I started Lupron and Baby Aspirin on 10/14, then started on the stim meds (Gonal F) on the 26th (continue to take Lupron & Baby Aspirin). Then I had my baseline appt. (where they check your cervix to make sure it's ok for embryo transfer) & went over my protocol with the nurses. Then my ultrasound & E2 appts started. I went about every other day for that. In my case they stopped the stims cause my E2 was too high. Stopped Lupron on 11/7 and took my triggershot that night. ER was 11/9. ET will be tomorrow. Hope that helps!

The way mine is suppose to go is like this:

Take Lupron injections until I start bleeding. After that I will start the follistim pen, but continue taking lupron. I will take the follistim until my follicles get to a certain size. Then I will take my one and only HCG injection (while still on lupron). On the day of my retrieval I start taking progesterone in oil injections that I will continue to take if I have a positive pregnancy test. The day after my egg retrieval I will be put on estradiol patches. 3 days after my egg retrieval I will have my transfer day. Then the dreaded 2ww.

Now keep in mind that it may not be the same for you. Every situation is different and every doctor is different.

Krisi is right. For example, I'm not going to be on Estradiol patches. I was just told to continue to take the Progesterone shots for quite a while (possibly 12 weeks if I'm pregnant)

I know not all doctors prescribe the same steps. These are mine:

1. I go in for CD 21 labs, if I ovulated I start Lupron the following morning.

2. After being on Lupron for 10 days AND having AF, I go in for baseline blood work and U/S

3. They call me later that day with instuctions on when to start stimulation medications.

4. Druing stimulation medications, they have me come in around day 7 and do an U/S and I think lab work.

5. They call me that night with results and further instructions.

6. Step 4 & 5 continue until there are enough follicle that are the right size and your lab work is at the levels they are looking for.

7. I get a call from doctos when step 6 has been satisfied giving me instructions on what time to take my HCG (trigger) shot.

8. exactly 36 hours from the time of my trigger shot I have egg retrieval

9. I recieve a call usually the day after ER to tell my how many follicles matured and fertilized

10. 3 days after ER (egg retrieval) they trasfer (ET) embryos into my uterus. (some people go a few days loger, like a 5 day trasfer) that depends on your doctor.

They day of ET they discuss all the embryos and which they recommend for trasfer and how many. Then we decide if that is what we want to do.

11. Then is the dreaded 2ww. About 14 days after trasfer I am go in for beta test to see if I am pregnant.

I hope I did not miss something.

Oh ya, there are meds I take for 5 days the week of ER (doxy & medrol) I also start taking estrace, progesterone and a baby aspirin every day that week.

It is so crazy how different cycles are depending on your dr, with all the same end result.

I started on bcp for about two weeks, then started my follistim which I took for 8 nights. Then I did my HCG shot and had my e/r. The one thing I have learned through this process is nothing is for sure. I thought I had my calendar and was going to follow it exactly and my body thought otherwise. I ended up having OHSS so I had to freeze my embryos and do a FET. With my FET I am just starting estrogen shots and progesterone. Hope that is helpful and not too confusing.

This is my protocol:

1. started BCP on day 3 of my cycle with baby aspirin and prenatal vitamin
2. Had an IVF orientation (if I had not had so many U/S with RE during my IUIs I would have had a mock embryo transfer at some point)
3. Started suprefact a couple of days later
4. stopped BCP and got period, had a suppression check
5. Started stims (Gonal F and repronex)
6. Day 5 of stims had E2 check and U/S
7. more blood work every couple of days with frequent U/S but my E2 levels were too high so at the end I was going every day.
8. After coasting for a few days without meds to bring down numbers, had trigger shot no more suprefact!
9. Start antibiotic today
10. go for ER on Wednesday
11. Will have 3 or 5 day transfer depending on how things look
12. Will do progesterone suppositories and something called Estrace.
13. Beta 12 days after 3 day transfer

Remember, there are many different protocols depending on your response, age, and condition.

Hello OP! Are you using yours or donor eggs? I had IVF with donor eggs, but I think the procedures are pretty the same. I believe success depends on woman as well. The carrying mom needs a strong uterus and overall physique. To prepare I took and am taking prenatal vitamins and eating mostly whole foods. I’m also more careful with my sugar intake. I just cut back on sugar, and actually didn't miss it much as I was doing it for baby. Try to get at least 8 hours sleep, drink water, and walk for exercise, basically a pregnancy diet. The iron is especially important for the uterus and your increased blood production during pregnancy. The IVF clinic will make sure you have all you need as they will also watch your cycle to be sure to put in embryos at the proper time. The shots and pills before your transfer are really not that bad, you just have to keep in mind what for you are doing it. Enjoy every bit of your journey! I wish you all the best with your upcoming procedure.