Preparing for IVF

Hi ladies, well my period arrived today so one more failed cycle and I'm onto IVF... I'm going to speak to my RE when I go in this week and I know I have to go in for a IVF consult but what should I expect with regards to starting the IVF cycle. Meaning if I get my period in December what happens?? Is there normally a lapse between my cycle starting at IVF beginning?? Sorry I know this varies and is much more involved then this post sounds but I just want to get a very general overview!

Preparing for IVF

Usually, you are put on birth control (I know seems weird considering you are trying to get pregnant) to suppress your ovaries and give them a rest before you begin. When you start stimming with IVF injections, your ovaries work double and triple what they usually do to produce multiple follicles in a relatively short period of time -- during my cycle, I had about 19. The amount of time you're on BC varies -- I was on it for 21 days, so I took all the active pills in a pack and skipped the sugar/placebo pills. I started the IVF process in late June/early July and by the time I took the BC pills and stimmed with injections (approx 9-10 days) my retrieval was August 5th and my transfer was August 8th. Its a much longer process than most people unfamiliar with it think!

Re: Preparing for IVF

Thank you so much this is very helpful! From what I've read it seems like its a 6 week process. I'm hoping I can have all of my ducks in a row prior to my next period (that is if I don't get pg in December!) so I can get right on the bc pills, if that's my protocol of course.

Re: Preparing for IVF

Preparing for IVF

I never used bcps. I called up on cd 1 and started stimming on cd 2. Start to finish (beta) was 3.5 weeks. Good luck!!

Message edited 11/23/2014 7:41:58 PM.

Re: Preparing for IVF

I just completed my first IVF cycle with a successful BFP. I was put on Lupron as opposed to BC. Those injections began on cycle day 21. 14 days later I then started the stims and was on that for 10 days before trigger. So my timeline for Lupron protocol began on 10/8. stims began 10/24. trigger 11/1 and finally retrieval 11/4 and then transfer 11/7. Then the 2ww.

So basically 6 weeks from start to finish. If your doctor uses the Lupron protocol as opposed to BC, hopefully this will give you some insight.

Re: Preparing for IVF

Thank you ladies, went to my RE today he confirmed we will going the BC pill route. My IVF consult has been scheduled and he confirmed we would go right into it if this cycle fails. Hoping for the best