Do you have to have a period before starting an IVF cycle?

[ttcmamma]

Hi everyone

Has anyone started an IVF cycle without having a period. I had a pelvic assessment today (usually have to have a period to do the assessment) as part of initial tests before my first IVF consultation and since I do not have regular cycles, they said it should be fine to do the test without a period and if they are not happy with the results then they will induce a period and then do the pelvic assessment again. Obviously my ovaries were polysystic which was no surprise and she said my consultant may or may not need to induce a period to start treatment which I was confused about as everyone that I know that has gone through IVF has always had to have a period in order to start the cycle?

[sazzle2680]

I’ve had this with a FET. I didn’t have a proper period, only a bit of spotting. My lining was thin so the clinic were happy.

I think when it comes to a full IVF cycle, providing your hormone levels are low then it would be fine to start without a bleed. Try not to worry and good luck for your cycle

[fay2399]

You can take eggs without period. They do blood test to work out your first day of cycle

[LSandJ]

The only reason they start with a period, is to know when your lining is super thin so they can then start building it up and stimulating! I used norithiserone to bring a period on before egg collection (they can plan you treatment bettter and book dates further in advance). But we didn't go ahead with a transfer (also polycystic and at risk of OHSS), and for first frozen try we used norithiserone to bring it on again, but on the second time they didn't! I had a bit of spotting but it was odd and I felt maybe replaced a period, they did a scan and it was thin so we could start the cycle (start the drugs to thicken the lining!)

Overall you don't need to have a period, you just have to have v low lining (and estrogen) to start! They can check with a scan and maybe a blood test if they weren't sure! But they may want to bring a period on for timing, or if your body is already producing some lining! (They could use it to clear it out!)

Probably doesn't clear much up for you! But don't worry either way will be fine!!! X

[ttcmamma]

Thank you for your reply everyone x