Starting IVF cycle with no baseline scan? Does this sound right?

[DancingQu33n]

I’ve had two cycles in the past and going into my third in the new year. (My egg collections were a few years ago as had some unsuccessful fets in between). In our nurse appointment she said we won’t have a scan at all until day 10? Does this sound right? I’ve had multiple scans with previous cycles.

I’ve not had a scan since the summer. I’m a bit concerned with starting a new cycle without any baseline scan. What if I’ve got no follicles that month or there’s a problem, I’ve previously had a couple cysts. Is this standard protocol now? I asked the nurse and she just said that’s how they do it now but I’m wondering whether I should request an extra scan even if I have to pay for it. This could possibly be our last shot and I want to do everything we can to optimise the results. Thanks for reading x

[StarsAllAround]

Is this starting stims? I've always started the norethisterone to force a period then after bleed had a baseline scan before starting stims. I would query this with your clinic.

[DancingQu33n in reply to StarsAllAround]

Thanks. Yes starting stims on a whole new cycle. I don’t recognise norethisterone unless it has another name but yes just didn’t sound right to me at all. Like a bit slap dash to be honest. I’m starting meriofert day 1 (300 then 150 on day 7) then scan on day 10 with nothing in between. Even the fact my meds are being changed without a scan to try follicle progress I’m just totally confused and doubtful.

[Bimsie1310]

I've had 3 collections and my baseline was always a few months before but then monitoring scans started at day 5 of stims. Day 10 seems very late for a first scan.

[DancingQu33n in reply to Bimsie1310]

Thank you ok that’s interesting so not completely unusual but still seems a bit off. They made a mistake with my medication last fet round so I’m extra anxious about making sure everything is right. Day 10 seems way too late for me. The last two times I’m pretty sure I had 2 day 7 and day 10. But my baseline scan had been pretty recent.

I’ve had a cyst and miscarriage since they last scanned me so feel like they should want a more recent clear picture of how everything is looking

[Bimsie1310]

Yeah, based on your history it does seem like they should scan you at least once more. Also seems odd to decrease your stims without a scan. On 2 of my collections I had to increase meds after day 7 as I wasn't responding enough.

[DancingQu33n in reply to Bimsie1310]

I agree. Last time they did the same on day 7 so seems like they’re following a pattern but my body might respond differently now being a few years older. They have added in another stim so maybe that picks up from the meriofert? I did ask loads of questions at our nurse planning appointment and felt like it was clear in my head but now I’m looking over my diary and just feeling not confident in it 🫤

[Endofitall]

my old clinic did not do baseline scans as routine (even for private patients) so my only scan was usually on trigger day on day 10. I eventually pushed hard and was allowed a baseline scan. My new clinic so baseline scans and scans from day 7-8. Push for what you need. I don’t want to start a cycle if there’s a cyst that could affect stims etc.

[Toffeepudding99]

I always had a baseline scan before starting stims, usually day two or three of my cycle; to check how many follicles I was starting with. I did two rounds and on each round at my first baseline scan a cyst was found and so I was sent for blood tests to check my estrogen so stims didn’t interfere with it. Baseline was always protocol at my clinic, for me anyway so all I would know/expect x

[Twiglet2]

I’ve had 6 collections short protocol and alway had a scan on cycle day 2 or 3 (when I start stims) to check that the lining is thin enough etc. they do check the ovaries too at that stage. The next scan is a week later so probs day 9 or 10 so does feel like you are skipping a step. Also sounds like you are starting stims on cycle day 1 rather than day 2 or 3 so I would ask them why that is too personally as they are doing things a little different (but not necessarily wrong) so someone at the clinic must know why! Xx

[Here4ivfinfo]

I’m about to do an egg collection. I have to take Norethisterone from day 14 and then when I stop that and bleed I’ll have a baseline scan. They’ve said it will be the same protocol as last time because I responded well but they are scanning me still.

[DancingQu33n]

thanks everyone! I spoke to my clinic and they’re fine to do a baseline scan the week before. More in a ‘if it gives you peace of mind’ way but that’s fine by me as it does.

I’ve always started stims on day 1 so that seems normal for me. And there is a second stim in there (gonal f) so even though my meriofert is being reduced I’m still having the same dose of stimulation. Apparently that’s a combination that’s worked well and the info from my last two cycles has helped them.

I feel reassured so just going with it and keeping everything crossed. It actually makes me feel better that there have been a mix of protocol/ methods shared here. Don’t want a cookie cutter treatment plan (!) which was partly my concern so helped to have it explained more. Xx

[MinnSam]

I agree with you. Insist for a baseline scan before your start stims.