Does anyone know the difference between using Birth Control to schedule a cycle and just starting stimulation on Cycle day 2??

[LadyM2019]

Does anyone know the answer to this? Can’t seem to find out what the difference in outcomes is in terms of numbers of eggs, live birth rate etc

thanks!

xx

[Hidden]

As far as I am aware there isn’t a huge difference in terms of outcomes, it’s just more about management of timings and cycles and clinics being able to make sure they don’t have loads of people needing EC on the same day x

[Dinfertilitylady]

I’ve heard that birth control can help to regulate your follicle growth so that they grow more uniformly in your cycle (ie you don’t get a lead follicle, they all grow at the same rate) I’ve not tried it myself though so can’t give any experience of this. If you are over 40 or have DOR it’s supposed to over suppress the ovaries so best not to use it.

[HopeOfYou]

I know it's only anecdotal evidence, still here's mine: I had 3 cycles, 2 short protocols (no suppression) 1 long protocol (with 3 weeks suppression)

First cycle: 11 eggs, my follicles were growing quite regularly. 2 blastos transferred, BFN

Second cycle: 5 eggs (from one ovary only), follicle growth was irregular. Transfer of 1 day2 embryo, BFP but ectopic

Third cycle, with suppression: 8 eggs (from one ovary), 2 day2 embryos transferred from fresh, BFN. 1 blasto frozen and transferred 3 months later, BFP and I now have a 3yo.

Good luck!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi LadyM. Starting on Day 21/22 you are less likely to develop any cysts and follicles tend to grow evenly. See what your specialist recommends and why. Good luck! Diane