Short vs long ivf protocol

[Comfortingsoul]

Hey! Hope you’re all doing okay, wherever your at in your journey.

I tested today 10dp5dt and got a negative. OTD is Tuesday but I’m pretty sure it’d show my now.

Naturally my mind is now starting to think about the next round but because this is my first failed FET, I don’t know what to expect. I did the long cycle this round so I started suprecur on day 21 and waited for my period to start etc etc but seemed a loooong process.

Is it likely I’ll do that again or do they sometimes offer the short cycle following a long cycle? Not sure how it works.

I don’t want another long cycle, but needs must and I get that if it’s recommended to do so.

Anyway, can you share your experiences please and help me know what to expect from now 🩷

[Kitkat10]

I’m sorry this has happened. I had 2 failed rounds with a long protocol. Changed clinics where they only did short protocol and had success.

Fewer eggs with the short protocol, 3 versus 8 but may have been better quality. Or may have been random chance.

However I was older than you. I was 40 and I think at that age, the long protocol seems to shut down the ovaries so much that when the stimulation starts, they don’t always get going again. My left ovary did nearly nothing.

I found the short protocol MUCH less gruelling. However at your young age, I think the long protocol is used because more eggs are retrieved. It’s a tough process though and it’s definitely worth seeing what options your clinic may have. Xx

[Avocado111]

I have same query, I’m 40, low ovary reserve low AMH, first cycle, short protocol, tried max dose of stimulation, very poor response, 8 follicles, only 2 big grow, 2 very small ones can ignore, doctor was not happy with the result, so switched to burselin long protocol for 1 month now, waiting for next scan see if I can start stimulation, I’m wondering if this long protocol has similar poor results, what should I do? Any 3rd plans? Mild IVF is definitely not suitable for me though? As even max dose didn’t work

[Hopewhite]

Hi I’m so sorry about this, I hope you have good support around you to bounce back, hopefully next one will be your lucky one xx, having said that, make sure you test on OTD you never know xx

I didn’t have suprecur , my experience for FET prep was 1st scan ‘3’ days before period date (9th oct), then oestrogen 3 x1 a day on second day of period (period was a few days late, 16th October ), scan after 10 days to check lining (26th), Started Cyclogest progesterone pessaries yesterday for 5 days, FET next Thursday 2nd November). So all in all feels like a month but only 2 weeks of medication, ask your clinic about your options.

Sending you a big hug and loads of hope for the future xx

[Comfortingsoul in reply to Hopewhite]

That's interesting, thank you for sharing. How long between cycles did you have to wait? xx

[Hopewhite in reply to Comfortingsoul]

Hi how are you feeling? I hope you’re keeping strong xx . I had to wait a long time because I had a MMC which concluded end of July, I was advised to wait 2 periods after that to let the body recover, first period didn’t come back until September, FET is booked for this Thursday. I’m sure it varies by clinic, also I think it was 2 periods because of the MMC but would have been quicker otherwise. Sending you loads of hope xx

[Comfortingsoul in reply to Hopewhite]

I feel defeated, deflated and demotivated to be honest. All feelings I’m sure you’re familiar with. I spoke with my clinic earlier and I might be ok to go again next cycle because it was a clear negative for both the test and bloods but we’ll see.

Wishing you the best of luck for your transfer on Thursday, sending you lots and lots of baby dust xxx

[Hopewhite in reply to Comfortingsoul]

I’m sorry it is a tough process for the body and soul xx allow yourself some time to recover , try to pamper yourself and do nice things (even if you don’t feel like it) , I hope you’re surrounded by your loved ones and have good support to get you through this. It’s all very fresh still , but on the positive side hopefully you can try again soon and luck will be on your side xx sending you a big hug and all the best of luck xx thank you for the good wishes x

[Twiglet2]

I’m so sorry it’s negative 😢 I’m assuming you have more embryos frozen and your protocol you are asking about is for FET? Long and short protocol is usually what my clinic refer to for actual egg collection so just checking as I think some ladies have answered about egg collection because of those terms used in your post (IVF and all the crazy language eh 🤪). I think every clinic is different for a FET some do the full down reg that you have went through and some do a shorter natural modified version. My clinic don’t do anything except the medicated full down reg which involves the shut down on day 21 that you talked about. Their only other option is natural FET where they just time it with your own ovulation. And there’s no meds at all. I would speak to your clinic and see what FET options they offer and which is the most suitable for your situation and why. A fully medicated down reg FET does take a whole bit did bring us our little boy so I am a little biased about it can work though (took us a few goes though) xx

[Comfortingsoul in reply to Twiglet2]

Hey Twiglet2, thank you for your detailed response. I think I did get my terminology wrong - oops. Yes I do have embabies in the freezer, 14 of them which I’m incredibly grateful for. I overstimulated which is why I needed a 3 month break before my first Fet. I spoke with my clinic earlier and have an appt booked for 13th with my consultant but the nurse said on the phone that they do long and short protocols, to be discussed with me and joint decision to be made. Il be having a double transfer this round too, praying for my rainbow baby 🌈xx