Advice what test to have

[Zo Bo]

We have had 5 failed cycles now, 4 of them BFN and 1 Biochemical, so we have been advised Array CHG or DNA sperm fragmention, my husband has sperm antibodys.

We just can't face another BFN and what to find out what the problem is but don't know what to check as could be my eggs, we have good numbers and get to blast.

Any advice would be lovely

Zo Bo x

[Maple]

Hi Zobo,

I'm not sure what you are asking ... is it a choice of either having Array CGH or DNA sperm fragmentation?

DNA fragmentation costs £468 whereas aCGH costs £2510 for up to 8 samples and thereafter £278 per sample.

DNA fragmentation test is not a definitive test, it only gives an indication/probability of the sperm to produce a live baby. Not many sperm samples fail the DNA fragmentation test - even in the worst cases of male IF. There is no harm in doing the DNA fragmentation as it will give you a better picture of the quality of the sperm.

Personally, I would definitely have aCGH done if there are enough embryos which are strong enough to get to blastocyst stage, as this will test for chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos (i.e. both the eggs and sperm are taken into account) and ensure that only the chromosomally normal ones will be transferred to give you the best chance of success.

Best of luck!
Maple
xxx

[Maple]

Hi Zobo,

I am not sure if your consultant has suggested having Level 1 and Level 2 (Chicago) tests done to diagnose if you have any reproductive immune issues. It's something you could find out from your consultant.

Maple
xxx

[Zo Bo]

Hi Maple

Thanks for the advice, we have had level 1 and level 2 tests done I have MTHER so on clexane.

We just don't know what to do now, also both of our Karyotype tests are all normal, so does that mean chromosomes are alright?

Sorry so confused

Zo bo x

[Maple]

Zo Bo,

Yes, that's right -

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency ... 003935.htm

Both just because the karyotyping tests are o.k., does not mean that your eggs or your DH's sperm don't have chromosome abnormalities. Even healthy ladies without fertility issues can produce up to 50% chromosomal abnormal eggs, and same for men and their sperm.

I presume that you were also put on vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid to 'treat' MTHFR?

Maple
xxx

[Zo Bo]

Thanks Maple

Yes on the B6 B12 and Folic acid

We shall probably have to do the Array tests done as thats going to give us answers as we have good embryos and no pregnancy.

Have you seen a lot of couples have this and get positive results

Zo bo x

[Maple]

Hi Zo Bo,

Most of the ladies (though not many) who have aCGH testing done tend to be older ladies (late 30's and early 40's) where the % of chromosomal abnormal embryos are higher (than younger ladies).

I have seen a few successes from these older ladies. I seen a higher % of younger ladies (though less in number use aCGH) have successes.

Maple
xxx

[2 magpies please]

Hi there

I hope you don't mind me gate crashing ladies! I'm just finishing off my last packet of femibion hp as I too have Mthfr (two copies). I've just switched to solgar 800mcg which care recommend, should I be taking b6 and b12 separately, my plan was to buy a pre pregnancy vitamin to supplement the solgar. Not sure if this is the right thing to do.
Nice to meet you zo bo, maple, hope you and your long awaited little one are doing really well honey!

Xxx

Ps I have no regrets on doing ACGH on our last cycle, without it we would never have known the right embryo to transfer. Unfortunately it didn't work out and I didn't even get to test but have no regrets and we still have a normal grade 1 on ice.

[Maple]

Hi 2 magpies please,

There is no need to take B6 and B16 if using Solgar - as the folic acid is in the form which is easier for people with MTHFR to absorb.

MapleT is doing really well thanks ... but he is very time-consuming (in the nicest way) and prevents me from getting on the BB much now.

Best of luck with your FET ... fingers crossed that one golden nugget is going to make your dreams come true.

Love,
Maple
xxx

[ACM75]

Hi zobo,
I got success with the aCGH! I was 36 when it worked for us, i am 37 now and due our baby in 4 weeks time. Previously we had 3 fresh cycles all with varying results, but all bfn's. the aCGH was perfect for us, as it showed that out of 7 blastocysts we had tested, only 2 were normal, clearly we struggled to make good embryos no matter how they looked under a microscope. So glad we went for it, and we have one more in the freezer too! Good luck with your cycle! Xx