Long agonist protocol prior to frozen transfer

[Daisy0909]

Hi everyone,

I’ve got an upcoming 2nd frozen transfer in the new year after my 1st wasn’t successful.

I have endometriosis and adenomyosis and my consultant has recommended a long agonist protocol.

She informed me that this will be similar to my protocol pre egg retrieval but just wondering if anyone here has any experience of this for a frozen transfer?

[Hitoy]

Hi Daisy0909, Yes I think I am a similar case to you with endometryosis and after two failed FET cycles with short protocol, was put on a long protocol for this one.

Timeline was :

- Get period and let my doctor know so she could order the meds

- Day 21 of that cycle, start Buserelin injections until a bleed (day 12 for me)

- From bleed day, start Oestrogen and continue Buserelin

- 2 weeks later go for a scan to check lining (mine was not quite there yet so had to continue for another week)

- once lining is thick enough, stop buserelin, continue oestrogen, start progesterone

- 5 days later , embryo transfer, continue oestrogen, progesterone

So all in all the whole medication cycle lasted 5weeks+, but frankly you get quite used to it all

I hope your cycle goes well!

[Daisy0909 in reply to Hitoy]

Thank you for your reply, it sounds similar to the one before my egg retrieval. I’m going to be using the nasal spray I think it’s called nafarelin. Did the long protocol help? I had awful pelvic pain following my transfer similar to an endo flare and I think my consultant thinks that this may help

[Hitoy in reply to Daisy0909]

Very similar story here! Last transfer (positive test but too light) I had the worst 6 weeks of acute pain in my lower left side as well as constant bleeding that actually brought me to the ER once and then thank God it stopped and my doctor said likely an endo flare (although I have never had that much pain before, even during my period). She then said let's move you to the long protocol. I have just had my FET yesterday so can't say yet if any pain as last time it started 4-5 days after the transfer. I am very paranoiac now of that pain coming again so have asked what painkiller I'm allowed in case it happens again, was told yes for paracetamol and codeine but no to ibuprofen and diclofenac.But I definitely feel better in my skin if you know what I mean, I don't feel my mood is affected by the hormones as much this cycle as last one, I'm supposing because ovaries are shut down.

Hope this helps as I was desperate during my previous cycle to understand what was wrong and why the pain, so reassured a bit to see that other people have had the same experience with the same conclusion from their doctor..

Very much hope this change in protocol brings us both a successful screaming healthy blob in the end

[Daisy0909 in reply to Hitoy]

Hi Hitoy,

We sound so similar!!

I wonder if the increased oestrogen made thing worse as endo feeds off of it.

I’m sending you my best wishes during your tww and hope that you have no adverse pain.

I was in pain literally as soon as my embryo was transferred, I have heard about buscopan helping with uterine cramps following transfer and I do take it for my endo so will check with my consultant. If it helps I was taking paracetamol and codeine during my tww reluctantly but what can you do when you’re in so much discomfort and can’t use heat packs.

It’s reassuring to hear from someone in a similar boat to me.

Really hoping you have a calm and pain free tww.

Take care 🤞😊

[Hidden]

Hi, just to say I am on this protocol for my FET too, I think its quite common. Unfortunately mine has been delayed so I can't tell you if it worked! But I do know its the 'normal' for my clinic. Good luck xx

[Daisy0909]

Thank you Daisy,Aww that’s a shame it’s been delayed, sorry to hear this. It’s good to hear from you ladies and wishing you well 😊