Super/hyper fertility - whats your experience?

[RhubarbGinger]

Hi all,

I had three miscarriages when TTC #1 - #1 @ 5 weeks, #2 @ 11.5 weeks, #3 @ 5 weeks. All recurrent miscarriage tests came back normal but consultant said I was likely super fertile as fell pregnant first cycle every time. Super fertility is when you have a non-fussy womb that implants non-viable and viable embryos. DD then born in 2016 (again, pregnant first cycle). I felt much more philosophical about the miscarriages when she arrived - I just had to be patient, and I now wouldn't change the experience I had as if one of the other pgs had worked I wouldn't have DD. I can't imagine that world!

Now we are TTC #2. I'm worried, I really don't want to go through what we went through before. My period is a week late. I stopped doing pg tests after miscarriage #3 as I feel all it tells me is at that particular time I have HCG, it doesn't tell me I'm having a baby.

What I wonder is whether super/hyper fertility ever changes, if I was super fertile when TTC #1 will I always be, even after a successful pg? Can my body learn from the successful pg to implant viable embryos? This was our first cycle TTC #2 so I guess there is some evidence that I am still super fertile. I know I'm very lucky to fall pg so easily, others try for so long and struggle to get even this far. But I feel like I am a walking time bomb, just waiting for the bleeding.

I'd be interested to hear other's experiences of being super fertile, and whether it continued when trying for siblings?

I’m sorry for your losses. What the consultant said doesn’t make sense to me. It’s estimated that up to 30-50% of pregnancies end before 5 weeks. If people don’t test, they just think their period is a few days late. It’s possible for embryos to stop developing right after fertilisation but it’s also common for them to kind of attach to the uterine wall and then stop progressing. The uterus has no way of predicting it. If it’s good enough to attach and produce hCG than the uterus rightly goes with it.

I think it’s a good idea that you haven’t tested. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict if a pregnancy is likely to stick or when you might lose it. On the plus side, though, the odds are on your side- statistically things are more likely to work than not.

JoJo - what the consultant suggested is a widely believed (but not yet fully proven - but there is more work being done on it) theory. In one test they put both normal and abnormal embryos on samples of uterine tissue from recurrent miscarriers and normal women and the recurrent miscarriers' wombs grew towards both, whereas the other women's uterine lining only did this for normal ones: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19361432.

OP, it's also been suggested to me that I have this. I've had three miscarriages at 5, 5 and then 7 weeks. Weirdly the first one took seven months, but since then we've conceived every cycle but one that we've tried. I'm now five weeks pregnant again, and terrified obviously!

I went to the Coventry miscarriage clinic (run by Siobhan Quenby, mentioned in that article above). It was them who suggested I could have an unfussy womb, but they also said that none of these things are fixed. Your uterine lining is constantly changing, and obviously each pregnancy is a different embryo, so you can never say that the same thing will happen each time. I can completely understand why you're so scared, but I think try and cling onto the fact that you know it can work for you - your DD proves that - and there's no reason to assume that this one isn't one of those.

Tentative congrats RhubarbGinger and huge congrats LisaSimpson!! I'm also 5 weeks pg after 3 mcs (only 2 consecutive so I haven't been to the RMC yet). Massive fingers crossed that this is the real thing for all of us. RhubarbGinger I can relate to feeling like a bomb going off. Not good!

From what I've read online Prof Quenby recently had a Tommy's trial of sitagliptin, a diabetes drug which aims to take an enzyme called DPP4 out of action. The idea being that this prevents stem cells getting to the endometrium. If this is the case, surely endometrial stem cells could be affected by other factors in the body?

Info here

Having an endometrial scratch is a possible treatment for "super-fertility", as it is thought to trigger the release of stem cells in the endometrium. So there are some ways to act on theory if it should come to that. If / when this pregnancy fails I will pursue that privately. It seems to cost around £150 in London at a fertility clinic.

Hoping it all goes really smoothly this time

Thanks! I had an endometrial scratch at Conventry, so can perhaps act as a (very anecdotal) guinea pig for this...

Think it's quite a new theory with limited evidence, so no one knows really. Totally understand the fear of further MCs. I found counselling helpful in managing my anxiety and depression about this.

Thank you everyone for your replies.

LisaSimpson it is really good to hear that Prof Quenby told you that things aren't fixed and the endometrium changes. I was hoping for that, so fingers crossed!

GreyClouds that is interesting research, thank you for sharing the link. Interestingly I took part in a trial after MC #3 that involved the consultant taking a sample of the lining of my womb, so basically I had a scratch. I fell pg with DD two months later. She had told me it can make it easier to fall pg but I hadn't thought that much about it because I was falling pg very easily. But I wonder if that did the trick?! Hmmm.

I really hope your pgs work out for you. Its so hard but it really helps to talk (very good point Dozer!) so thank you for sharing

rhubarb - yes, that is exactly a scratch, and Coventry are currently finding it their single most effective treatment for recurrent miscarriage, they said. So, while I desperately hope this one works out for you - if not then you know there's a treatment that may have helped you before.

Hey guys, hope you guys dont mind me tagging onto this thread. I’ve been reading into hyper fertility and just wanted yo share my experience with other people to gain some advice.

3 years ago I accidentally fell pregnant when my partner and I got together, we were young, not living together and had no money. My parents refused to support us so I reluctently decided on a termination at 11 weeks. This baby was healthy and i had no problems, I also had all the usual pregnancy symptoms e.g. nausea , enlarged boobs etc.

In jan this year I fell pregnant again and had pains with no symptoms of pregnancy, my hcg levels weren’t rising enough enough so my doc sent me to the EPU for a scan. They couldn’t see anything apart from a thickened uterus, miscarried naturally at 6 weeks.

I then fell pregnant again on the first cycle after the miscarriage, I had nausea and other pregnancy symptoms but I still had pains and knew something wasn’t right, they sent me for a scan which revealed a sac but no embryo. I had to have a medically managed miscarriage followed by a d and e under local at about 9 weeks.

I’m now 5 weeks pregnant again on the second month of trying. I’m having pains still but after reading up about them I’m trying not too panic. But I have no symptoms apart from massive boobs and AF being a week late. The doctors keep telling me not too worry because I’m so young (24) but I can’t help but think I may have developed hyper fertility?

Are all pregnancies different? I can’t shake the feeling I’m going to loose this one too. I’m basically waiting for either bleeding to start or for a scan and them to tell me there’s nothing there.

Hope it all turned out well for you guys.

Hi there, I am also reading this thread with interest. My story sounds very similar to yours. I am currently going through my 4th mmc and going to the doctor next Friday to me referred to the rmc clinic.

I have a 3 year DD who was conceived 1st time, no issues. We decided to go for a sibling last Dec.

Jan: mmc 7 weeks, but discovered at 10weeks
April: 5 weeks
June: 9 weeks, but stopped growing at 6
August: 5 weeks

The pattern has been: wait a period after mmc (with the exception of April mmc when I went for it straight away) then get I pregnant without fail, only for it not to work out. It’s been heartbreaking.

I have not had 2 consecutive periods since November.

This year has been hell, my mental health has really taken a battering. I have no idea what is going on with my body.

DH and I have decided to take a break now we are finally being referred to rmc, but I am so worried about what they will find out, and are unable to help me.

Just realised that this is a old thread which you’ve ‘woken up’ @Tmw1993 !

Haha I realised it was an old post when I replied to it but hoped I would get some response.

I am very sorry for all your losses and know exactly how you feel. I wish I could feel joyful every time I get a positive pregnancy test but each time I just dread it. I feel like a ticking time bomb.
Glad they have referred you. Last time I had a miscarriage they said I needed to have one more miscarriage for them to start investigating so the only positive thought I am having is that atleast if I miscarry this time they will find out why.

The biggest thing for me is at the time of my termination I remember saying “what if I can’t have more babies” to my mother, of course she replied with “don’t be so silly”. But now I just wish I had stuck with my gut instinct and kept the baby I so desperately wanted instead of listening to my parents.

I’m 5 weeks 1 day. Not even bothered going to The docs yet. Just going to wait it out. We go on holiday the day i will be 6 weeks so if I make it that far going to book a private scan for when we get back.

Please let me know how you get on. Hope all works out for you.

Hi Tmw 1993 and CurlyTwirlyTwos

Sorry I didn’t see your messages until today, I didn’t get a notification so it was just by chance that I saw them. I’m really sorry that you’re both going through this. It’s such a hard time.

I wasn’t sure whether my reply might be a bit frustrating but the only insight I have is my experience. Since trying for #2 we have had 6 miscarriages - Nov 17 @ 7 weeks, Jan 18 @ 4 weeks, Feb 18 @ 4 weeks, Jun 18 @ 4 weeks, Jul 18 @ 5 weeks and Aug 18 @ 4 weels. I got pg first time every time apart from the Jun 18 that was second cycle.

Each miscarriage has been different. I was surprised by the amount of blood there can be at a 4 week miscarriages and then surprised by having slightly less bleeding than a normal period at the 5 weeks pg when there was visible tissue (sorry tmi). I find the hardest thing is the constant up and down of hormones and emotions. It’s exhausting, and I understand how you feel CurlyTwirlyTwos about not knowing what your body is doing.

I have another appointment at the RMC next month. I’m hoping they might have something useful to say, but I know it’s likely they’ll tell me they can’t do anything. Most miscarriages are unexplained and the advice is to keep trying. But I’ve got to ask! The lovely consultant I saw before said the research around super fertility is quite new and there hasn’t been much work on it. But that was three years ago, which isn’t long but I thought it could be long enough for someone to have learnt some more about it. If I find out anything I’ll post it here.

I really hope you are both doing ok.

Hi, sorry for also jumping on an old thread. There doesn’t seem to be much out there on this issue.

I haven’t seen any specialist but I’m guessing this may be something I have.
DC - conceived first go after coming off pill for over a decade (no period)
Then TTC #2 -

1. Pregnant first cycle we tried, twin pregnancy but two empty sacs. Took months and months to resolve.
2. Pregnant again the next cycle, chemical pregnancy. Bled before 5 weeks and no medical intervention.
3. Pregnant again the next cycle - now. However, I am worried this one may go the same route as the MMC but it remains to be seen.

I guess I just wonder if it is hyper fertility, and I get pregnant each cycle (have not yet ever had a cycle where I tried and didn’t, do far 100% hit ratio)... is there a fix? Does it need fixing? Is the theory that just every now and then one will stick? Do I just live with every “period” being a MC? - I guess maybe only test when I’m six weeks maybe? (But knowing when that is is part of the issue without keeping track and testing regularly because I don’t have regular cycles, so I don’t know what “late” is).
In practice I’m not very good at just being casual with it and so test on 10 DPO even though there’s so no point because it’s not like it’s ever been negative. And then I guess I’d have to become basically teetotal which is kind of annoying.
If I give up and stop trying I’m still going to get pregnant constantly unless I go back on BC which I don’t really want to.
I also don’t want to write it off as hyper fertility unless there is another problem that I need to fix and that’s always going to be my doubt I guess.

Hope you have some luck soon @RhubarbGinger and everyone else.

Just wondering, RhubarbGinger - how did it go with your pregnancy?

I have just been through 3 MCs myself, early losses between 7-9 weeks. Each time I have fallen pregnant within 2 cycles of trying.

I have now been referred to RMC, but again I don't have much hope of getting any answers. I had some blood and genetic testing done privately after my second MC, and was given the all clear, but still went on to miscarry the third.

I then started reading about the super fertility link. I am wondering if anyone else who has gone through this, have been suggested IVF by the doctor- as they can screen and implant only the good quality embryos.

Hi all, I know this is an old thread but I'm reaching out as there's so little information available on the web. I think I have super fertility too. I'm wondering if anyone ended up finding a solution.

Pregnancy 1 - took 1 cycle (had unprotected sex 1 time), mmc at 12 weeks
Pregnancy 2 - took 1 cycle, successful pregnancy
Pregnancy 3 - took 2 cycles, successful pregnancy
Pregnancy 4 - took 1 cycle, chemical that took several weeks to resolve
Pregnancy 5 - took 2 cycles, miscarrying at 6.5 weeks

Any information at all or even just someone to chat with would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi I know this is an old thread, just wondering if anyone is still around? I feel I may also have super fertility as I am currently going through what I think is a chemical pregnancy. I have had two miscarriages this year and all three have been conceived first time of trying. I am so lucky to have a little girl who was conceived easily, she is 6 now. I suppose I’m just looking for any advice or positive stories? Thanks xxx

I was pregnant 3 times in 5 months but had early losses. Next cycle got pregnant and had my son. Then tried again after him and pregnant first cycle which seems to be okay as I am 21weeks. I do believe in hyper fertility.

I think all you can do is keep trying and it will eventually work although it is so hard to keep going through losses.

Laurabeee thanks so much for your reply it has really cheered me up today. Did you ever have any checks with drs or anything like that? Yeah I intent to just keep trying because I want this to work out so much I have not choice I just hope it does, feeling disheartened today xxxxx

I think it’s normal to feel disheartened until it works which it most likely will when you do manage to get pregnant fairly easily. Each time you pregnant you still have a good chance of it working out.

I went to a recurrent miscarriage clinic and was checked for antiphospholipid syndrome which I don’t have. I also had a scan of my uterus which was fine. They found nothing and told me it was positive that I did get positive pregnancy tests. It shows that you ovulate, your fallopian tubes are open and sperm is getting to the right place. It was the 12th December 2022 and I went away a bit deflated and was really tearful over Christmas, however I got a positive test on the 5th January and it worked out. I did take progesterone pessaries to support the early weeks and I had some early scans with a very helpful consultant. 18 months later I tried again thinking it would be worse now I’m older and it has worked first time with no problems this time. I read about the unfussy uterus and I really do think there are a small number of women who have this problem, but if a genetically normal embryo arrives in there it will hopefully have a great chance.

I really hope you get some good news soon x

Laurabeee I know I do feel so deflated today, it’s so sad as well tho long back to a few days ago when I was so happy things seemed to be going well. Yeah it is so true that there are some really good signs with getting pregnant easily I am really grateful for those. My cycles are really normal etc. I am nearly 36 though which worries me!

I haven’t had any investigations, the EPU told me last time that I need to have had 3mc. This chemical one I am experiencing now would have been the third but I’m going to just leave it for now and see what happens next time 🙏 I was considering aspirin as I’ve read a bit about that?

Thanks so much for your kind words and your reply I am so pleased things worked out for you 🩷 xxxxx

I am 36. Don’t worry too much about age! Xx

Laurabeee thank you ☺️ that’s reassurance! Your replies have meant so much to me honestly! Who ever and wherever you are thank you sending you love and thanks xxxx