Is IVF + chromosomal testing a real solution for multiple losses?

starfishkitty · October 2010

I just talked with someone who is pregnant from IVF + preimplantation genetic testing (full chromosomal testing called CGH) and she was optimistic that it is a solution to consider if you have had multiple losses. In her case she had found that she was a carrier for chromosomal translocation. I found out recently that we are not carriers, but I have had 3 losses and the one that we recently tested came up as having genetic abnormalities. While I would love my next natural pregnancy to work out I fear I will be on pins and needles from the moment of BFP to the return of the amnio results which is a wait of 12+ weeks.

If the results are positive for genetic issues then I don't even want to think about how hard it will be to debate options for termination. The thought of implanting a "good" one from the start and avoiding the risk of issues later using this chromosomal testing and IVF sounds really appealing right now. Has anyone tried it or considered it?

samm1983 · October 2010

My previous RE told us it was an option, but that for us it really wouldn't increase our chances. All of our babies have come back as having normal chromosomes. I think he just didn't know what to tell us. For people that have multiple losses due to chromosome errors, I can totally see how it would be good.

Scout05 · October 2010

Our RE had put forth the idea of IVF with PGD as an option. She wanted to try a Gonal-F cycle, in the hopes of holding back ovulation and seeing if that made a difference. But if that attempt had been unsuccessful (as in another loss), that was her next suggestion.

We were unsure, for our situation - not unwilling, but it seemed like we would still be dealing with the MTHFR and whatever else is causing this to happen. But it was something we were reading about, and beginning to talk about. It's so expensive, but I know it can be successful in many cases.

Gummybear · October 2010

I have a genetic disorder and have a 50% chance of passing it on. We did PGD and DD is a result of that. We had insurance, which is why it was affordable. When the insurance ran out, we had to stop, and now we are TTC on our own (we would have tested our son at 35w just so we knew before delivery).

It DOES work, and if you can afford it, I would do it. It is very time consuming and emotionally exhausting though, b/c in addition to the regular IVF stuff, you are forced to do a 5 dt, which is stressful if you don't have a lot of embies, and you can end up with nothing to tx. (this happened to us). But the payoff is worth it, IMO.

jcath · October 2010

I'm doing it right now. I didn't even try DNA testing with my first loss and my second loss they weren't able to culture the DNA so we don't know if it was genetic but my RE said he really didn't recommend IVF for us without the PGD. We are actually doing CGH where they look at all the chromosomes, PGD usually looks at 7 to 9. The CGH is about $4400 on top of the IVF but it does appear that the success rates are better and the % of live births is higher with it.

It is adding alot of stress for me b/c you need to produce more eggs because they either do a 5 day transfer or in my case they want to freeze all the embies on day 5 and wait for the testing and do a frozen transfer next month.

bbhalphen · October 2010

My RE recommends IVF with PGD for me. We're trying cheaper things first, but if I get pregnant and miscarry again, we'll do that.

starfishkitty · October 2010

That's the boat I am in right now. One more shot naturally and then we'll try the big time.

starfishkitty · October 2010

That is exactly what we are considering. We currently still have fertility coverage that could at least cover 1 round. My fingers are crossed for you. I have heard that you would have a better chance of conceiving via IVF if you have already been able to conceive in the past (which you have multiple times). I am optimistic that you may only need the one IVF cycle!

LisAndMikey · October 2010

We are definitely considering IVF + PGD/CGH. I've had 4 losses since 2006 (all first tri), and recently found out that my husband has a chromosomal balanced translocation. Unfortunately I also have a fibroid that may or may not need to be removed...I'm waiting to do an HSG next month to determine this.

I figure we can either "roll the dice" and keep getting pregnant and possibly miscarrying...or pay a whole lot of money for the IVF + PGD and hope and pray that it ends up successful.

What's frustrating is that my in-laws had no problems having their 3 kids (my husband is a twin), and yet they had this same chromosomal issue. So, I know it's possible for us to do this on our own. Surely our luck would have to be in our favor at some point?!

Ugh!

p.s. I usually am quite the lurker, but in light of our recent test results I'm very interested in this whole IVF+PGD thing.

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