Flare protocol

[Eeek]

So I am giving my own eggs another try. Changed clinic and doing what they call is the Flare Protocol. Norethisterone for approx 2 weeks, Prostap (self administered), then stim with Ovaleap @ 225iu. Went for my first scan (5 days after stimming) and there are only 4 follicles, two are between 14 -16 and the other two are much smaller. I am devastated. At my baseline before I started meds they counted 6. I am old (44), so I knew my chances were small, but this is even worse than I expected.

Anyone else share similar experience and what happened next, do you think they will cancel it? Or should I challenge the clinic on anything to do with the treatment?

I know, I know, I'm clutching at straws.

Much love, thanks

[Camkid12]

Hi.

I'm on my first ever IVF, so very new to all of this. I'm 35, fit and healthy, eat well, stopped smoking & drinking, and all my numbers/tests have came back fine (we were referred due to male factor), so I was expecting good results. Silly me!

I did 7 days stims on 150iu menopur and 5 days on 300. First scan on day 8 was disappointing, only 4 follicles (only 2 of which were measureable), then day 11 was slightly bigger but still disappointing. They were talking about cancelling but told me to continue for another 2 days and go back for another scan yesterday. To my amazement, we're going for egg collection tomorrow!! I had 5 follicles (20mm, 16,14,12 and 11. plus a small one). I'm still disappointed there aren't more, but the fact they are happy to go to EC gives me some hope. However, she did say "if I have to see you again we'll start you on the higher dose straight away" so there is obviously still a chance we don't get any good follicles/eggs - so I'm trying to be positive, but also prepare myself for bad news.

From my recent experience, and from what I've read on here, the results don't always correspond to the situation. Some people with lower chances get great results, and vice versa. Even though I'm going for EC tomorrow, I'm really trying not to get my hopes up too much. Even if I miraculously get 5 eggs, there's still the fertilisation to contend with!

Wishing you lots of luck for good results! xx

[Eeek in reply to Camkid12]

Aww good luck with tomorrow and thank you. Yes, it really all is a bit unpredictable. x

[Savvy_teapot in reply to Camkid12]

Good luck tomorrow! I just did my 1st cycle with similar stats. Take each step as it comes. Make sure you rest after the EC I was knackered and hungry after!!

[Camkid12 in reply to Savvy_teapot]

Thank you 😊 I’m already knackered so a lazy day tomorrow is definitely on the cards! How did your collection go?x

[Hidden]

I personally wouldn't panic yet. Firstly its quality not quantity and secondly the scans are never conclusive. Ive had scans where I have been told I had 2 small follicles and 3 days later had 8! The main thing is you are responding and should be good for EC, so focus on the positives and things you can change not things you can't . Good luck x

[Eeek in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, yeah back in tomorrow and see what happens then. Preparing for the worst, hoping for the best is all I can do now. x

[Miracolo2]

Hi Eek, I'm the same age as you and hopefully will start stimulation next cycle with flare protocol too. As far as I am concerned, if I get 2-3 eggs I will feel satisfied. I just hope I can produce the right one! So, I wouldn't cancel the cycle. Who knows whether 1 or even both of those bigger ones are the good ones? Good luck! X