Duo Stim

[Eswyn]

Started my first round of IVF and have been on stims for 14 days. Sadly my body’s just not responding and I only have two follicles growing, but both are still small. Went in today fully prepared for the cycle to be cancelled but instead the Dr suggested we take a week off, then start stims all over again, without egg collection or a bleed in between. This time they’re also lowering my dose of Menopur.

Apparently this protocol can work better for women with a low ovarian reserve.

I’ve not heard much about Duo Stim so wondered if anyone has any experience of this? I’d be grateful for any advice.

[Jumpppy]

No experience with duo stims but at 39 I had 2 cycles of Gonal F (FSH) only and it was very successful for me. I had cycles with HGH and that really improved my egg #s. Could be something to ask about?

I too am in the long stim club typically stimming for 20+ days. I stopped banking, but my RE told me if I did another cycle he'd reduce my starting does of Lupron as he was starting to think that the Lupron was over suppressing me. If My protocol was 10 Lupron dropping to 5 at day 5...nothing seemed to start growing until day 6. Another thing you might want to ask about or consider? (Luckily they always gave me the option to cancel or move ahead - nurses were bemused when with little growth on day 7 scan I always said proceed.)

Good luck!

[Eswyn in reply to Jumpppy]

Thank you so much for the advice. I had wondered if the down reg over suppressed me but as it’s my first cycle I have nothing to compare it to. My Dr has hinted it might be something we explore if we need to later down the line, but first wants to try a lower dose. Fully expect to be on stims for 20+ days.

I’ve read about HGH but unfortunately my clinic doesn’t offer it as they don’t believe there’s enough evidence to suggest better outcomes. I get it but it’s so frustrating when you just want to throw everything at it and give it your best shot.

Really hope this next round works! x

[Jumpppy in reply to Eswyn]

Just to clarify HGH = human growth hormone. Doubled my egg counts and all mature, which for me was an issue (% mature).

Best of luck - advocate for yourself. Don't lose hope, all of my pregnancies came from cycles of <5mature eggs. Hopefully this is my last pregnancy and I won't ever know if the cycles where I threw everything at it were more or less successful (I banked). BUT also NO regrets throwing everything at it.

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Research suggests that there can be an increase in the number of eggs retrieved and an improvement in the quality of embryos that develop So fingers crossed for you and sending good luck wishes

Thinking of you

Janet