I've had a couple of weeks for my BFN to sink in and now I'm starting to wonder why it didn't work. Can anyone tell me why two fertilised eggs that have been carefully put into the place where they are meant to grow into a baby then why didn't they?
It was my first and last go at IVF partly because of the cost but more so because I have very high FSH and even though they bought in the big guns and gave me the highest dose of drugs I only produced 3 follicles, so my body must be past it when it comes to baby-making. I'm only 34!
Perhaps eggs don't turn into babies because there was something wrong with the eggs and it's nature's way of ensuring healthy babies? Sorry to ramble, but if anyone has any ideas they'd be gratefully received.
Ellie x
Question - Why IVF doesn't work?
Question - Why IVF doesn't work?
Me 34, DP 46.
1st attempt at IVF Nov 05
1st attempt at IVF Nov 05
Luellie,
I know you're still hurting, I've been there and it takes a while to come to terms with it. I don't know why IVF doesn't work. In my opinion it should work for everyone who has to put themselves through this. In theory it should work, since embies are being put back in the right place and at the right time. Maybe as the embie develops it doesn't develop properly, hence it doesn't implant. I think we know too much whilst doing IVF and if it was natural you wouldn't know half of what's going on. I really don't know why it doesn't work, but that's my theory. Don't beat yourself up about it, you couldn't do any more or any less. Even the top docs don't know why it doesn't work.
Whatever you decide to do in the future, I think you're awesome for even giving it a go and if you decide not to do it again, at least you'll know that you gave it you're best shot.
Take care and sending you lots of hugs.
I know you're still hurting, I've been there and it takes a while to come to terms with it. I don't know why IVF doesn't work. In my opinion it should work for everyone who has to put themselves through this. In theory it should work, since embies are being put back in the right place and at the right time. Maybe as the embie develops it doesn't develop properly, hence it doesn't implant. I think we know too much whilst doing IVF and if it was natural you wouldn't know half of what's going on. I really don't know why it doesn't work, but that's my theory. Don't beat yourself up about it, you couldn't do any more or any less. Even the top docs don't know why it doesn't work.
Whatever you decide to do in the future, I think you're awesome for even giving it a go and if you decide not to do it again, at least you'll know that you gave it you're best shot.
Take care and sending you lots of hugs.
Dizzie x
ME 35, DP 30
1ST FRESH IVF NOV/DEC 05 +ive
(m/c at 9 weeks)
FET JUL 06 -ive
2ND FRESH IVF SEP 06 +ive
ME 35, DP 30
1ST FRESH IVF NOV/DEC 05 +ive
(m/c at 9 weeks)
FET JUL 06 -ive
2ND FRESH IVF SEP 06 +ive
Hi Luellie,
I too had a BFN a few weeks ago and have been constantly asking myself the same question- why didn't it work? I am still relatively young (34), the procedure went well (27 eggs of which 19 fertilised) and 2 embryos were put back with encouragement from the doctor that all would be successful. I did everything by the book- vitamins, plenty of rest, healthy food, no exercise etc, etc, etc, etc. Then when it didn't work I felt devastated as did my DH. I know it was my first attempt ay IVF but that didn't seem any consolation at all. I have now come to terms with the fact that it wasn't meant to be for some reason or another and that we will probably never know why. I have unexplained infertility which sort of makes it more difficult in a way as there seems absolutely nothing that we can do. Anyway, things have a funny way of always turning out for the best, even if that way isn't as we had first hoped or imagined it to be. Keep this thought in mind, and hopefully it will make things seem just a little bit better.
Thinking of you,
Molly B
I too had a BFN a few weeks ago and have been constantly asking myself the same question- why didn't it work? I am still relatively young (34), the procedure went well (27 eggs of which 19 fertilised) and 2 embryos were put back with encouragement from the doctor that all would be successful. I did everything by the book- vitamins, plenty of rest, healthy food, no exercise etc, etc, etc, etc. Then when it didn't work I felt devastated as did my DH. I know it was my first attempt ay IVF but that didn't seem any consolation at all. I have now come to terms with the fact that it wasn't meant to be for some reason or another and that we will probably never know why. I have unexplained infertility which sort of makes it more difficult in a way as there seems absolutely nothing that we can do. Anyway, things have a funny way of always turning out for the best, even if that way isn't as we had first hoped or imagined it to be. Keep this thought in mind, and hopefully it will make things seem just a little bit better.
Thinking of you,
Molly B
Hi Luellie
I'm sorry you got a BFN, it really isn't fair is it.? Us that go through IVF should get a BFP, with all the heartache we have to go through.
I have just recently had a miscarriage at 8.5weeks, it was my second pregnancy through IVF, first ended in a miscarriage too. We will never know why it doesn't work, or why we loose our babys, I wish we did know maybe it would be easier for us to understand.
What I noticed about your message was, you said you had high FSH levels and you were not doing IVF again, do you know what your levels are? I also have high FSH levels and was advised not to go ahead with my last cycle, but because I was paying I went anyway and I got a positive, I must say the docs didn't even think I would get many follies, I got 8. I think now I won't get another chance, I'm only 25 and it scares the hell out of me. I am determind to do it again no matter what my levles say, I mean it worked last time, but I just wasn't meant to be that time I suppose.
I hope you do get a chance to do it again. Once again sorry about your BFN. Hope you don't mind me asking about your FSH levels.
I hope you get your dream one day, you deserve it.
Lucy
I'm sorry you got a BFN, it really isn't fair is it.? Us that go through IVF should get a BFP, with all the heartache we have to go through.
I have just recently had a miscarriage at 8.5weeks, it was my second pregnancy through IVF, first ended in a miscarriage too. We will never know why it doesn't work, or why we loose our babys, I wish we did know maybe it would be easier for us to understand.
What I noticed about your message was, you said you had high FSH levels and you were not doing IVF again, do you know what your levels are? I also have high FSH levels and was advised not to go ahead with my last cycle, but because I was paying I went anyway and I got a positive, I must say the docs didn't even think I would get many follies, I got 8. I think now I won't get another chance, I'm only 25 and it scares the hell out of me. I am determind to do it again no matter what my levles say, I mean it worked last time, but I just wasn't meant to be that time I suppose.
I hope you do get a chance to do it again. Once again sorry about your BFN. Hope you don't mind me asking about your FSH levels.
I hope you get your dream one day, you deserve it.
Lucy
Me 26, DP 36. 1st IVF - June 05 - +ve - m/c at 5 wks
2nd IVF - Nov 05 - +ve - m/c at 8.5 weeks
3rd IVF -May 06 - BFN
4th IVF - Oct 06 -BFN
5th IVF - May 07 - BFN
2nd IVF - Nov 05 - +ve - m/c at 8.5 weeks
3rd IVF -May 06 - BFN
4th IVF - Oct 06 -BFN
5th IVF - May 07 - BFN
When I read these posts it sounds so painfully familiar. I'm only 33 and had to receive the highest dose of Follitsitm (400) and 150 of repronex on top of that and only got 8 eggs. I'm due for pregnancy blood test results today, but am fairly prepared for a negative given negaitve evil pee stick this am.
But, I have heard stories of hope. A friend at work had multiple miscarriages (6) and high FSH (13 or so). She got pregnant by surprise after doing acupunture for one month. She had had several failed IUI etc. She was 38 at the time. The pregnancy was actually on a natural cycle. The baby is beautiful. We are still young and miracle pregnancies do happen.
But, I have heard stories of hope. A friend at work had multiple miscarriages (6) and high FSH (13 or so). She got pregnant by surprise after doing acupunture for one month. She had had several failed IUI etc. She was 38 at the time. The pregnancy was actually on a natural cycle. The baby is beautiful. We are still young and miracle pregnancies do happen.
TTC 4 yr
4 mc
2nd IVF - BFP - dd died 5 wk old in mommy's arms
4th IVF - BFP!! TWINS!!!
[img]http://bd.lilypie.com/PFRlm7/.png[/img]
4 mc
2nd IVF - BFP - dd died 5 wk old in mommy's arms
4th IVF - BFP!! TWINS!!!
[img]http://bd.lilypie.com/PFRlm7/.png[/img]
Thanks guys (i mean girls!). As Molly B says, things do happen for a reason and although things don't always go according to our plans, probably they are going according to some kind of plan. You'd think that by wanting something so much and doing everything by the book to get it that you would deserve the reward of actually getting it at the end. I suppose you have to believe that something somewhere out there is looking out for us even though we don't know the reasons. Good grief, that's bordering on religion!
Dizzie, you're right, we probably do know too much, other people are out there not getting pregnant or getting pregnant without even noticing. I was afraid to have anything other than a tepid bath on the 2ww and saw something on the news about a woman who's parachute failed to open on a skydive and she broke nearly every bone in her body without even knowing she was 2 weeks pregnant at the time and it turned out OK!
Really am sorry to hear of your miscarriages Lucy. I feel bereaved at even having had fertilised eggs inside me for however long it was. Felt thrilled for the 2ww even to have the opportunity to imagine I may be pregnant so I can't imagine how it must feel to be pregnant and then to lose your pregnancy. You are very brave. I really hope you get what you desire sooner or later.
My FSH level was fine when I was first tested but that was because I was on the pill (terrible PMT) and that affected the reading. Once I came off the pill the first test was 17+ and a month later had gone up to 18+. Perhaps I started IVF at the exact time it was suddenly too late or maybe it was the stress of DP's 16year old daughter moving in with us, or both.
Best of luck with the blood test Daly.
Ellie x
Dizzie, you're right, we probably do know too much, other people are out there not getting pregnant or getting pregnant without even noticing. I was afraid to have anything other than a tepid bath on the 2ww and saw something on the news about a woman who's parachute failed to open on a skydive and she broke nearly every bone in her body without even knowing she was 2 weeks pregnant at the time and it turned out OK!
Really am sorry to hear of your miscarriages Lucy. I feel bereaved at even having had fertilised eggs inside me for however long it was. Felt thrilled for the 2ww even to have the opportunity to imagine I may be pregnant so I can't imagine how it must feel to be pregnant and then to lose your pregnancy. You are very brave. I really hope you get what you desire sooner or later.
My FSH level was fine when I was first tested but that was because I was on the pill (terrible PMT) and that affected the reading. Once I came off the pill the first test was 17+ and a month later had gone up to 18+. Perhaps I started IVF at the exact time it was suddenly too late or maybe it was the stress of DP's 16year old daughter moving in with us, or both.
Best of luck with the blood test Daly.
Ellie x
Me 34, DP 46.
1st attempt at IVF Nov 05
1st attempt at IVF Nov 05
Hey everyone!!
I have posted this on another thread but was reading and saw alot of similarities with the FSH levels in this thread... so here goes...
Well, we just had our consult with the dr, after our negative result this time around. Sad to say, Im not a very good responsder to the stim meds, therefore I don't produce many eggs. My FSH is at 9.7 and I will be tested again at the end of the month when AF arrives, if it is above the 9.7, re will not try another cycle. This cylce we only had 3 eggs, 2 became embries- 8cell no fragmentation on one- the other was 8cell with 5% frag, RE said of course there was no reason one of them shouldn't have attached, so IF we are able to go through with another cycle, she will glue the embries with added hope of them attaching permanently. She suggested we may want to look into Donor eggs and all that holds. I'm very much saddened by all of this. If my FSH does come back under the 9.7 we will very much GO FOR IT one last time. I will be testing FSH end of Jan / beginning of Feb- if a go- hopefully we will be looking at a March ET and it will be BFP because this is our last chance!!! Good Luck to all trying again and those trying for 1st time.
I have posted this on another thread but was reading and saw alot of similarities with the FSH levels in this thread... so here goes...
Well, we just had our consult with the dr, after our negative result this time around. Sad to say, Im not a very good responsder to the stim meds, therefore I don't produce many eggs. My FSH is at 9.7 and I will be tested again at the end of the month when AF arrives, if it is above the 9.7, re will not try another cycle. This cylce we only had 3 eggs, 2 became embries- 8cell no fragmentation on one- the other was 8cell with 5% frag, RE said of course there was no reason one of them shouldn't have attached, so IF we are able to go through with another cycle, she will glue the embries with added hope of them attaching permanently. She suggested we may want to look into Donor eggs and all that holds. I'm very much saddened by all of this. If my FSH does come back under the 9.7 we will very much GO FOR IT one last time. I will be testing FSH end of Jan / beginning of Feb- if a go- hopefully we will be looking at a March ET and it will be BFP because this is our last chance!!! Good Luck to all trying again and those trying for 1st time.
Berta 37, Michael 38
facts (?)
I heard a few weeks ago on a 'ivf' tele programme the same question asked and the consultant said:
At age 20 - 25 % of embryoes are abnormal and will not implant
at age 30 - 50 %
at age 40 - 80 %
so thats why the more eggs they get leads to more embryoes which at least gives the embryologists some choice as to picking the 'healthier' looking embyoes.
not much inspiration I know but these are just statistics and it explained to me why so many of the embryoes I had put back just did not go anywhere. But I only ever produced max 6 eggs in any go and I had Benjamin when I was 36 and Thomas at 38, so theres always some hope.
All my love, hugs and hope for you brave girls and guys, I've been through it and was one of the lucky ones who made it through the other side, I truely hope you all get your dream as I did.
love wendy xxx
At age 20 - 25 % of embryoes are abnormal and will not implant
at age 30 - 50 %
at age 40 - 80 %
so thats why the more eggs they get leads to more embryoes which at least gives the embryologists some choice as to picking the 'healthier' looking embyoes.
not much inspiration I know but these are just statistics and it explained to me why so many of the embryoes I had put back just did not go anywhere. But I only ever produced max 6 eggs in any go and I had Benjamin when I was 36 and Thomas at 38, so theres always some hope.
All my love, hugs and hope for you brave girls and guys, I've been through it and was one of the lucky ones who made it through the other side, I truely hope you all get your dream as I did.
love wendy xxx
2nd icsi, Benjamin born March '03, 5th icsi, Thomas born Aug '05