Hi Bec,
DH were also told when we started IVF we would get pg...but after two stim cycles and 4 transfers, I knew something was not right. We started IVF because of poor sperm, and I was like you, I'd had very few tests as it was male factor infertility.
Anyway, I was sure something was not right - reading the stats I was convinced that after what we had done we should have got at least a BFP - even if we then went on to lose it - but nothing. So based on some info from BB, I asked for more tests...the ones that BW mentioned. And despite the odds, I came back positive for ANA - antinuclear antibodies (test is positive in only 2% of the population which is why they dont automatically test for it). I was refered to another specialist who put me on 100mg of asprin and 2 x .2ml 5000u heparin injections from transfer, as treatment for antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) (this causes my body to attack the embies - we never had a hope of falling pg without this medication). We have just got a BFP on this FET now that we are on this protocol! We still have a long way to go, but this is the furtherest we have got so far.
I guess I'm just trying to illistrate that even a FS does not have perfect knowlege and if you are in doubt ask for more tests - it would have been another 4 failed transfers before they would have done the extra BTs for me had I not asked for them to be done sooner. Just because you have MFI, does not mean there are not other underlying issues affecting the ability of your embies to implant. Keep asking questions and push to have tests done.
tctbub1 - I just read your post and i just felt like i had to reply. Now before I go on i just need to say that I am not trying to burst your bubble but my story is slightly different.
My DH and I have been through numerous (as you can see from signature) transfers all resulting in a BFN. And many BB users have said to me that they can't believe that i haven't demanded more tests and more ideas from my FS. So this year i switched clinics and ended up at Monash Sunnybak also. And i too started seeing Prof Dunphy this September when he first arrived. I have just completed my first cycle with him which ended in a BFN. So to date thats 8 failed transfers for me, so I made a follow up appointment with him this week to insist on more tests to find out why i fail to implant everytime. I went in there armed with info from fellow BB members about tests their FS had done as well as some of my own research and ideas. WELL to my absolute shock and horror he shot down each and every idea - right down to farmgirls aspirin protocol (even though it clearly worked) and told me that there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING he can test me for or nothing we can do differently. I am still in shock!!!!
Please feel free to PM me if you want any more info but that is the absolute truth about what he said.
Can't wait to see what some of you guys think about this. Professor or no professor title i think i would prefer someone who is at least willing to try something. I don't really have much to lose at this stage!!!!
I can't do PM's cause I don't have enough posts or something ? .. I"m sure that's what I read somewhere - and not only that I can't find where I send a PM ... lol ..
I would really like to talk you ..... so if you can PM me ? .. then we can exchange email addy's or even phone numbers ..
I wouldn't say you've burst my bubble - but it is a little deflated
ttcbub1 - yeah i tried to PM but it wouldn't work. Not sure how else to get in contact but i would really love to talk to you and find out where you live - we might be close
I'm really sorry to hear about everything you are going through. You are a tough cookie!
You mentioned some 'look outside the box' suggestions, so I thought I would mention 2 natural fertility experts that I know of working in Perth. They are loaded with info and advice that you are most likely not ever going to hear from your GP or IVF specialist (no offence to them- the things I'm referring to are just not their forte).
One specialist is Natalie Pickering, of Perth Natural Medical Clinic in Mt Lawley, the other is Jane Lamprell-Jarrett, who works at both Pivet Medical Centre and Synergy Clinic in Leederville.
They conduct intensive 3 month pre-conceptual care programs (sperm takes 3 months to fully mature) which incorporate intensive diet control and supplementation tailored to each partners individual constitution, as well as rigorous detoxification. They are also able to conduct blood, saliva, and hair analysis tests to ascertain any hormonal imbalances, heavy-metal and pesticide toxicity, as well as many other common barriers to conception.
Friends of mine fell pregnant after following Natalie's pre-conceptual care program- although they had been trying for 2.5 years to fall pregnant naturally prior to this and were ready to board the IVF train.
I wish you both all the very best in your journey to becoming parents. I will say a little prayer for you, your DH's sperm and your eggs!! Remember, miracles DO happen every day........ I believe your time will come.
Bec on the surrogacy front - most of the laws in Australia are focusing on gestational surrogacy rather than traditional surrogacy. To do gestational surrogacy you would still have to under go IVF and risk OHSS. Also normally there are ethical boards you would need to sit before and normally they have conditions attached to them like GS to be used at risk of maternal life/health, or uterine issues. Occasionally they will consider repeat failed IVF however this is often when someone has done 12 transfers or more.
Currently in WA it takes over a year (maybe 2 from what friends tell me) just to get to the basic level of information classes for adoption, my advice is to put your name down now and continue with IVF until then at the very least.
I advise you to have a lap done as it can show up issues not seen at egg collection - this can assist with things like placement of embryos when transferred, etc. EPU is not the same as a lap.
Has your DH had SCSA or a tunnel assay for DNA breakage in his sperm?
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks