Long or short protocol

[Eliebeach22]

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone can give any advice. I have low Amh of 3 and I’m 40 this year.

We are about to start self funded ICSI and we’ve been given choice of long or short. They’ve recommended long but said it’s up to us really.

I wondered if anyone had any advice as I’m really confused and just want to do what’s going to give us best chance.

we’ve been told our chances are 10-12% each round. Anyone had levels this low and had success? Trying to stay positive as much as we can.

Thanks so much for anyone who can give their advice - it’s much appreciated.

Wishing you all the best in your journeys x

[Skittles11]

Hi

I personally would suggest short protocol in cases of low AMH. My own personal experience was that my ovaries struggled to be stimulated after the down regulation drugs used in long protocol. This meant I had a poor response because the follicles weren't responding to the stim drug. Everyone can obviously react differently but I found short protocol was better suited to me with low AMH and I wouldn't do long again. Good luck with whatever you decide x

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Skittles11]

Thanks so much for your reply and advice, it’s very helpful. I did some Googling last night (I know I need to stop) but short seemed to come up top. So thank you. Really appreciate you replying. All the best with your journey x

[Rhubarb5]

It really depends which one your body responds to, everyone is different, and you won't know until you try - IVF involves a lot of trial and error. I have low AMH for my age and after a couple of rounds was told I had a 10% chance each go. I did 2 attempts with each protocol and I actually responded much better to the long protocol. I had the same amount of eggs collected but more fertilisations. That being said, if it's your first attempt I would start with the short protocol as it's fewer drugs, and if you do need to do it again discuss with your Dr about trying the long.

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Rhubarb5]

thanks for your reply and you’re right it’s trial and error. That’s interesting you were told same stats of 10%. I feel it’s so low but I’m hopeful and can’t lose hope. I wish you all the best on your journey and thanks again for taking time to msg - I appreciate it x

[Rhubarb5 in reply to Eliebeach22]

Don't lose hope. It took a few attempts but I'm currently 19 weeks. All the best. xx

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Rhubarb5]

congratulations! That’s wonderful news. Hope you’re keeping ok. That’s so nice of you to share and gives me hope to hear the success stories, thank you x

[Kitkat10]

hi, I was nearly 40 when I tried a long protocol twice and although the numbers of eggs collected were ok (7 and 9) the minority were mature and I only got 2 blastocysts both of which were BFN.

I changed to a short protocol, got fewer eggs (3) but 1 BFP and a now 18 month old. For me, I found the short protocol MUCH better to go through, fewer drugs, felt more ‘naturally’ in sync with my cycle and hopefully better egg quality even though there were fewer collected.

However, as OP have said, it’s hard to know which will suit you individually. I changed clinics between protocols and they told me which protocol they used as standard, so I still don’t really understand why the 2 clinics opted for different protocols. Good luck in whichever one you go for 🍀🍀

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Kitkat10]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, it gives me hope. And to hear from short protocol you have your 18m now. Wow. Just amazing news.

I keep thinking if I could look ahead and know all will be Ok then it would avoid all the stress, but none of us sadly have a crystal ball. I just need to give it my best shot. I’m taking DHEA and doing accupunture so hoping that helps too.

Thanks again, it really helps to hear your story and congratulations - makes it all worthwhile. Enjoy every precious second x