failed blast transfer - why?

[Egg Factory]

Hi all

I just failed my first IVF - had 2 blasts transferred. I'm devastated and can't understand why this didn't work as I've heard most people have success first time with blasts. I'm in my early thirties, don't have endo or tubal issues and tested neg with anticardiolipins. Our only problem is male factor. The only reason I can think of is low progesterone on the day of transfer, although I did have my support increased from that day onwards. This was a natural cycle FET, my day-3 embies were thawed and then cultured to blasts with assisted hatching. It seems that they've pulled out all the stops already. I still have frozen day-6 blasts for my next cycle but I'm terrified that this isn't ever going to work.

[SC-Stargazerlily]

I'm so sorry about your failed cycle. I know it really hurts. And I'm very sorry you are going through this.

As for why, no one can really answer that. We all hate to hear this, but IVF is often just a numbers game. Even the most perfect embryos are not always viable. Even when you are doing this at home, not all embryos that are fertilized will implant. Unfortunately, it's just the way it is. Finding that magic embryo can be a challenge sometimes even when things look perfect. Even embryos that were created with the same fresh cycle can be hit or miss. **success mentioned** I started with 12 excellent quality embryos. Of those 12, I have 6 children (almost, 6th due in Oct.) and 6 didn't survive. 2 were an early m/c and 2 were a BFN and 2 were transferred with my single babies. Why did 6 survive and 6 didn't when they were all from the same batch, all excellent quality, and I was 26 for my fresh cycle with no issues other than male factor? It's just they aren't all viable. It's a numbers game. **end mention** It is possible there is something else going on, but it's also very likely that you just didn't find that magic embryo yet.

I've been around here doing the stats for a while. I really haven't noticed that "most people are have success the first time with blasts." Overall, you chances for success are good because of your age and diagnosis. But, that actually doesn't mean the first time. Many, many women have to try at least 2x's before they find success even those with a great chance of success.

Hang in there! I'm sorry if I didn't say the things you wanted to hear or weren't encouraging. I felt like you were looking for real answers and so I wanted to give you those. Again, I really am very sorry that your cycle failed. Take the time you need to grieve and then move forward with your next FET. There is a great chance you will find success with those. Many people have both failed cycles and successful cycles from the same "batch" of embryos, including me.

[SC-Impatient_in_VA]

PREG MENTS




EF I was 33 when mine were harvested. On day 5 I had 11 blasts, they xferred the 2 best ones, BFN. Why? No one will ever know. I had +s at home but - before beta. They froze the 4 best ones on day 6, and I am pregnant with a singleton from that. So of the first 4 high quality (4AB) blasts transferred, I got 1 sticky one at age 33. Our only problem was male factor.

Some women report that their best-looking embies turned out to be the worst, and the "2nd picks" turned out to make healthy babies. It seems that's the case for me (knock on wood) and a few other women on here. It may be the case for you, as well. Don't give up hope!

[SC-Stargazerlily]

I forgot to respond about it possibly being low progesterone. That wasn't the problem. If it's low enough to cause you to bleed, it's a problem. Otherwise, you are okay. **success mentioned** I have to travel 3.5 hrs to my RE's office. So, I go the night before transfer and spend the night in a hotel. With this last transfer, I realized at midnight I'd forgotten my meds at home, including my progesterone (the most important). I knew I would miss 3 full doses if I didn't take them till I got home. (suppositories 3x's a day, AM, mid day and PM) RE said to just do it as soon as we got home. He had me double up for a few doses to make up for missing. I was TOTALLY freaked out and sure I'd ruined our chances. Nope, sure enough, I got a BFP. **end mention** So, I really don't think it was because of low progesterone. Don't blame yourself. It's nothing you or your body did or didn't do.

[WhitneyAtFertilityAuthority]

Don't panic.....like Stargazerlilly said, the odds are far stacked against first FET success. Not sure why, but you're still in good shape even though it may not seem that way or feel that way. All good thoughts your way!!

[Egg Factory]

Stargazerlily, Impatient_in_VA, whitney1: thank you so much for your encouraging words, I feel more positive after reading them. Your success stories inspire me. I am now gradually getting over the disappointment and accepting the fact that some things are just beyond my control. I am still a little fearful about how the next cycle would turn out but I know I have to take this leap of faith.

[KimAtFertilityAuthority]

Hey EF,

I am so sorry to hear about your BFN. Like the other ladies mentioned, it is all a numbers game. Here's hoping you have a very successful second cycle! ((Hugs))

Kim

[WhitneyAtFertilityAuthority]

EF: When do you start your next cycle? How you feeling today?

[tenseintexas]

egg - I am sorry. it sucks so badly. Most babies that dont make it are due to chromosomal abnormality but there are other reasons too--like it just didnt !GAHGHAGGH!!! so frustrating i am so sorry. . Making it to blast does not mean it will work for sure. I just transferred a chromosomally sound blast and it did not work...there are just no guarantees.
however-- i think a lot more people have sucess there second round--- it seems the first round is trial and error for a lot. How awesome you have some frozen 6 days! WOW!!! that is great
Great luck to you ---

[Egg Factory]

Dear Kim, Whitney and tenseintexas,

Thank you for your kind words. I'll be meeting my RE next week but I have a feeling he'll say "I don't know" or it's "bad luck". He doesn't really believe in immune testing/treatment either. But I'll definitely push for some kind of investigation and a different approach this FET. I'm also not sure if my blasts will survive the thaw (they've been frozen twice - once at the 3-day stage, and again at 6 days).