Buserelin Trigger

[GB844]

Hi everyone.

I am currently 7DP5DT with a top quality 5 day blast. Unfortunately, I’ve been bleeding red blood since 4DP5DT (way more than could be implantation bleeding) and had a negative test this morning so I’m almost certain this cycle has failed.

I triggered with Buserelin due to being at risk for OHSS and I have read that this can lead to a short luteal phase which is why they prescribe progesterone (2 x 400mg) and estrogen (6mg) daily. I just can’t help feeling that I have had a short luteal phase despite being on those doses of meds. My poor little perfect embryo didn’t stand a chance if my luteal phase was only 9 days (usually around 12-13 days).

I know this isn’t a commonly used trigger so just wondering if anyone else used it and if so, what sort of luteal support were you on?

Thanks!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi GB. Your post transfer medication seems to be sufficient. I would carry on with your prescribed medication and Folic Acid and test on the day you have been advised by your clinic. Good luck! Diane

[GB844 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you Diane, my period feels like it has been and gone already but I’ll continue with the medication until official test day which is Saturday. Thanks for your response

[Chel91]

It isn't so common that they require a Buserelin trigger to prevent OHSS, and then allow you to do a fresh transfer. It would usually be a freeze all, as if you did get a BFP it could then trigger OHSS.

Your body does stop producing hormones early with this trigger so you are much more at risk of low estrogen and progesterone, but if your levels are high enough then you should be fine. Maybe you can ask about a progesterone and estradiol blood test for reassurance? Early bleeding can be a sign of low levels, so maybe you could ask to increase the dose or have injectable progesterone? Sending luck xx

[Eternalwarrior]

Hello lovely, one of my cycles they used Buserelin for my trigger for egg collection and I was told that my luteal phase could be shorter because of the medication, so they would give me extra progesterone… However, they couldn’t go ahead with the transfer… so I cannot advise much, sorry. Thinking of you xxx

[GB844]

Thanks so much for the reply ladies. It’s a bit of a minefield and nice to hear from people who’ve used a similar protocol. I had read that they usually opt for freeze all when using Buserelin, but at time of EC I think they didn’t seem me high risk.

I was on 150iu Ovaleap and Buserelin trigger as I had AFC of 29 despite being 38 and had previously over stimulated during IUI. I think they were just being extra cautious. In the end I had 13 eggs from EC, 9 of which made it to good 5 day blasts and have 8 in the freezer (1 transferred).

My estrogen levels were high beforehand and feel high still (sore boobs etc) but can’t account for progesterone. I had all hormones checked during work-up and all were normal. This is very early for me to start a period, so I’m thinking it’s due to short luteal phase and I really feel my hormones are all over the shop.

I’m actually keen to do a natural FET next time, I had a natural IUI cycle that ended in a pregnancy (MMC sadly at 9 weeks due to chromosome abnormalities). After that they put me on progesterone from day of IUI (even though there was no evidence of it being low) and I had 2 x chemicals. I just feel like adding extra hormones sends things a bit haywire for me. I actually don’t have any diagnosed fertility issues and am having IVF due to being in a same sex marriage so would be keen to try a natural cycle next time.

Thanks again both of you for your replies, I really appreciate it! X

[Eternalwarrior in reply to GB844]

Hello lovely,

It is great that you don't have any diagnosed fertility issues. For me, natural cycles/ FETs are much better, but in my case it is because I have deep infiltrating endo and adenomyosis and the oestrogen causes me flare-ups. I feel natural cycles are much more gentle on my body. Wishing you lots of luck! xx