Difficult transfer - Ghost/IVF Nurse?

[sares]

Hello

I wonder if anyone has any information on difficult embryo transfers? On Monday I had my second ET (this one was frozen embryo) and like the first one, it was extremely difficult. Apparently my cervix is difficult to negotiate. My doctor had to use tenaculum and obdurator and there was blood on the catheter. He had previously (three weeks earlier) done a cervical dilation under general anaesthetic to try and make it easier - but that didn't work obviously!

I read that a difficult transfer like mine can affect the outcome of the cycle. I wonder has anyone had experience of such a transfer? My doctor suggested that doing it under a general may be the next step.... as my cervix was easier to access when I was under.

I am still hopeful this transfer may have worked but in the meantime, am gathering information.

Thank you very much.

Sares
me - 40
DH - 53
blocked tubes, hypothyroidism
ICSI#1 BFN
FET #1 BT 10 Sept

[amysbabies]

I'm so sorry that you're transfer didn't go smoothly. . . I saw your question earlier this morning and coincidently while at the doc's office I was reading a medical magazine and saw an article on the effect of a difficult IVF transfer. It said that some doctors say that blood on the catheter meaning a difficult transfer does decrease the chances of implantation.. but then some say that it doesn't effect it at all as long as the embryos are placed in the uterus properly.

Unfortunately I was called in before I could finish reading... I hope Ghost or IVF Nurse will chime in on your post.

[kerpupples]

Sares,

I have a "difficult cervix" (RE's words), it has a curve and a bit of a false passageway and my uterus is tipped. When I did a fresh cycle my RE put a stitch in my cervix during ER while I was under. Apparently the stitch holds the cervix open and makes the ET a little easier. I didn't have the stitch during my last 2 FETs and the transfer was a bit more difficult, though not as hard as yours was. I hope your RE can figure something out for you!

Amy

[4fanops]

I also had a very difficult and uncomfortable transfer. The RE had a hard time "finding" my cervix. I have a "deep" vag. and a tilted uterus. My first cycle was a BFN. We decided to do a trial transfer, and my doctor got his "directions" to my uterus. Then we did an FET that produced a BFP. I am now 10 weeks along. Good luck!

[sares]

Thanks for your replies.

That's good to hear about that article, Amysbabies. I'm hoping the second lot of dr's are right when they say a difficult transfer doesn't matter as long as the embryo's in the right spot!

That's interesting about the stitch, kerpupples, I had read that on a blog somewhere and will be putting it to my RI.

4fanops, I would have hoped my RI had 'mapped' my cervix when it was dilated under general three weeks ago - but then, he did say it was easier to get through when under general.... not sure why that would be. Congratulations on your pregnancy!

[sares]

also wondering if anyone has experience of towako transfer where they go in through wall of uterus?

[Ghost]

I have heard that difficulty in transfer is associated with a lower chance of success. I don't know why. Never studied it in any detail.

But patients with "difficulty" in the transfer still get pregnant every day in this country. It's fairly common.

[beachbaby]

Hi Ladies, I have a kinked cervix, my first transfer took over 30 minutes as they could not get the catheter in. I then had the head consultant at my FET and he managed pretty well, I had 2 ffurther FET traansfers and the consullant had to use forceps to gain access to the cervix, gave me a very strong period like pain!!

The good news is i have 8 week old twins, so although it is difficult you can get pregnant. I got pregnant on all 3 of my FET's and all were bad transfers.

Kep the faith and good luck.
Beach