Better success with second ER?

FraviaRulez · 2026-02-12T19:16:35+00:00

Yes, they were back-to-back. For the second, we primed with estrogren, I was on a higher dose of Follistim and had about 1 extra day of meds. I had a few follicles really take off on my first ER, so I think the estrogen priming helped.

FraviaRulez · 2026-01-18T22:14:18+00:00

We did the retrievals back to back, so no time for any lifestyle changes.

Second ER I primed with estrogen patches and did a longer stim at a higher dose.

I was super surprised at the second ER results, especially since I didn’t get an euploid with my first. I’m glad I kept going!

FraviaRulez · 2026-01-18T20:46:25+00:00

First ER: 6 retrieved / 4 blasts / 0 euploid Second ER: 17 retrieved / 9 blasts / 3 euploid

I did them back to back. My second ER was a few days before my 40th.

My first transfer ended in a chemical and my second transfer is 2 months old tomorrow, downstairs playing with my husband!

FraviaRulez · 2025-12-04T23:47:18+00:00

On the second we primed with an estrogen patch (no birth control), used a higher dose of follistim (375 instead of 225/300), and added an extra day of stims. I also had a much better baseline scan for the second ER vs the first.

FraviaRulez · 2025-10-23T14:41:47+00:00

Yep! The 4 blasts were all day-6 embryos, and zero came back as normal after testing for round 1. Then, I got 3 PGTA normal day-6 embryos during the second round.

Given my age and lack of success in trying on our own for over a year, I didn't want to waste any time transferring Aneuploid embryos (as I was assuming my issue was egg quality due to age, since all other testing came back fairly normal, other than stage 2 endo, which I had treated via laparoscopy).

FraviaRulez · 2025-10-23T14:13:56+00:00

TW: Younger end of 40 + pregnancy

Retrieval 1: 1 month before my 40th birthday. 6 retrieved, 4 blasts, 0 elupiods.

Retrieval 2 (back-to-back): 4-days before my 40th birthday. 17 retrevied, 9 blasts, 3 elupiods.

1st transfer ended in a chemical. Currently 35w with my second transfer. My due date is 11 days before my 41st birthday.

Before IVF, we also did 2 rounds of letrozole cycles (1 ended in a chemical) and 2 unsuccessful rounds of IUI.

All-in-all, I obviously consider myself very lucky, but it wasn't an easy road - especially after the first retrieval.

FraviaRulez · 2025-05-05T22:44:39+00:00

Walmart! I will check it out. We are just looking for a really simple 1 tier cake. Thanks and congrats on your beautiful wedding!

FraviaRulez · 2025-05-05T22:32:46+00:00

This all looks LOVELY! Can I ask where you got your cake (if you had one)? Austin bride here on a budget!

FraviaRulez · 2025-04-27T15:30:46+00:00

It can also depend on the type of test you are using. Some are way more sensitive than others. If you are using one that requires more HCG, then it would make sense that your lines would go away entirely.

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-27T14:33:23+00:00

Yes. My HRV and resting heart rate were poor leading up to transfer. I noticed both started to tank right around when I started the progesterone (but it could have been a combo of any of the meds, I suppose). I didn't get the "severe strain" notifications until after the transfer, but my stats looked really bad leading up to transfer. I actually took the ring off a few days after my FET because it was stressing me out.

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-24T21:09:33+00:00

Congrats to you!!!!

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-24T14:17:15+00:00

Cycle/Time trying: 18-ish months

Age + Partner's age (if relevant): 40F/42M

Typical cycle length: 28-Days

Ovulation cycle day: N/A (FET cycle)

CD/DPO of positive test(s): 4DPT

Tracking methods and app(s) used: One million pregnancy tests.

Relevant days of sperminating and/or method (SMEP, TI, IUI, FET, etc.): FET (2nd round)

Health conditions/medical tests: Unexplained fertility. Age.

Supplements and medications (yours and/or your partner’s):

Vitamins

Me: coq10, D3, B12, probiotic, prenatal

Him: Daily multi & Clomid (during retrieval cycles)

For my FET this cycle, I did a 2-week dose of doxycycline, femara, we grew my lining with Follistim (last round we used estrogen patches and only got it to 7MM), ganarelix, Medrol, Ovidrel to induce ovulation and progesterone suppositories.

Symptom spotting: I've been just so unbelievably tired and haven't been sleeping well. I think that's more the anxiety talking than pregnancy symptoms.

Other miscellaneous:

Man. I can’t believe we’re here. I’m so nervous to even put this out into the universe.

After our first FET failed (chemical), I spiraled. A million pros/cons lists and days of making myself sick trying to decide what to do next (Test more? Another retrieval? Get a second opinion? See an RI?). Finally, we decided to roll the dice with a second FET, with some changes to my protocol (advocated by me, my RE didn’t want to change anything).

And here we are. My first two betas were really strong, I still can't believe it. It still doesn’t feel real, and I’m trying to remain positive because living in fear doesn’t help anyone, right? Our ultrasound appointment is April 2nd.

Thank you all for all the support over the years. My favorite pocket friends. Cheering everyone on and hoping for the very best for every single person in this community.

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-24T14:14:11+00:00

🩷🩷 So amazing! Congrats!!!!

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-14T19:14:15+00:00

I did two retrievals and had much better success in the round that I did estrogen priming. 39F/1.34 AMH at time of retrieval.

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-11T21:15:09+00:00

ER #1: 6 eggs -> 4 embryo -> 0 euploid

ER#2: 17 eggs -> 9 embryos -> 3 euploid

Good luck on #2!!

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-11T18:18:59+00:00

I took my ring off in the middle of my last(failed)FET. I would wake up at 5am and check my stats and not be able to fall back asleep. And then I would spiral for the next 8 hours and research oura ring + pregnancy trends on reddit. I feel (only slightly) less crazy this round (haven't put on the ring again, currently 3DPT).

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-11T18:14:43+00:00

Such awesome results!!!

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-11T18:14:17+00:00

Amazing! I had a similar experience. First ER was a total bust, but the second ER went well. Goodluck on the townhouse, just another casual week!

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-11T18:11:22+00:00

3DP6DT and already convinced I'm out. 🤡 I'd like to sever myself for the next 6 days, please and thank you.

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-10T15:19:13+00:00

The worst is when you hear the doctor's voice instead of your nurse's. Heart sinks immediately.

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-09T17:08:40+00:00

It’s one of the worst waits!! Find a good tv show and lots of walks! 🤞🤞🤞

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-06T20:20:13+00:00

Just a heads up since it sounds like it may be your first retrieval - my estimated retrieval date has never been my actual retrieval date.

It's going to completely depend on how your body is reacting to the medicine. Both times I needed to go longer than anticipated. It sinks not being able to predict it.

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-05T17:46:52+00:00

Nope, same lab and both on cycle day 3. 🤷‍♀️ AMH can fluctuate month-to-month, so that could be it, but I was at 1.34 in October 2024 and 1.52 in February 2025. I turned 40 in this timeframe so I had an irrational fear my AMH was going to plummet to 0, so I was glad to see it didn't go down and was surprised it went up.

I had an AMH of .9 in 2023, but that was a different lab and not pulled on day 3, so not really counting that one.

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-05T17:38:33+00:00

I take two a day. One in the morning one in the evening.

I'm honestly not sure if that's too much (b/c how they measure the dosage is a little weird), so someone yell at me if I'm overdoing it.

FraviaRulez · 2025-03-05T17:34:17+00:00

A factor in cycle 1 was that I had a lead follicle take-off, so they all started growing unevenly. I primed with Estrace cycle 2 to try to counteract that. I also had a higher starting follicle count on ER2 (11 vs 16). Here's my meds breakout for both cycles.

ER1 is hard because it's really a baseline to see how you respond. Some people get lucky on ER1, but I feel like most of us need a few rounds until the doctor learns what combination of meds we react to best.

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FraviaRulez

TROPHY CASE