Medicated or natural FET?

[Lavendartea]

Hi there..

Just had my follow up consultation with my consultant.

I have a frozen embryo following my first fresh cycle, he posed the option of a natural frozen cycle or medicated.

What are peoples experiences of either

[KiboXX]

Hi Lavendartea,

I had the option of both when I did my last transfer. Both have the same success rates and after considering both options I went for a medicated one as I wanted to have more control over it and I felt like the medicated option gave me that. It was really quick compared to a fresh cycle, took HRT tablets for 10 days, then started progesterone. Had my transfer 5 days after that.

Good luck with whatever you decide xx

[Lavendartea in reply to KiboXX]

Thanks, I think I was thinking along the same lines 😊

[Goldie24]

I have no advice but really interested to read peoples replies as this is an option I’ll be discussing soon too after having a freeze all following 33 eggs being collected. Turned out to be the right thing as I then spent 10 days in hospital with moderate-severe OHSS and I’m now terrified of taking any more ivf medication 🤦🏼‍♀️. Interested to hear other people’s experiences!! X

[Libsie3103]

I really don't think there is a right or wrong option here - your clinic will ensure that whichever option you chose produces the best environment for your embryo and won't transfer if they have any concerns.

I've attempted 3 medicated FETs and done one natural FET. As KiboXX has said with a medicated one you have more control over the timings etc. However, the natural one is a lot easier on your body and I can't help thinking that it would be more "natural" for the embryo? Do you have any issues with your lining getting thick enough? If you do a medicated cycle may help but it can also hinder - all of my medicated cycles were canceled as my body didn't respond to the oestrogen and my lining wasn't thick enough.

[Bistbee]

I’ve had one medicated FET and one natural FET - neither worked but don’t take that as a sign lol! In terms of the procedures I much preferred the natural as there was no medication apart from progesterone pesseries once ovulation was confirmed. The only ‘inconvenience’ was having to go into the clinic for a scan/blood test ever day for about a week because we kept thinking I was going to ovulate and then it didn’t happen until cd20 which is really late! Agree you have much more control when it’s medicated as there is a risk you miss ovulation when simply tracking but if you have regular cycles and use OPKs as well as the monitoring scan and blood tests the. I think that risk is relatively low. I liked the fact it felt like my body was left to do its own thing and the appeal of not having to do injections for the whole first trimester was very appealing. There’s pros and cons of both but listen to your gut.