Short protocol?

[Pip89]

Hi all, sorry if this sounds a stupid question (I totally forgot about asking at my most recent appointments), I will be starting my first IVF (ICSI) cycle on my next period - most probably next week. I have been put onto short protocol and the consultant advised that most (95%) of women are put on long protocol, what exactly is the difference ? Thanks!!

[Tashaperry]

Hi I'm starting ivf/icsi in about a week too just waiting for AF to arrive and I'm also on the short protocol too is your AMH by any chance high at all as mine is 43.9 which is why I'm on the short protocol as I'm higher risk to over stimulate with the medication so I'm on the lower dose so this doesn't happen I hope this helps and good luck on your journey xxx

[Pip89 in reply to Tashaperry]

Ah yes it is! I’m not sure on the exact number (she did tell me but I can’t remember - I’m going to ask at my next appointment) and Ive got PCO. Does it mean we skip the part of the process which you shut down your hormones?

What dosage will you be on?? X

[Tashaperry in reply to Pip89]

Awe yes that will be why then and you also have PCO yes we do 😀 so our treatment will only be 2 weeks long I'm starting out on 125 hoping to start first injection on 2nd or 3rd April if AF arrives on time xxx

[Snowy76]

My first round was long protocol. this round is short protocol. Short seems to go more with your own cycle - I started day 3 with stimming. (long was day 21start) With long I was 2 and half months from day 1 of AF to test date. Short protocol - I'll be just days over a month. It seems to depend on factors such as how you've reacted to previous cycles, medical issues and age from what I can gather. x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Pip89. The short protocol is often recommended if the ovarian reserve is a bit on the low side, or for women with PCO's (High AMH), so as to not “switch off” the ovaries too much. However, this is not always the case, and can be just down to clinic preference. It is not only shorter but much less stressful on the body - no nasty side effects normally associated with down regulating. Because of this the drugs are cheaper also. The basis of this short protocol – sometimes called an antagonist or mild, IVF - is that you start straight away with the stimulating drugs a couple of days into your own cycle and then a week or so in, add a down-regulation drug to prevent natural ovulation. You would then most likely have regular scans, and possible blood tests every couple of days or so, for a few days until your womb lining is a good thickness and a good number of follicles are the right size. Once you have a few the right size egg collection goes ahead and they are then fertilised. Obviously clinics vary from how they do their cycles, but this is a general idea, and hope it doesn't confuse you too much. Hope all goes well for you. Diane