Patient Story:
- Ms S (31 years old) and her partner Mr A (36 years old) came to us after trying to conceive for 17 months without success. They had already undergone five unsuccessful IVF cycles at another clinic and were feeling frustrated and uncertain about their future chances of having a baby.
- Ms S ‘s health: Ms S had a regular menstrual cycle, mild discomfort during her periods, and her ovarian reserve (the number of eggs she has left) was normal for her age. She had surgery to remove her appendix back in 2008, but overall, her health was good.
- Mr A ‘s condition: Mr A ‘s infertility was a bit more complicated. He was born with a genetic condition related to cystic fibrosis (CF), which caused a blockage preventing sperm from being released naturally. Additionally, he had a history of testicular torsion (twisting of the testicles) when he was 12 years old, which might have caused further issues with sperm production.
Treatment and Challenges:
- First Attempts with IVF:
- Mr A needed a procedure called TESA (a way to retrieve sperm directly from the testicle) because of the blockage. Meanwhile, Ms S underwent several rounds of egg collection to freeze her eggs for IVF. Unfortunately, despite retrieving 18 eggs over two cycles in early 2023, only one embryo was fertilized, and when it was transferred, there was no pregnancy.
- More Attempts in August 2023:
- In their next IVF cycle, they tried using frozen sperm from Mr A ‘s previous surgery. However, none of the eggs fertilized, leading to total fertilization failure. This was another heartbreaking setback for the couple.
- October 2023 – A New Approach:
- We decided to try something different. This time, we used fresh sperm retrieved on the day of egg collection and a special process called PICSI, which helps pick the best sperm for fertilizing the eggs. This led to the development of three early-stage embryos. Sadly, even though one of these embryos was transferred, it resulted in a very early miscarriage known as a biochemical pregnancy.
A Tailored Plan for Success:
After these difficult experiences, we knew we had to fine-tune their treatment plan. We decided to:
- Use stronger medication to stimulate Mr S ‘s ovaries, helping her produce more and better-quality eggs.
- Use fresh sperm and fresh eggs together during the same IVF cycle, rather than relying on previously frozen samples.
- Apply a special technique called assisted oocyte activation. This method is still experimental, but it can sometimes help eggs fertilize properly when there are sperm issues. With the couple’s consent, we added this step to give them the best chance at success.
The Happy Outcome:
In the final round of IVF, we collected 21 eggs from Ms S, and 14 of them fertilized successfully. We were able to create 10 high-quality embryos, five of which developed to the advanced blastocyst stage. One of these top-quality embryos was transferred back into Sophie, and just a few weeks later, we confirmed a healthy pregnancy with a strong positive pregnancy test.
This case shows how persistence and a customized approach can lead to success even after many setbacks. Ms S and Mr A ‘s determination, combined with advanced fertility techniques, made it possible for them to achieve their dream of starting a family. Their journey reminds us that every situation is unique, and with the right treatment, hope is always on the horizon.
