Questions for IVF cyclers. Update and pics #6

[Buzzer Beater]

Did your clinic give you a written description of how they do embryo assessment? What grading system does your clinic use, and was it useful in helping you make decisions about transfer?

I'm not super happy with my clinic right now.

TIA

Edited by Buzzer Beater - 5/24/11 at 10:53am

[abeecharmer]

No. In fact, my clinic didnt even tell me the grade of the embryos we transfered (for either of my cycles). They might have, had I asked, but by that point in the process, I just put my faith in the embryologist's hands and let her do her thing. We had already decided to transfer 2 in my fresh cycle, so she picked the best ones of the batch (got pregnant, m/c at 9 weeks). I got pictures of the embryos and her general feedback that they looked "beautiful," but she didnt tell me the grade. For my frozen cycle, we thawed four and transferred the 3 that survived. Again, I didnt ask the grade and she didnt volunteer the info.

Lots of women on these boards know all those details though, so if you arent getting the info you need, be vocal. You are the patient and they need to make you happy. IVF is stressful enough without feeling like you are fighting your doc for the info you want.

Good luck!

~ Sarah

[crazyrunningmama]

No, I didn't get that information either. One cycle I actually talked to the head of the lab and we chatted a bit about what they are looking at (fragmentation, symmetry of cells, even numbers of cells eg. 8 is better than 7, I think). But nothing in writing and nothing really specific about how they assess. My clinic does give written info on the grade and number of cells transferred.
Do advocate, you have a right to know whatever you want.

[Buzzer Beater]

nm

Edited by Buzzer Beater - 5/24/11 at 10:55am

[Seedlings]

I just saw this post. When we would do the et our re did not have the "complete embryo report'. He did know the cell count and grade at the time of transfer. I got copies of all my cycles with this re to bring on my consults when interviewing re's . Boy has it made for some interesting reading. Now I am getting current copies of my labs and reports as I am currently cycling with a new re. I think that is so important. I am kicking myself for not being more proactive before. It is making it so much easier to talk to my re about my cycle. You could call and see if you can get the final embryo report. I wish you all the best , be good to yourself and find a safe relaxing place for your 2ww.

[Buzzer Beater]

I can't believe it!

nm

Edited by Buzzer Beater - 5/24/11 at 10:55am

[DaisyMae08]

How wonderful! Congratulations!!

[abeecharmer]

congrats!!!

~sarah

[goldfinches]

Congratulations!
I never recieved a detailed embryo report, either. Just how many survived and their cell count. I think the RE did classify them as a,b,c,d, but never told me. I just remember him reading my chart and muttering under him breath about them being a letter also.

I tend to think, even though RE's may not agree, that a 3-day transfer has a greater chance of survival than a 5-day. In-utero is a better growing enviro than a petrie dish, imho. So, if an embie wouldn't survive until day-5 in the lab, I still think it has a chance to survive if transfered on day-3. As proved by you!

[DaisyMae08]

How did the beta go?

[poetgirl]

Originally Posted by goldfinches

Congratulations!
I never recieved a detailed embryo report, either. Just how many survived and their cell count. I think the RE did classify them as a,b,c,d, but never told me. I just remember him reading my chart and muttering under him breath about them being a letter also.

I tend to think, even though RE's may not agree, that a 3-day transfer has a greater chance of survival than a 5-day. In-utero is a better growing enviro than a petrie dish, imho. So, if an embie wouldn't survive until day-5 in the lab, I still think it has a chance to survive if transfered on day-3. As proved by you!

This is my RE's philosophy as well. In fact, they do 2 day ETs and it worked for me, and I don't have the greatest eggs in the world.

Anyhow, Buzzer Beater, this is a FANTASTIC update to your story!
I hope you have a very solid beta today.

[Seedlings]

Wishing you a wonderful, boring and uneventful pregnancy! Enjoy every moment and Congrats.