When do you start taking the drugs? - Fertility Network UK

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When do you start taking the drugs?

EmmaT88 profile image
6 Replies

Hi All,

We have our nurses consultation this Friday so I know I will find out all the details of the process then, however I was just wondered if someone could tell me if you start taking the down reg drugs at a certain point in your cycle? This is the only bit that I am a little unsure on?

Thanks!

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EmmaT88 profile image
EmmaT88
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6 Replies
DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK

Hi EmmaT88. During the “long protocol” form of IVF treatment, there is little or no difference between starting down regulation at the beginning of your cycle or on Day 21. It is really just down to the consultant/clinic and their procedures, but in terms of response to drugs and success rates there is no difference. The only thing that is thought to have a slight difference is that if you start on Day21 then you are less likely to get cysts develop on your ovaries. However, it doesn't mean that you would get them by starting at beginning of your cycle either! Starting at the beginning of your cycle, you would still have some form of bleed whilst down regulation takes place, you would then have your baseline scan (checking for cysts and womb lining), and start stimulation drugs around what would be your mid cycle. Starting DR on Day 21 you would have a bleed approx when your period would normally be due, then have baseline scan and start stimulating drugs approximately when the start of your period would be due. At some clinics you are prescribed the “pill” for few weeks, then have a bleed and start DR drug at beginning of your cycle around Day 1. Some women start DR straight away without being on the pill first – all down to your consultant/clinics preference. Try not to worry about which route your clinic prefers, as there really isn't any difference. Hope this helps a little, and doesn’t confuse you further! Diane

EmmaT88 profile image
EmmaT88 in reply to DianeArnold

That's great, thanks for that information, it seemed to be the only part that I couldn't find in all of my research so that's really useful to know! Thanks again!

DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK in reply to EmmaT88

My pleasure! Let's hope that this is your year! Good luck for Friday. Diane

Mrsh123 profile image
Mrsh123

Hi. I'm currently taking the down Reg drugs and they started me on day 21 of my period. They said they would do scan 14 days later and hope to start the stimulation drugs if fully down regulated. However the bleed they said I should have had during those 14 days didn't arrive. So I've continued on the down Rev drugs. I've had a period now but the scan yesterday showed the lining was still too thick to start stimulation drugs. So back agin next week.

Mrsh123 profile image
Mrsh123

Clicked on send before finished then. So my message is that it all depends on your body. They will be likely to start the drugs on day 21 and then the rest will all depend on your body's reaction. Good luck

EmmaT88 profile image
EmmaT88 in reply to Mrsh123

Ok that's great, thanks! I will just wait and see what the nurse says then and go from there. Thank you!

Fingers crossed and good luck for you too!! :-)

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