IVF - Only ONE embryo to freeze! Feeling discouraged...

[Anonymous]

I just completed my first IVF cycle at SG (I'm 33 with only MF issues that we know of). We did a day 5 transfer of 2 embryos (one blastocyst, one morula - the stage right before a blast). Out of the 7 embryos left, only ONE made it to freeze (nurse just said that only one grew to the best quality needed for freezing, but the others did not die but weren't good enough to freeze) Needless to say I am very disappointed about this since I was hoping we'd get at least 2 for the freezer.

I'm also worried that since only one made it to freeze, that this is indicative of the poor quality of the two embryos they already put back in me!

Has anyone been in my situation where you had only one or didn't have any eggs at all make it to freeze but you still ended up with a BFP?

Need some encouraging stories! Thank you!

[Anonymous]

yes, BFP with none to freeze here

[Anonymous]

I know that can be difficult, but for your own sanity I would suggest focusing on the embryos they've transferred and using the 2WW to be healthy and create a loving space for the embryos to implant and grow. If I've learned anything from this journey, it's to take one day at a time and put the future on hold until you get there. Hope this is helpful!

[Anonymous]

I've done 2 IVF cycles at SG and got + results each time. Have 2 year old twins and an infant.
I never had any embryos left to freeze.

SG is REALLY picky about what they will freeze. I was told that only 40% of + cycles have anything left over. Ask your RE for exact stats on this.

[Anonymous]

I have done two IVF cycles at SGF. For the first one, which was a BFN, I transferred one top grade embryo by choice and froze one. For the second cycle, which was positive, I transferred two second grade embryos at day 6 (they automatically drop them to grade 2 on day 6 for some reason) and froze two. For the first cycle I had about 18 eggs retrieved (14 fertilized) and for the second cycle I had about 27 eggs retrieved (about 22 fertilized). I have also heard that their freezing criteria are very strict, which has resulted in their stats for frozen embryo transfers going way up in the past two years. I found some comfort in the fact that they only froze the very best embryos, so hopefully our chances of getting pregnant with one of them when the time comes are about as good as with a fresh cycle.

[Anonymous]

I can understand how it can be discouraging. I did one IVF cycle at SG-Rockville. Only retrieved 7 eggs; 4 fertilized, only 3 made it today 5. We transferred two (7-cell and 5-cell). I am currently 31 weeks pregnant with twin girls! Keep your hopes up, and good luck!

[Anonymous]

making it to blast is a GREAT sign. And a friend of mine got pregnant from the one embryo that made it to freeze. Good luck!!!

[Anonymous]

I got pregnant from natural cycle IVF with only one embryo to transfer so I'm a firm believer that quality is better than quantity. think positive!!

[Anonymous]

I have a friend who transferred 2 at Shady Grove with only one to freeze. Not only did she have twins, but a third several years later from the FET.

[Anonymous]

I cycled with SG and had 2 blasts transferred on day 5. None of my remaining embryos (7 left) made it to freeze. I am currently pg (we think with just one - u/s is coming up soon).

SG has very strict standards for freezing. My RE told me that only about a third of patients have anything to freeze.

Fingers crossed for success for you!

[Anonymous]

OP here....Wow guys! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR POSTS! I feel 1000% better than I did yesterday. I appreciate all of your support and successful stories. Seriously, posting on this board is better than any kind of professional therapy I could get /pay for! Thank you again...I will remain positive.

[Anonymous]

2 sucessful fresh cycles at SG...neither cycle had any left to freeze.

[Anonymous]

OP, you should definitely feel encouraged. As much as we all have high expectations, just having a successful IVF cycle (in terms of making it to a point where you have good embryos to transfer) is an achievement. Think of having any to freeze as a complete bonus and not something to plan on at all.

[Anonymous]

Great point 12:17! You have definitely changed my thinking. Thank you for your post. (OP)

[Anonymous]

One more to add to your list -- I had 2 cycles at SG. First one yielded two to freeze but a BFN. Second fresh cycle = none to freeze but BFP, who is now a happy 13 month old.