells as all 3 clinics I have used in the past years don’t think this makes a difference .. so should I take my euploids to a clinic that supports giving me medication for NK cells incase this could be the reason for miscarriages or has anyone had high NK cells and still had a healthy pregnancy without meds for it ? Just don’t want to waste my last two embryos. Thanks

It's really annoying that clinics/doctors don't agree about NK cells, it makes a confusing area all the more confusing! Personally, I buy into it, and really trust my Dr who is a reproductive immunology specialist. I have elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies which can be linked so did the NK cell testing and found my levels were high, so I'm now on steroids (from before ivf transfer, currently 11+3 weeks pregnant)

I dont have a history of recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure, but I think for people who do the testing can be the thing that really helps! I'm definitely not an expert, that's anecdotal, but I'd say worth a chat with a Dr who does believe in NK cells

After telling me repeatedly that it doesn't matter and I should not waste money on immune tests, my doctor (in Spain) recommended immune tests but only after he wasted 5 embryos that were created with donor eggs. Which means I have to have another donor egg cycle at 10x cost of an immune test. Not to mention the pain and agony of failed transfers and a miscarriage that we went through.

I ditched him and looked for doctors who treat immune issues. Had the immune tests done which confirmed I have immune issues.

So my advice is please please do the test! There are doctors who will treat you even if you stay with your clinic. You will need to inform your clinic that you will be getting treatment for this. If they really disagree/do not cooperate then you might need to consider taking your embryos to another clinic.

Thanks for sharing your stories, I have really been researching this .. high levels of NK cells can be unbalances in the immune system if I am understanding correct, I am hoping to try some natural herbs that balance these cells in the blood and can help reduce if you have high, it will be a few months before we get a transfer date so this should be enough time to get herbs in my system and hopefully that will help ? Thanks

@hopefullsosbrywhat natural herbs are you using?

After a failed FET with a PGT-A tested embryo I had to push and pay for clotting and immune investigations. This is after years of failed implantation naturally. We were diagnosed as unexplained.

I was found to have both elevated elevated TH1:TH2 ratio and a beta glycoprotein.

I have been treated with aspirin, intralipid, fragmin (lmwh) and a steroid (prednisolone). The last transfer was successful and I had my 7 week scan yesterday, all is looking on track!

My clinic wanted to use all of my embryos before they investigated further, but I just turned 38 and after years of no positive at all and every test result coming back as normal I wasn't prepared to ‘waste’ another embryo without some further investigations..

I would change clinic if they don't offer this as an option.

Too many clinics follow a standard protocol as it works for most people, which doesn't serve the individual in some cases.

I saw a qualified herbalist who made up a tincture blend for me, this had rose, shatavari, ashwagandha, ginger and milk thistle in the tincture and I had this for 3 months prior to my last transfer, I am now currently 17 weeks pregnant with this embryo so whether the herbs worked I am not sure but i had 6 transfers before this one which ended in miscarriage or just failed, I am also on blood thinners this time round which is different as we never had them for any other transfers (was on Inhixa injections until 10 weeks) then baby aspirin 150mg from 12 weeks and will be on that until 36 weeks. Who know what is it that is making this one work this time but I am not complaining, I just pray all continues to go in the right direction ✨🤞🏽🙏.. best of luck to you and your journey 💛

I saw a qualified herbalist who made up a tincture blend for me, this had rose, shatavari, ashwagandha, ginger and milk thistle in the tincture and I had this for 3 months prior to my last transfer, I am now currently 17 weeks pregnant with this embryo so whether the herbs worked I am not sure but i had 6 transfers before this one which ended in miscarriage or just failed, I am also on blood thinners this time round which is different as we never had them for any other transfers (was on Inhixa injections until 10 weeks) then baby aspirin 150mg from 12 weeks and will be on that until 36 weeks. Who know what is it that is making this one work this time but I am not complaining, I just pray all continues to go in the right direction ✨🤞🏽🙏.. best of luck to you and your journey 💛

That’s lovely news congratulations ❤️❤️