9 replies to this topic

[Zeukko]

I have just experienced my 3rd failed cycle. This cycle showed the most promise - for the first time we transferred two excellent quality blastocysts. (14 eggs retrieved, 11 mature, 9 fertilized via ICSI) We've never done a 5 day transfer before. But 6 days post transfer, I started spotting and now I have a full flow.

For each fresh cycle, I've never made it to the beta. My period always starts before it. We have one 5 day expanded blastocyst waiting for us. It is our last and final attempt and building a family. When I have my follow up appointment with my RE, what kinds of questions should I ask? Some have suggested that my progesterone levels may be too low.

I know nothing is guaranteed in this process. And I'm aware that even a pregnancy doesn't equate a live birth in the end. I just want to make sure that we have done everything possible.

Thank you for your assistance.

[MB.]

Have you had progesterone support from transfer to beta?  Are you using the suppositories or the POI needles?

[Zeukko]

Started suppositories the day of retrieval. Two endometrin a day. Beta is one Tuesday.

[codeblue]

I would be inquiring about your luteal phase. If you're bleeding that early then there isn't even time for implantation to start. I had similar issues. Tried suppositories and then crinone gel and neither got me far enough along to a beta before bleeding. This last cycle I specifically asked for the progesterone in oil shots, which were a pain in the ass (pun intended, lol), They originally were just going to put me on the suppositories again. But they worked and I'm now almost 19 weeks with twins off a day 3 transfer of 2 really good looking Grade 4 8 cell embryos. Be an advocate for yourself, sometimes the clinics just want to follow what they usually do since that works for the majority. But sometimes we don't always follow the same course. They can also start checking the progesterone levels in blood work a few days after its started to ensure you're getting enough into your system. Best of luck with you next cycle.

[Nerium]

Could I ask how long your cycles are?  I have a very consistently short cycle.  It's 23 days exactly, every time.  I'm worried that because my cycle is so short, I will start my period before there is a chance of implantation.  It's been only 2 days since ET, but every time I get a cramp, I think my period's coming.  I take 3 progesterone suppositories a day and 2 estrogen pills.  Is it possible to get a period when on these medications?  

[Lisa1995]

Sorry to hear that your latest cycle did not work.

 

I always spotted before beta too until I added HCG support right after transfer and that kept AF at bay until beta. It also worked on my last successful cycle as well. My clinic (Markham) gives HCG support to all patients after a BFP (injection every third day), but since I was worried about bleeding before beta they started me on it right after transfer. It makes POAS impossible though as you could get a false positive. The beta had to be high enough to know that it was a legit BFP, otherwise repeat betas would also be neccesary.

 

Good luck!

[Nerium]

Interesting about the HCG support.  I wonder if other clinics do this?

[Lisa1995]

They did it for my last couple of FETs at Lifequest, although it was not part of their usual protocol, the RE was just looking for something different to try and help me. At Markham the HCG after BFP (until 12 weeks) is part of their protocol for everyone but due to my concerns they added it in earlier for me. If you ask I can't see why your RE would not be open to trying it as it is a pretty non-invasive thing to add.

[Dr. Kimberly Liu]

Hello,

I am worry to hear that you have been unsuccessful in your cycles. It sounds like you may have had a short luteal phase after your most recent and your previous IVF cycles. You should definitely discuss this with your RE. That being said, you mentioned that you have a frozen embryo remaining.  THe protocol for a frozen cycle will be different, and therefore your luteal phase may also be different. Had you had a frozen cycle before and had similar issues with bleeding before a frozen cycle? Regardless, it would definitely be important to bring this up with your RE to discuss a plan for your next cycle. In fresh cycles, we may use different types of progesterone or add HCG to try to increase the luteal phase support. 

 

Good luck,

Dr. Kim Liu

[Zeukko]

Hello,
I am worry to hear that you have been unsuccessful in your cycles. It sounds like you may have had a short luteal phase after your most recent and your previous IVF cycles. You should definitely discuss this with your RE. That being said, you mentioned that you have a frozen embryo remaining.  THe protocol for a frozen cycle will be different, and therefore your luteal phase may also be different. Had you had a frozen cycle before and had similar issues with bleeding before a frozen cycle? Regardless, it would definitely be important to bring this up with your RE to discuss a plan for your next cycle. In fresh cycles, we may use different types of progesterone or add HCG to try to increase the luteal phase support. 
 
Good luck,
Dr. Kim Liu

Thank you for your response Dr. Lui.

This has been an incredibly emotional cycle for me. I was convinced that the treatment hadn't worked due to the early and heavy bleed I experienced. If I take into account spotting as well, the bleeding lasted 6 days. Typically my menustrual period is 3. And shock of shocks, I was pregnant. One of the embryos did implant. The first beta was low so I assumed it was a chemical pregnancy but a week later, the numbers had doubled. And the following week they doubled again. Sadly when I went in for my first ultrasound, the embryos had stopped developing and was a week behind. Now I am waiting to miscarry.

My cycle is normally 26-28 days. I plan on having a follow up appointment with my RE to discuss all the options available for the FET.