Frozen transfer protocol

[PollyPocket0]

Hi all, I just wanted to ask about protocols for frozen transfer - is it the same as a fresh cycle in that you can have long and short protocols? I had short protocol fresh cycle (no downreg) and I think I will be having no downreg for my frozen cycle too. How does this work? Do you just start taking oestrogen at the beginning of your cycle, then progesterone after ovulation? Do they control when you ovulate with drugs or just monitor when it happens naturally? Also how do they time when to do the transfer at the right time - is it with scans or blood tests?

Sorry I have so many questions! I am due to have an appt with the nurse to discuss my protocol but just wanted to get some info in advance of that so I know what to expect. Thanks so much for any info xx

[KiboXX]

Hi PollyPocket0,

I did a medicated FET without down regulation and I started oestrogen at the start of my cycle then you have a scan to check whether your lining is thick enough (mine was 10 days after starting tablets). If your lining is all good then you start on progesterone and 5 days later you have you transfer. You don’t ovulate on a medicated FET, the oestrogen tablets stop you ovulating.

My understanding is, done regulation is only really used for frozen transfers for scheduling purposes, makes it easier for the clinics to choose dates x

[PollyPocket0 in reply to KiboXX]

Thanks for the info - makes perfect sense to me now! xx

[EL7815]

Hi PollyPocket0 - I’ve just had a natural FET as I have a regular cycle. I called on day 1 of my cycle and had I think 3 or 4 scans over the course of about a week, maybe a little longer to check the size of my lining and the progress of my follicle growing, what side it was on etc. I then had to take ovulation tests twice a day from day 11 and as soon as it showed a surge in my LH I went in for another scan to check that I had ovulated and then transfer was 6 days later. I didn’t have any blood tests (Not sure why, didn’t have any during my fresh cycle either) and haven’t had any meds, not even progesterone which I was pretty worried about. I know some still take progesterone on a natural cycle and some can take a trigger shot too. I’ve found the whole process so much easier on me (& cheaper too). I’ve heard some clinics aren’t offering natural FETs due to Covid. good luck with your FET 💕

[PollyPocket0 in reply to EL7815]

Thanks so much - wishing you all the best with your cycle too! xx

[Goldie24]

Hi, I had short protocol after I had failed to down reg on a long protocol, then ended up with OHSS so had a freeze all. Very reluctant to have more drugs as every drug I had either I didn’t respond too or responded too well so I am having a natural cycle FET next month where they will track my natural ovulation. They did also offer me a short protocol too with no down regulation but I have decided to give natural a go first. I know for the short protocol they said they use buserelin and oestrogen tablets followed by progesterone. For the natural it’s literally nothing but I have asked if I can use progesterone after x

[PollyPocket0 in reply to Goldie24]

Thank you, good luck for your cycle next month xx