Please or to access all these features

Infertility

Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

IVF decisions - what to do next?

2 replies

CatsMcGoo · 13/09/2026 20:32

We have just had our first ever round of IVF in an attempt to have a second child and it has been really disappointing, I’m not sure what to do next. First child was conceived naturally (though not quickly), so this time round it’s unexplained secondary infertility.

Going into treatment our consultant seemed optimistic, and I’m 35 with good AMH for my age and high AFC. I responded well to medication with lots of follicles on monitoring scans. We knew from the start it would be a freeze-all due to OHSS risk.

They collected 22 eggs but only 13 were mature, and 10 of those fertilised. Day 5 update today and we have just 1 freezable blastocyst which is only average quality at 3BB minus. There is another one which she said was slightly behind today so not grade-able but she seemed fairly hopeful it could catch up to blastocyst by tomorrow. Then three more which they are still watching, but are further behind and unlikely to be suitable for freezing tomorrow.

I feel so daft for feeling so positive going into this. I was fully prepared for it to take more than one embryo transfer to get pregnant, but I just did not expect to be in this situation with just one (best case scenario two) not great quality blastocysts.

We have to decide now whether to transfer the one we have as a FET, or go through another round of stimulation and retrieval in the hope of getting more embryos. Leaning towards the latter, as we would ideally like 3 children. But we are self funding and it feels a bit like we have just thrown away £7000.

Any thoughts or suggestions or similar experiences welcomed!

OP posts:
overwork · 13/09/2026 22:36

I think that the first cycle (if not successful) can provide useful information for the doctors if you decide to do another round. The embryologists and your consultant will have a MDM about your case and review when things stopped going so well. All of this can influence what happens next time. Speak to your consultant and see what ideas they have. Oh and of course you’re not daft to be positive! Sadly this game has a way of bringing you down to earth, but it sounds like you have everything in your favour.

LongerthanMrTicklesarms · 13/09/2026 22:58

Sorry that round was tough, hopefully some slow growers progress.

You mentioned your age, AMH, AFC but nothing about your partner's sperm...I wouldn't do anything further without a thorough check including DNA fragmentation test.

DH saw Jonathan Ramsay (very knowledgeable) after our first few failed rounds, he recommended Impryl so that could be a good supplement for your partner.

Also for you I would take extra vitamin D in addition to whatever fertility supplements you're on and a probiotic.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page