Cancelled fresh transfer, due to not being able to place embryo

[Hopeistheword]

We received the news we had 1 blastocyst on embryo transfer day, I was slightly disappointed as 10 had made it to fertilisation. Anyway the nurse tried everything from a longer speculum, to getting me to fill my bladder more to try and straighten out my cervix. She had trouble getting to it as it was 'hidden' (did have this issue with my smear). And whilst she tried several times, it was causing me more and more pain so my cycle has been abandoned. They're going to freeze the blastocyst and call me back at some point. Its come as a huge blow as the rest of the process went smoothly. Now Im feeling our chances have gone. Surely with a frozen transfer they use the same method of transfer, so I would have to go through pain again and it may not be doable.

I'm so sorry to hear this! I am glad they are able to freeze the blast. Listen to season 3 of the Big Fat Negative podcast (or the whole thing it's an amazing podcast!!!) as that follows a couple with similar issues from memory. There will be things they can do to prep for next time, as well as a 'mock embryo transfer' shortly before to practice. They'll be prepared next time!!!

Hey @Hopeistheword I’m so glad your embryo was frozen. I have a different cervix issue, in that it had closed over with scar tissue after a severe lletz. I had to do a mock embryo transfer the month before ivf as @Waitingforday6 mentioned. I then had to have a wee op where they made a new opening that the catheter could fit through. I know your issue is different, but there will be a dr with experience in tricker placements, and they can try work out a plan without your precious embryo hanging around. Don’t lose hope.

Thanks guys, hopefully the consultant will have an idea for a way round it. Just a shock as it wasnt expected.

That’s hard. Sorry to hear. The wisest thing they did was preserving the embryo. Best to make sure everything can be managed well first.

It’s tricky, it can happen. As with your smear they got there in the end - but given it’s IVF best to take no chances, re-set when things are different and as posters said above they can do a test run.

I unexpectedly had to delay a transfer before. The hope kills - that’s really tough personally. However a month or two I will fade over time.

Best wishes.

I had this issue with my first clinic. They almost cancelled the transfer but I pleaded for them to push on and they eventually managed to do it with me having gas and air and sitting in a slightly up right position. It was painful and took over a hour and traumatised me a bit. The said my cervix was just so high up and hidden and my muscles kept pushing the speculum out.

Fast forward and I started a new clinic (CRGH). I was fully prepared for another difficult transfer and … the transfer was easy! I had three transfers with CRGH and all were incredibly smooth, super easy and no issues.

I really put it down the the difference in experience in the people doing my transfers. The doctors at CRGH are very experienced whereas I really wasn’t happy with my previous clinic. The CRGH doctors put my body in my better positions I think too.

Worth noting that worst case they can basically just knock you out for transfer the same way they knock you out for an egg collection. So please don’t worry