BFP! After 2 Miscarriages in a Row and About to Start IVF...

Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm cells, and low morphology (below 4% normal forms according to WHO standards) can reduce fertilisation chances because abnormally shaped sperm struggle to penetrate and fertilise an egg. In this case, the partner's 2% morphology was likely contributing to their recurrent miscarriages or implantation failures. However, lifestyle changes, supplements like zinc and vitamin C, and reduced alcohol consumption can sometimes improve morphology within 3-4 months, as sperm takes approximately 74 days to develop.

An HSG is an X-ray procedure that checks whether your fallopian tubes are patent (open) and flushes through any minor blockages, which may improve fertility in the months following the procedure. Many fertility specialists recommend an HSG as part of recurrent miscarriage investigations, and some couples report improved conception rates afterwards, possibly due to the flushing effect clearing the tubes of debris. However, it's a diagnostic tool first and foremost—any fertility boost is typically a beneficial side effect rather than the primary purpose.

Common supplements recommended by fertility clinics include CoQ10, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and L-carnitine, with products like Menevit specifically formulated for male fertility. Lifestyle factors are equally important: reducing alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and managing stress can significantly improve sperm parameters within 3-4 months. It's advisable to consult with a fertility specialist or GP before starting any supplement regimen, particularly if taking other medications.

Rather than having intercourse every other day across a wide window (CD 10-18), more targeted timing using ovulation predictor kits and basal body temperature (BBT) tracking can increase conception chances by identifying your exact fertile window. For a typical 28-day cycle, this usually means intercourse on the day before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after, though individual cycles vary. Combining these methods with a fertility-friendly lubricant like Conceive Plus (which maintains sperm motility, unlike standard lubricants) may further improve outcomes.

A chemical pregnancy is very early pregnancy loss before a gestational sac is visible on ultrasound (typically before 5 weeks), whereas a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) occurs when a positive pregnancy test exists but no gestational sac is found

Yes, many couples opt to cancel their IVF cycle if they achieve a natural pregnancy beforehand, as this saves significant cost (typically £5,000-£15,000 per cycle on the NHS waiting list or privately) and avoids the physical and emotional demands of IVF treatment. However, given a history of recurrent miscarriages, it's important to inform your fertility specialist immediately and discuss additional monitoring or support during the early weeks, such as more frequent scans or progesterone supplementation if appropriate. Your consultant can advise on any additional precautions specific to your circumstances.

Stronger symptoms such as pronounced nausea, breast tenderness, and a darker, faster-developing pregnancy test line can be positive indicators, though symptoms vary widely between individuals and pregnancies—some healthy pregnancies have minimal symptoms. A faster-developing positive test line may suggest higher hCG levels, which can be reassuring, but the most reliable indicators of a viable pregnancy are doubling hCG levels on blood tests and a visible heartbeat on ultrasound at 6-7 weeks. Always discuss any concerns with your GP or fertility clinic, who may offer more frequent early scans for peace of mind given your history.