2nd IVF cycle, less numbers

[Anonymous]

My first cycle yielded 17 eggs, 13 fertilized, 5 made to blastocyst stage, no PGT testing.
Second cycle yielded 5 eggs, 3 fertilized. Today is Day 7 of waiting for results, doc said one is almost at the blastocyst level, 2nd one hasn't changed much since yesterday, those two are the most promising. 3rd one hasn't progressed beyond 9 cells, and may not make it. She'll call again tomorrow. We're doing PGT this round.

I know that different cycles yield different results. But I'm also anxious, mainly because this round was paid out of pocket and we haven't decided our next step if this one fails. And age is not on our side (I'm 41).
What different could we do next time? I know this is a discussion we should have with our doctor but I also want to be informed of any choices and advice from anyone who has experienced similar circumstances.
Also, how slim do my chances look this time? Again, we won't know until tomorrow and every case is different, I guess I'm also looking for reassurances in someone else's similar journey.
Other than a huge bottle of wine Speaking of which, would you drink during this stage of the cycle?

[Anonymous]

My first round I had 23 eggs, 23 fertilized, and only 5 embryos made it to cryo. I did two transfers of two each and lost one to thaw. No pregnancies (age 37).

My second round (age 38) I had 6 eggs and bawled my eyes out when the doctor told me in recovery. If I couldn’t get a baby with 23 eggs, how the hell would I get one with only 6 eggs? Well, 5 of the 6 fertilized and 4 made it to embryo stage. I transferred two in a fresh cycle, one took and is currently asleep in her crib. Other two embryos are still frozen.

I stimmed lower on the second cycle and we did not PGS test.
Just one anecdote, but in my case I had success when I started with x4 fewer eggs than my first cycle. It’s so trite, but you truly just need one to work and it’s hard to know when and which or if that will happen. Spend the next week keeping fingers crossed and thinking about what a next step might be if you don’t get the result you’re hoping for. I found that having a solid decision on what would come after helped me get through the process better as I had a roadmap of sorts to follow. Wishing you luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My first round I had 23 eggs, 23 fertilized, and only 5 embryos made it to cryo. I did two transfers of two each and lost one to thaw. No pregnancies (age 37).

My second round (age 38) I had 6 eggs and bawled my eyes out when the doctor told me in recovery. If I couldn’t get a baby with 23 eggs, how the hell would I get one with only 6 eggs? Well, 5 of the 6 fertilized and 4 made it to embryo stage. I transferred two in a fresh cycle, one took and is currently asleep in her crib. Other two embryos are still frozen.

I stimmed lower on the second cycle and we did not PGS test.
Just one anecdote, but in my case I had success when I started with x4 fewer eggs than my first cycle. It’s so trite, but you truly just need one to work and it’s hard to know when and which or if that will happen. Spend the next week keeping fingers crossed and thinking about what a next step might be if you don’t get the result you’re hoping for. I found that having a solid decision on what would come after helped me get through the process better as I had a roadmap of sorts to follow. Wishing you luck.

Thank you for sharing!
Unfortunately, none made it to the cryo stage. With AMA, I'm wondering if taking a break for 1 or 2 months will make a difference.

[Anonymous]

I am so sorry to hear that. I would jump right into another cycle if you feel ready and your doctor approves. I would also suggest talking to your doctor about went to transfer the embryos. Because I didn’t have a lot of embryos to work with (I’m tbt above pp) my doctor suggested we transfer and freeze with day two or three embryos. Mine just weren’t able to make it to blast stage. Some doctors are all for this, others don’t like to do it, but I won hundred percent believe I would not have a child now if I did not to transfers/ freeze on day two or three.

[Anonymous]

OP what is going on with the 5 blasts from your first cycle? Have you attempted any transfers?

I Know everyone is different, but I drank all throughout IVF stims and retrieval phases.