Many BFN's, time to consider ERA?

halips

**Trigger Warning** 

Like many us on this board, DH and I have been trying to conceive for years. I've been through IUI's, multiple IVF's/FET's.... All BFN. After my 2nd failed FET, my RE suggested I do Endometrial Receptivity Array (ERA) testing. I've included an article written by my RE explaining the ERA. https://www.fertilityplanit.com/era-test-finds-25-of-ivf-frozen-transfers-occur-on-wrong-day/

So back in June I prepped, as if for a transfer. On day 5 of PIO, I went to the RE for an outpatient procedure. The whole thing took about 15 min. Basically they took a large scrapping for my uterine lining. For those that have had a scratch, it was very much like that but a little longer and slightly more painful. I rested for about 10 min afterwards and then went home. Pretty simple. 

Two weeks later the results from the ERA arrived and I was told that I am a day 6 transfer not day 5. This means my body is most receptive to implantation after an additional day of PIO. I was skeptical that this would really make a difference. I know many of you can appreciate this, because you've all been through something similar. Anyway, I went in for a transfer on August 14th. 

Yesterday, I went for my blood test. After leaving the office, I cried the whole way to work. I was so sure it hadn't worked again. When the office called with results, I let it go to voicemail. I just couldn't hear that bad news again. So when I finally did listen to the voicemail, I was in shock. I dropped my phone because I was shaking so much. I had to listen to the message 3 times to get through it and finally be able to call them back. I finally had my BFP. 

Now I know this is just the beginning. The logical side of me says that I could have a chemical, miscarry etc. But HELL, I'm pregnant. MY BODY CAN ACTUALLY GET PREGNANT. I took 3 home tests today, for the first time, just so I could see the words pregnant; see that double line. 

I guess my whole point is that I'm not skeptical anymore. All of my embryos where the same quality, I didn't change my regimen for this transfer and I even kept drinking coffee throughout (I hadn't previously). I really do believe the science of the ERA is what helped me this time. I can't predict my future, but I know that I would definitely recommend this test to anyone with multiple failed transfers.

A few facts: it's not cheap about $1300. My insurance covered the RE side of it, but not the lab testing (it was sent out of the practice). OOP I paid about $800. The procedure is quick, but fairly painful. I went by myself, and while I was ok during, on the drive home I had some decent cramping and was wishing DH had been there to drive. It's a lot of prep for something minor, just to wait and then prep again. But after alllll the other waiting, it wasn't too bad. Plus the little break in btwn trying was really refreshing. 

mtpbadger

I've heard about this and done some research. If my upcoming FET#2 isn't successful, I had already planned on asking my RE about this and if we could try it and see if that is part of my problem.

Congratulations!!!

halips

@mtpbadger I hope you have success this time around!!  Thank you!

JamieH2000

Very interesting and something to consider. thanks for sharing and congrats on your BFP!!

One somewhat unrelated question. I noticed in your siggy that your first IVF was cancelled and that your second only got 6 eggs, but for your third, you got 33! Can I ask what they changed for each cycle? I just recently had my first IVF cancelled due to low response of only 2 mature follies (I have borderline DOR, so was told originally to expect only 10-12) and I'm convinced that the birth control suppressed me way too much.

halips

@JamieH2000  I have PCOS, so a lot of follicles (hopefully with eggs) My first cycle was cancelled due to incorrect dosages of meds and low repsonse. On my 2nd cycle, I had about 30 mature follicles, but my ovaries had shifted position and moved behind part of my bowel. So the RE could only reach a few. With my 3rd cycle, we had the correct dosages down pat, and I did a liquid diet for 3 days before retrieval to ensure no issues. 

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Best of luck to you!

LeanneB82

@halips Congrats on your BFP!! That is very interesting and encouraging to hear. We're on a break after failed IVF and since we are paying OOP for everything we're debating when to go back and try again but we'd obviously like to maximize our chances for success. I'm intrigued by this and will definitely ask my RE when we go back. I'd rather pay OOP a little more up front to maximize our chances for success. Thanks so much for sharing!

teebric

such good news, congrats!! amazing how different everybody's body is...thank you for sharing! 

Colleen0516

@halips I'm so happy to hear that things worked out for you!! I will definately be looking into this!! Congrats on the pregnancy!!!!!!!! Couldn't be happier for you!!

FatPony

That is so interesting; I have not heard of it before. Super-congrats on your BFP!!!!!!! I hope you have a healthy pregnancy and baby! 

tcolechia

@halips Congrats on your BFP! Thanks for sharing the info about ERA testing. I am going to be researching it a little bit more and ask my RE if I should consider doing it if my upcoming FET cycle ends in a BFN.  

Babydep

Congrats on your BFP!!!! I'm so happy to have read your story as I'm currently preparing for the same test this month. My RE suggested the ERA after two failed transfers and of course we are willing to try anything at this point. Fingers crossed for a similar result!

halips

@babydep thank you! My fingers are crossed for you!