1st pack of contraception. When will period arrive

[CLaire008]

Using contraceptive pill for 21 days to help get rid of (or reduce) an ovarian cyst before starting ivf . My cycle is usually 28 days but the pills are only for 21days , will my period still arrive on day 28 or earlier ? Any ideas

[Galen70]

It is difficult to predict, but more likely the bleed will occur after day 21 . I have not heard of the pill being used to affect ovarian cysts in this way before.

cochrane.org/CD006134/FERTI...

"In March 2014, we did a computer search for all randomized controlled trials that studied use of birth control pills to treat these benign (also called functional) cysts. We wrote to researchers to find other trials. We found eight trials from four countries; they included 686 women. Three trials included women receiving drugs to help them get pregnant. The other five included women who developed cysts without fertility treatment. In none of these trials did oral contraceptives help the cysts go away faster. Thus, birth control pills should not be used for this purpose. A better approach is waiting two or three months for the cysts to go away on their own "

So no proven benefit of the combined pill in doing this. Was this advised on the NHS , or privately ?

[CLaire008 in reply to Galen70]

Hi Thank you for the info , I just admit I have read similar but I have little choice but to try it , the cyst was found at start of ivf trt and was giving off high hormones so I wonder if they think it might settle the hormones down ? They said cyst cone and go monthly (in some cases) I was just so disappointed that the IFV cycle got cancelled, I cam only hope the pill helps in some way .

[CLaire008 in reply to Galen70]

This was through a private ivf clinic

[Galen70 in reply to CLaire008]

Its a bit strange because the pill will stop your cycle for that month and then will have to restart later. Private IVF clinics sometimes suggest things that have little evidence base behind them , so its good to question them especially if very expensive - I think there was either a newspaper article or a BBC program about this recently. In any case best of luck with your treatment

[CLaire008 in reply to Galen70]

I think I will see what happens next cycle and then definitely question them if the cyst is still there . Thank you for your help