My thoughts

First of all, Jess, I am so sorry that this cycle was a BFN. The first IVF BFN is brutal. (I remember it well.) My nice to yourself - take a bubble bath, eat some chocolate, have a glass of wine.

As far as the talk with Dr. Ch.eck, I'd focus on the lack of fertilization and the 6-cell embryo. I'd want to find out what he believes led to the low rate of fertilization. From my experience, it's very easy for REs to simply tell us "just keep trying and we'll get there." And while in some cases that may be true, it can prevent them from addressing problems that need to be addressed. Has your DH been tested for anti-sperm antibodies? My DH's sperm looked "perfect," but we only had 2 of 6 eggs fertilize during our first IVF (without ICSI). It turned out he had high anti-sperm antibodies. So we've done ICSI ever since and have had 80-100% fertilization every time, even with under and over cooked eggs.

That's about the only advice I have. Oh, except I agree with Jen, in that you may want to look into immunology issues as well. Dr. Che.ck is on the fence about some immunology stuff, but you can always get a consult and not tell him until later.

Sending you good thoughts.

xo,
Sara Q