Probiotics after FET?

[DJ202]

Hi all,

I hope you're doing well! I wonder if you have any advice - I've been taking probiotics orally and vaginally prior to frozen embryo transfer and I'm wondering if I should continue taking it after the transfer? Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated! Thank you! x

[Rollercoastersmiles]

I don’t know the correct answer but I’ve continued taking all the things from before the FET during the TWW as well, although I’m only taking probiotics orally (have delightful progesterone pessaries to take vaginally instead)!

[DJ202 in reply to Rollercoastersmiles]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[McQueeny]

I’m not sure, but - orally there’s no reason not to continue, they’re good for anyone to take anyway - vaginally I think you’re only meant to take for a certain period and then stop? What instructions were you given ? That said, I don’t think they’ll do any harm. Just not necessary. ☺️

[DJ202 in reply to McQueeny]

Thanks McQueeny! They were both recommended by my previous doc - doctors in my clinic have now changed and the new one doesn't seem to be a big fan of probiotics! Have now decided to stop taking them vaginally and will reduce the amount orally! x

[McQueeny in reply to DJ202]

Sounds good. Amazing how different doctors have such different opinions 🙃 x

[MofM]

My clinic had me stop vaginal probiotics the day before the transfer. I never took them orally so I don't know. I think you should check with them and their protocol!

[DJ202 in reply to MofM]

Thanks for letting me know! I'm now only taking the oral ones, at least for the tww!

[Eternalwarrior]

I took probiotics orally and vaginally prior to transfer and for a set period of time recommended by my clinic (this was all after my EMMA and ALICE results came back really abnormal) but after transfer I only took probiotics orally x

[DJ202 in reply to Eternalwarrior]

Thanks for letting me know, that's really interesting! Haven't done EMMA/ALICE (yet), but good point! x

[Mitco]

Can I ask what vaginal probiotics you were taking? I've only just heard about it, but my doctor has never raised it with me so wondered how you ended up on them? I'm desperate for anything to improve my chances before my 4th and final try.

[DJ202 in reply to Mitco]

Hi Mitco, I've been taking Canesten ones, but different brands offer different ones. My previous doc recommended probiotics both orally as well as vaginally during IVF. They were also recommended by my nutritionist (after previously using the probiotics joghurts, which she's not a fan of!)! I've now had a bit of a read through the scientific evidence, and the evidence seems to be mixed, especially when considering longer term use. However, for particular conditions I think they seem to be useful! I think there's no harm taking them and I will, at least throughout the tww! Good luck! x

[Savvy_teapot]

How long did you take the probiotics vaginally for before the transfer? I have been recommended them. Tried one but found it uncomfortable to put in.....Sorry TMI 😝 But won't be starting my round until June.

[DJ202 in reply to Savvy_teapot]

From CD1! I know it's not pleasant, but progesterone pessaries are worse (I'm having to take 3x2/ day!!)! Fingers crossed for your new round!

[Savvy_teapot in reply to DJ202]

I took those before too but did them the other way 😅

[DJ202 in reply to Savvy_teapot]

Maybe I should try that!!