Posted by: Marija2017

Dear doctor, I have done three unsuccessful transfers abroad using donated embryos. At 42, according to my physician this is just a case of bad luck. I am no professional, but I believe that the time has come to take a look at other factors if I want to be more successful the next time around. Only thing is, I don’t know what to look at. When surfing the net I was not able to find more information than the usual causes such as embryo quality and general health condition. Could you provide more information on the tests I should do and what should the future embryos be like. Thank you in advance!

Answer by: Romana Dmitrović, MD, Ph.D:

Dear Marija2017,

You are probably right in thinking we need to look beyond what you already know. Embryo transfer using donated gametes is far more successful than embryo transfer using own gametes. In addition, you are quite young, so your general health and capability to conceive using donated gametes should be better than in women older than you.

The first thing I would recommend is a thorough check-up of your uterus. This would establish your chances of getting pregnant and carry the pregnancy all the way. I believe you have done many ultrasounds so far, but what needs to be done now is a simultaneous two and three-dimensional ultrasound as well as SIS – a test used to discover irregularities of the uterus using saline solution. If these tests turn out negative, a hysteroscopy may be considered, which I believe should be done.

Also, a full physical medical examination should be done in an attempt to reveal other possible conditions that may prevent you from conceiving.

If all of the above tests turn out fine, you basically depend on the embryos. In my experience, all clinics we work with do a fine work, but you should definitely have an embryo grade listed on your discharge letter, preferably also the photography of an embryo, so you can later get an independent second opinion. There’s some risk in the donor’s genes as well. If nothing else works, you should change your donors and/or clinic.

As you can see, many things can go wrong. I hope you will find the problem and I wish you all the best!