Birth control pill before starting stimulation protocol?

[Art01]

Hi ladies, my doctor recommends going on a pill for 2-4 weeks before starting my stimulation protocol for egg freezing to control the schedule as I'll be travelling overseas for it. I am 37 and haven't used the pill in the past. I am reading mixed reviews about the impact of doing this: some sources say going on a pill may prolong the protocol duration and reduce the number of eggs, others say it has no impact or may have a positive impact by enabling all follicles to develop at the same time. Does anyone have experience with this? Not sure if I should take the risk of doing it or just travel last minute when my period starts naturally?

keywords: egg freezing; contraception; pill; cycle control

[Tnthketnf]

I used the pill before the stimulation for 3 of my cycles. I never had to stim for longer than 10 days. I don't think it had an impact on the numbers or quality. In fact my numbers were better when i used the pill than when not. The quality (not good) has been consistent regardless of what i used before stimulation.

It sort of calms down the ovaries but in no way it's the same like buserelin and these type of medications.

[Art01 in reply to Tnthketnf]

Tnthketnf Missfh Thank you for sharing your experience, ladies! It's reassuring. I was reading that age/AMH could be important - in one study, the pill didn't affect those who are younger or have higher ovarian reserve. I'm 37/AMH 1.7, so wondering how safe it would be.

[Missfh]

I didn't use the pill on one cycle thensid for the next one (as i went overseas) and it was the same result for both

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Art. I don't think it really matters whether you go on the pill or not, You will most likely get the same result. Check with your doctor the reasons why the pill is recommended, then take it from there. Good luck! Diane