What Questions to ask the FS?

OK, so I'm down to the last 5 days of my 2WW, and don't feel in the slightest bit pregnant. I'd be very surprised if they said I am, at this stage.

Anyway - if this transfer doesn't take, I need to start asking some really big questions of the FS to find out why I have had 3 failed transfers (if this one doesn't work). What I need from all you adorable assisted-conception ladies (& gents if there's any lurking) is to tell me about any tests I need to ask for.

Our fertility problem is that DH had a vasectomy with his exwife, and as far as I'm aware, I don't have any further issues. I'm over weight, have always cycled regularly, have polycystic ovaries (but not diagnosed with PCOS - no other symptoms), and I'm 29yo. I've had an endometrial polyp removed, but that's as far as it goes for me & fertility 'problems'.

I've read (skimmed... ) that there are tests for immune responses? What other tests do I need to ask for?

I'm just feeling like an incubation-failure & to date, they haven't offered me any help on it (not that I've asked). But surely after two failures, they would start thinking about trying something new??

I've no more frosties in the freezer, so I'll be looking down the barrel of another egg harvest in a couple of months. I don't want to throw away all the precious embryos & pain without some considered medical testing.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi Entreat,

Firstly, fingers crossed that this is the cycle for you

I notice that you are in Kalgoorlie, we used to live there for five years but now live in Mandurah. Do you have to travel to Perth for transfers etc? I'm currently at Hollywood.

It took us 4 goes to get pregnant (1 fresh, 2 FET, 1 fresh = BFP!) We fall into the 'unexplained' category & as far as testing goes my FS undertook a lap & dye test before we started treatment which was all clear, as well as numerous blood tests & husbands sperm tests. There was a couple of things they picked up on doing the blood work including a sometimes high thyroid & a blood clotting disorder. They said that these things wouldn't impact on my ability to get pregnant just something they found in the woodwork! On the cycle where we achieved our pregnancy, the only thing they did different to the others was give me progesterone (Crinone gel) support even though according to my blood tests my progesterone level was fine. So, I don't know if this aided in achieving a good result or just one of those random things. I've recently gone back to the clinic as we're starting a fresh cycle in a couple of weeks. Hubby has to go through sperm & blood tests again but besides getting basic hormone levels they didn't suggest any further testing for me.

Good luck with it all

Thanks LMM. I assume all the tests to start with were more or less base-line because they never said otherwise. I also assume the tests from polyp were normal as I was never given the pathology report on that either.

The fresh transfer was actually the one that seemed to cling on. The first FET didn't even take root (I'm giving up on using any 'proper' words & am making up my own, mostly botany-related words...), but the freshie half clung on for a few weeks. Maybe that had something to do with the crinone that I haven't been on for the FETs (only pregnyl)?

Oh - and yes, I have to travel for transfers. Blood tests are the most annoying because they have to be sent to Perth for processing anyway & mine frequently don't make the courier. I'm at Fertility Specialists of WA w/ Dr Love.

I've heard of ladies being tested for Natural Killer Cells.

I'm not 100% sure what this involves but natural killer cells basically kill of the embryos in your uterus (or something to that effect).
It can be treated though. A friend of mine knows someone who had lots of failed IVF's and was investigate for that, was found to have very high levels, had it treated and is expecting any day now.

Is there any way you can also maybe see another Dr? I read somewhere that after 3 failed cycles, it might be time for a change in FS.

Hope you get your answers and your BFP really soon hun.
Sue xxx

Hi Entreat,
Just posting re your questions about further tests. Most FSs won't write these until you have had a number of unsuccessful cycles, though because of your M/C this might be a good option. It might very well be the case that it is just a numbers game for you, your sticky one could be the next one.

The second thread lists all the actual tests, from memory I paid for these up front (about $450) and then claimed all except 2 back on medicare, so out of pocket was about $80.

http://forums.bellybelly.com.au/foru...y-testing.html

http://forums.bellybelly.com.au/foru...g-implant.html

For me it made all the difference. I eventually tested positive for MTHFR, treated with low dose aspirin and Clexane injections to thin the blood, my first full cycle with Clexane from EPU worked, this was transfer number 7 for me.

Also, although I did not test for NK cells, I did take Prednisone as a just in case, this might have helped. Might be worth asking your FS about the Colorado Protocol also, just to ensure the endometrium lining is at its friendliest.

Which ever way you go I hope you get your BFP next cycle, wishing you all the best.