Infertility Support Group
In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.
This might be a stupid question...but is it absolutely necessary to be on the pill before starting all the shots? Myfirst IVF cycle I was on it for 2-3 weeks before I started the shots and now I'll be starting a new cycle and I just feel like its such a waste of time. Is this a standard thing or does it depend on the Dr.?
deleted_user
I think its pretty much standard protocol. Everyone I know doing IVF or FET has done BCP as well. They do it so they can control the timing of everything. :)
deleted_user
We are doing our first IVF this month and I'm on BCP. Our Dr.'s explanation for BCP is to get the all the women doing IVF this month to the same point. Our clinic does 4 IVF cycles a year so I guess thats how they coordinate all the ER & ET to be happen in a certain time frame. BCP help with cycts as well.
scubagal
I think the purpose is to be sure your ovaries are not active before the hyperstimulation - that way they know what levels you are at before starting the meds. It also does help to reduce the risk of cysts.
deleted_user
I think it is pretty standard but I am not sure it is necessary. I think it depends on your situation. I did three cycles and the I was only on them for 10 days at a time. The last cycle i wasn't on them at all.
deleted_user
When I did IVF, the BCP was the worst part of it (the side effects of those were worse for me than the injections). So I asked/begged if I could skip the dreaded BCPs... the RE explained that the BCP keeps the cycle more "regulated" so they can control exactly what is happening with your ovaries, hormones, etc. She did not recommend skipping them. Good luck!
LoMac
Seems that either that is used or Luprondine is used, both suppress the cycle don't know what the difference would be, maybe side-effects or strength / consideration. I have used Luprondine for both my 1st IVF and FET. It's not waste they need to "take control" of your cycle and of course makes sure you don't get PG in the middle of a cycle, which I know seems counterproductive but the drugs we're put on could casue trouble for an embryo in their trying to grow and they wouldn't know it there, risk I would want. Good luck with the cycle.
JmeP
I was also on Lupron. I started that like 2 1/2 weeks after the BCP. So I was a little confused b/c I thought the lupron suppressed the ovaries so what was the point of doing both? Although of course I'll do whatever they think is best :)
deleted_user
It's standard, but I am in the process of figurung out if I can make Aprils batch at my clinic and the batch has already started birth control so I would miss it. I have a hard time stimming, so I think they are not worried about shutting down ovaries as much since they take so much to get going.
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