FET - medicated versus natural?

[Desertlady]

Please can anyone share the pros and cons of medicated versus natural FET? I have PCOS and I am 41. Thanks ladies.

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Hi, I’ve done 2 different medicated FET cycles. My clinic would do a natural if I really pushed for it but they don’t like to because they have no control over timing and may miss your LH surge. The first FET used buserelin to down regulate this started CD21 then a baseline scan 2w later and 2 weeks of progynova before adding in cyclogest pre transfer. The second I just started on an increasing dose of progynova on CD1 and had regular scans to ensure I did not ovulate before starting cyclogest. My transfer was on CD17. I much preferred this cycle..felt so much better in myself. My clinic don’t usually offer this protocol so I had to push for it and I’m so glad I did! X

[Yalda]

Hi Desertlady, I wanted to have a natural cycle but my clinic advised to have the medicated cycle. They thought medicated is better for me because I suffered from 3 miscarriages in the past and have both endometriosis and adenomysis. X

[Cinderella5]

I hate buserelin for the down regulation part, its the work of the devil and I feel awful on it. After a discussion with my clinic they allowed me to do a semi-medicated (no down regulation) but to used meds to help increase my lining from day 2 of my cycle and then add in progesterone prior to transfer. That is so much better. I didnt even ask for a natural cycle as I thought it would be too stressful monitoring for ovulation which has to be done in a completely natural cycle. Good luck.xx

[SunnyDream]

Hi Desert!

Im not sure that natural FET is a good idea. I think you should prepare your body for the transfer as FET is "an intervention" in your organism. Even if you get bfp there will be fewer chances to save the pregnancy without medicated support. But of course? it is up to you to decide.

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[Desertlady]

Thanks for the replies everyone - all really helpful. I think my clinic plans to do semi medicated ie no down regulation just progynova and cyclogest. Presumably they try to time transfer day with your ovulation day? Mine is unpredictable because of the PCOS so I’m a bit worried the timing will be off. Did you use OPK to watch for your LH surge during the semi medicated cycle?

[Cinderella5 in reply to Desertlady]

The progynova usually stops ovulation when taken from start of cycle (maybe depends on dose you get given) and did for me but they will check this on scan for you! This is the beauty of semi medicated, they just need to wait until your lining is ready and add progesterone so it doesnt matter which day transfer is.xx