Just wanted to ask if anyone has had their immune system tested as part of their diagnosis for infertility? The more I read, the more it seems that this type of testing can help to explain the "unexplained". I saw the doc on Wednesday, but all she was offering was more hormone testing. For my own peace of mind I need to know if the test is common? If so, what might it show up? I have been told i will be on the waiting list for 1 year before we do IVF, and I am finding it hard to accept there is no explanation for not conceiving.
Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.
I had immunology testing done before my last treatment. They found out that I have a high number of Natural Killer cells which causes either early m/c or failure to implant when the embryos are very good.
When they discovered this they put me on several additional drugs, steroids and I have regular blood tests to check that the NK cells are not rising too high again.
My hospital offered it - they said they wanted to do research before letting me start a treatment with them.
I had had treatments elsewhere and when I went to this hospital they felt it was important to find the source of the problem. I have a history of very good embryos, nothing wrong with DH and either early m/c or failure to implant.
Hi Yvee - I've already responded to you on another thread ... Have a look at the thread "Every wondered why IVF Fails ? Read on" by 3p. It's on this forum.
Sandra x
Me 41 yrs old - dh 49 yrs old. ttc 110 yrs.
1st cycle (ICSI)....Mar 04 -ve.
2nd cycle (ICSI)....Aug 04 -ve.
3rd cycle FET........May 05 -ve.
4th cycle (ICSI) ... Feb 06 -ve
5th cycle FET ..... Feb/Mar 11
Coming to this late, but I tested for various immune problems (killer cells, anticoagulants and anticardiolupins) after my 2nd –ve cycle (my first was a +ve followed by early m/c). I didn’t ask for the test but my clinic wanted to test me because I get good quality blastos each time so they thought immune testing was advisable. I think it cost around £ 250 and it’s not something they would test for on your first go. I tested positive, but unfortunately taking the steroids etc didn’t prevent my 3rd cycle from also being a –ve.
Thank you again for the replies, my clinic has never offered this type of test, but for my own mind i need to rule things out. It seems crazy to me that they can diagnose unexplained without ruling out certain things.