Help- has anyone used Prednisone along with your FET?

[TTC301]

Hi,

My clinic has prescribed me 3 weeks of prednisone for my first FET next month (I had a fresh transfer in July that ended in chemical). I didn't use prednisone for this one.

In a previous thread, a lovely lady responded and said she'd been prescribed prednisone for 12 weeks but my clinic refuse to prescribe them for this long.

Has anyone else been prescribed them and if so, how long?

Thank you x

For my FETs it was prescribed I think from the day I started progesterone (if I remember correctly) and then if you get a BFP they expect you to keep taking it until 10 weeks of pregnancy and then taper it off.

With prednisolone it is really important you don’t just stop it. So I would go from 4 tablets a day to 3 a day for a week, then 2 a day for a week and then 1 a day for a week. There’s a threshold for when you’ve been on it long enough for it to then need tapering as opposed to a hard stop but I can’t remember if that’s 2 weeks or 3 weeks.

@TTC301 can I ask what clinic you are with that prescribed this please and did you have to have any testing to get it? I want to try it but I don’t think any clinics where I am offer it

@TSHconfusion I'm with Bourn Hall and have been prescribed it because I pushed that my autoimmunue antibodies were really high (TPO) as I have Hashimotos (and under active thyroid) and think that could be a potential factor why my last one ended in a chemical. They weren't eager to prescribe them mind - I had to really push for it

@Mrsplants Thank you - I spoke to another doctor today at the clinic and they advised they also wouldn't feel comfortable prescribing it longer than 3 weeks as there is limited research on how it effects pregnancy and it's the clinics protocol to only prescribe for 3 weeks. Frustrating

@TTC301 thanks for the advice. My TSH levels were a bit high at 4.7 but not hashimotos levels but I haven’t had my antibodies tested, will look into this. Good luck with your transfer!

@TSHconfusion They normally test both if you're under endocrine at the hospital but I would recommend getting them checked! Mine are incredibly high hence my want for steroids (to hopefully lower the inflammation).
Do you mind me asking why you want them?x

They might be going by HFEA:

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/treatment-add-ons/immunological-tests-and-treatments-for-fertility/

I think some clinics are a lot more confident in the use of steroids than others. I’m with CRGH and my consultant has a special interest in reproductive immunology so is very proactive about immune treatment.

If it’s playing on your mind you could always pay for a consultation with another consultant or specialist just to get a second opinion x

@TTC301 ive never seen endocrinologist or anything I just had to have my TSH tested as part of our fertility investigations at my GP. My GP actually said 4.7 was ok but then my consultant went back and said no needs to be below 2.5 and to prescribe levothyroxine.

I’ve had 3 transfers of 4 embryos and none have implanted at all and we don’t know why so just wanting to try something else to help in case it is an immune issue rejecting them but my consultant is very by HFEA guidelines so won’t do them for any patients

Hi! Think I replied on your other thread - but if they're not budging on the 3 weeks you could go elsewhere for it. I know someone who did ivf at one clinic and immune protocol under another, at the Lister Chelsea which is where I was. I was under Dr thum who specialises in immunology, and is lovely

I’ve also been on Prednisolone and the initial prescription might have been for a short yet time and I think a month as they don’t want you to be on it if you test negative but my clinic told me to take it until 12 weeks and potentially after that depending on how my consultant wants to taper it off and when.
I think it’s beneficial to make sure there isn’t any unnecessary inflammation that might be interfering with your transfers. I’d agree in getting another opinion.