Day 3 transfer - any hope?

I got lucky with a day 3 transfer on my 1st IVF attempt at HK Sanitorium when I was 39. Hope that gives you some encouragement! I was also worried about having a day 3 transfer instead of a day 5 transfer after reading a lot about it on the internet. This is a highly debated topic (see www.ivfconnections.com for lots of debate), but some will say that you are nature's best incubator and a more natural environment than the embryos spending 2 more days in a dish in the lab.

I had a day 3 transfer last Thursday and am in the 2 week wait now and feeling moody too with the progesterone. I went to a public hospital and it appeared natural for them to transfer my ebbies on day 3, I also think they may not want to take the risk of a day 5 transfer incase nothing survived. I suppose they have a better chance of surving inside you than in the lab!


I try not to think or read too much otherwise I'll go crazy. Anyway good luck and take it easy

Dear CLMP,


We had our first IVF (ICSI) in August. They did a three day transfer (with three eggs) and we ended up with four heartbeats. We had to have a fetal reduction done and now have two healthy heartbeats and I am a little over three months pregnant! We also have low motility problems. I am 35 and DH 39. Don't worry and let nature take care of it now ;-} Just a reminder after the TWW you have another TWW for the ultrasound so relax and think positive!

AKLB

We've been talking about this issue on another thread. I had a day 2 transfer done which didn't work out but I've been doing some reading since. i read an article that was very against day 3 transfers but this was written by a Doctor/clinic that seemed to have perfected the art of day 5 transfers. I'm not sure we have labs like that in Hong Kong! Also, there seems to be no real consensus on whether or not the embryos are more likely to perish in the lab if they're left until day 5 than if they're transferred on day 3. I think for most places (including the UK which seems to have lots of laws and regulations on IVF treatment... so I'm more inclined to trust their practices), day 3 is still the norm with only going to day 5 if there are multiple failed attempts, lots of embryos to spare, or with older women who have poorer egg quality (... so that doesn't mean ALL older women and I'm not sure what the definition of 'older' is in any case). Maybe this will change if labs suddenly manage to increase the survival rate of day 5 blastocysts. I certainly haven't had the impression that day 3 transfers are a waste of time - they seem to work for a lot of people. In my case, I was upset that I wasn't given the option to let them develop further because I had lots of embryos to spare and I felt that with a day 2 transfer it was too soon to tell whether or not the embryos had a chance of making it. In addition, no-one had explained to me the differences between day 2/3 vs day 5 transfers so when you start reading stuff on the internet during the two week wait you're left wondering if another method would have been better. All that stress could be avoided if Doctors explained everything properly to us in the first place.


I'd be happy to go along with a day 3 transfer next time because the idea that the embryos that perish when left to day 5 would perish if they had been transferred has not been proved conclusively.


Good luck!

CLMP


Any news from your end?


I started to have minor cramps 3-4 after transfer but has suddenly stopped today but feeling very bloated and bust hurt too but suppose that comes with the treatment!

Wow thats FANTASTIC! Congratulations, I'm really happy for you. You've really lifted my spirits today! There is light at the end of the tunnel afterall!


When and how many did you transfer? I had unbelievable pmt last night too and am convinced I'm about to have my period too...how weird is that! I won't be testing until the 17th so a few more days to go yet but not too hopeful.


Hope all goes well and keep us posted

Hi CLMP


How did the blood test go? Don't be nervous, I know it's easier said than done especially when you've wanted something for so long. Is your beta high enough for twins?


No this is my second time, my first was 3 years ago. Don't know why it took me so long to get over the first try, I think it was a little too invasive. Not so bad this time round though. Everytime I go to the toilet I pray I don't see red! Two weeks is a long time!

:-( AF arrived last Thursday...having a month rest then maybe FET or 3rd IVF, haven't decided yet.


Maybe you should slow down a bit...


Keep me posted and hope all goes well with your first scan.