NEW 39 and TTC #2 - frozen embryos in a different country - what to do?!?

[Iheartrebels]

Hi everyone, this is the first time I've posted. I'm 39 and TTC #2. I spent 4 years TTC #1 after being diagnosed with unexplained infertility I finally gave birth to my miracle baby boy last Jan after a successful first round of IVF with ICSI.

So here I am back again TTC #2 and hoping it won't be as difficult the second time round. I haven't used any contraception since giving birth a year ago however I only stopped breastfeeding exclusively at 9 months.

Now, here is my question. I have 3 frozen embryos from my first egg retrieval being stored for me. However, I have moved from the UK to Australia since giving birth. How long do you think I should try naturally before considering a FET given my age and previous history TTC? Does anyone know how easy it is to courier frozen embryos around the world?

Any help would be very welcome. Thanks and good luck to everyone!

 

[_Nell]

Hi, we are ttc no. 1 and also have plans to migrate to Aus.

My clinic have assured me that couriering the embryos out is possible, i know they do it frequently to other UK clinics but they assured me overseas was possible.

I have to say I am still dubious. I think a logical starting point would be calling AQIS in Australia and asking if the import of such samples is permitted first, then assuming it is I would start appointments at an Aussie fertility clinic and hopefully they will then be able to liase with your old UK clinic.

Good Luck - i'd be interested to hear how you get on.

One alternative would be to return to the UK for a FET trip, you could start meds in Aus with a new clinic and land with a pre-arranged transfer at your old clinic if you're short of time. Expensive though, but if you're short of embryos perhaps better cheaper and easier than trying a fresh?

 

[Iheartrebels]

Thanks Nell, feeling slightly more confident now after your reply. I will just have to weigh up my best options if I go down the FET route. Good luck with your FET this month and all the best with your immigration plans.

 

[Leilani]

I'm pretty sure yuo wouldn't be able to import human tissue into Australia. Even if you could, I would imagine the cost wouldn't be much less than if you returned to the UK for your FET.

 

[_Nell]

Leilani - I think you can tbh, you just need a permit.

Hopefully there'll be a clinc who've done it before so know how to do it.

On the AQIS webby there's a section for the import of animal semen and embryos so it may be possible for human embryos too.
A good starting point would be to email this department i'd say
https://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/import/biological/products-foodstuffs

Like i say, i'd be keen to know how you get on, i'd rather the hassle of a on off import than possible repeat return trips to the UK for multiple cycles tbh.

 

[Iheartrebels]

Hey guys, I rang my clinic in London where the frosties are being stored and spoke to someone. They said it is possible to have them shipped out here so long as the fertility clinic in Australia I choose is a 'recognised clinic' then the clinics liaise between each other to bring the embryos out.

It does sound involved and expensive but surely not as much as a fresh cycle or returning to London to have the treatment where I would need to pay for flights, hotels etc. Nell I will try and keep you posted.