IVF Question: Short or Long Protocol

[Isi Buttercup]

Hi lovely ladies,

I'm a day away from my first real IVF discussion with my FS.....wherein I'll be evaluated and probably get to know what protocol I'll be on. I might be wrong, but it seems to me like the long protocol ensures more eggs are retrieved. I'm scared I might be on the short protocol given I had a bout of mild OHSS earlier in the year (former FS combined me on 100mg of clomid and HMG shots....how wise was that???!!! ).

Would love to hear how many eggs you got from either short or long protocol. Thanks dear friends!

 

[JaniceT]

Hi dear, it really depends on how your FS diagnoses you. Short protocol is normally used for those who don't produce as many eggs in the long protocol, and also for those you are 'older' and with a more regular cycle.

I was on the long protocol on all 3 ICSIs. I had PCOS, irregular cycles, and produce way too many low quality eggs due to PCOS. Hence, long protocol works best for me. Collected almost 25 to 30 eggs each time. Please note, it's got nothing to do with which protocol i was on, but all to do with PCOS.

 

[Isi Buttercup]

Thanks Janice. I just want to be able to produce enough eggs. Congrats on your pregnancy!!!

 

[JaniceT]

Thank you Wishing you a really good IVF cycle and your dreams come true! Yes, we all definitely wish to have more eggs but really, it's always better to have quality instead of quantity. All you need is one

 

[Isi Buttercup]

Or 2...if you want twins . Just kidding....at this stage, I'll take anything!! I can't wait to be where you are....nice and pregnant

 

[JaniceT]

I sooooooo wanted twins! However, it was not meant to be. All my eggs were either average or low quality. Having 1 baby is already a huge blessing and miracle Stay strong, you will be a mummy one day

 

[Aphrodite]

Be guided by ur FS hun. I was on long protocol I think-they didnt specify its just like, this is ur schedule. I got 32 eggs but only had 5 blastos by the end so the number isnt always as important as the quality. They predicted my my outcome almost every step of the way, they were that confident. They really do know what they are doing, or at least my clinic did. Go with what they recommend-is this ur first cycle? If not perhaps just discuss with them if theres any need to make any changes from last time. Good luck!!

 

[Isi Buttercup]

Thanks so much, Aphrodite. I guess I'm just so nervous about what the outcome of my meeting with the doctor will be. It's my first go at IVF, so I am a bit nervous.

So very encouraged to see so many success stories! Wishing you a very happy and healthy pregnancy

 

[ANGEL223]

First cycle i did long protocol - 10 follicles but only 3 eggs retrieved (all good quality). Second cycle i was on short protocol - 11 follicles and and egg in each!

Think you just cant tell what the result will be! Could be different every time.

Wishing you all the best but what im trying to say is dont be afraid of the short protocol as im sure your clinic will pick whatever is best for you.

 

[Isi Buttercup]

Thanks so much, Angel. Makes me feel so much more comfortable about either protocol now. I'll just have to trust my FS to make the right decision for me.

 

[Aphrodite]

Isi ur bound to be nervous. Just relax and go with the flow and ull be fine. x x x

 

[Isi Buttercup]

Isi ur bound to be nervous. Just relax and go with the flow and ull be fine. x x x

Thanks Aphrodite . I'll surely try to relax.

 

[MummyIwanabe]

I did a long protocol first time and I got 11 eggs, 7 mature, 6 fertilised, 2 were transferred 1 fair quality but odd cells, 1 poor quality can't remember cells = BFN

Then second time I did short protocol, 10 eggs, 4 mature, 3 fertilised, 2 transferred, both fair quality 8 cells = waiting for results

I'm 25 and am really struggling to get enough eggs and reasonable quality and I have no idea why I have no medical conditions and really wish someone could tell me why but I know I'll never get a definite answer.

Good luck!

 

[JaniceT]

MummyIWannaBe, I do hope you have your little embies stick! Wishing you all the best and your dreams come true.

I was also questioning why I had to go through so much pain and emotional stress to conceive since my FS said I'd be able to have babies naturally if only OH had good sperm. Believe me, once you get pregnant, it don't matter anymore how difficult the journey was

 

[Isi Buttercup]

Praying for you Mummy . Wishing you very sticky embies and a healthy, viable pregnancy confirmed in a few days.

Thanks so much, Janice. I'm banking on forgetting about this TTC nightmare as soon as I have my precious baby/babies inside me.

Just got back from the hospital. Turns out I have to do all my tests before I can have a proper chat with the FS . Had my bloodwork done this morning, and booked for a sonohysterogram next week....so should know what's going on with my 1st IVF by then as well.