5 failed transfers, can't afford PGT-A - what's next? Looking for hope and advice!

[supersheep63]

Morning lovely community - I've been a lurker here for ages and figured it's about time to step out of the shadows.

I'm 36, partner 37. Partner and I have been TTC for three years, one miscarriage at 6 weeks a year or so in but nothing since. We've had 3 rounds of IVF so far - ended up with two day 5s from first one, one day 3 from second round, 3 day 5s from first round. All decent quality.

We've had 5 transfers so far (one more FET left) but nothing has stuck. Have tried fresh, medicated and natural transfers. crinone gel for first transfer, crinone + daily lubion injections for next 2 transfers, 1200mg daily (3 x 400mg cyclogest pessaries) for last two transfers (a different clinic). Acupuncture, it starts with the eggs vitamins, a mediterrian diet etc. Using ICSI for mild motility issues on partner's side - had Zymot for first two retrievals too. First two rounds short protocol, third round long protocl which worked better for me.

I've started bleeding earlier than test date for all the transfers which didn't use lubion - in line with when my normal period would start - but blood tests on transfer day showed my pregesterone was sufficiently high so Dr doesn't seem worried. Scans etc. have all looked fine.

I've had hysterscopy previously and HSG which looked fine. Also thyroid and blood clotting test (can't remember exact name). Dr doesn't rate ERA/ALICE tests and says there's no evidence of steroids helping transfers 'stick' but there is evidence of them harming. The HFEA website/Embryoman also seems to agree.

Tried a round of antibiotics 'just in case' too.

We've two more rounds of IVF left after this as part of our 'package'.

I know the most likely explanation is bad luck - and that at our age would only expect around 40/50% of embryos to be chromosonally normal, and then there's 100s of other variables to think about.

But I honestly don't know how much longer I can keep doing this. I feel like I'm breaking apart and I just don't know what's wrong or how to keep going. Not ready to give up on having kids yet.

Sorry, this has turned into more of a rant than I expected. I guess what I'm asking is - does anyone have any advice/experiences to share? Any stories of hope in similar circs?

Thanks you x

I’m in the same boat and if my last embryo doesn’t work (transfer tomorrow), I’m going to have to suck up the cost of PGTA testing as otherwise wasting time and money transferring potentially abnormal embryos which have no hope

Good luck for tomorrow!

Also currently in the same boat. I cant afford testing embryos, its really expensive here in Australia.. iv had 3 transfers and 2 rounds of ivf. Im 40..I already have kids but was trying my luck for another. Went through a mc in early December at 7 weeks and im now just waiting on cycle day 1 to start again. I was told its about finding the right embryo to stick and even with tested embryos that come back good its still not 100% full proof its a sticky bean. At my age its just going through the motions of finding the right embryo. In my case I either dont have embryos fertilise at all or I have 2 embryos between day 5 and day 6. I dont think its time to give up just yet. I know you have had 5 transfers already but my clinic told me it can take up to 7 transfers and or 3 stim cycles depending on how many embryos are created. But really, I believe its just the luck of the draw especially as you get older.