IVF timetable

[Nina100]

Hi, could anyone please let me know an indicative timetable for IVF? That is, when is the first day you need to be seen by the doctor and how many times until you do the pregnancy test? Thanks vm.

[kelmar]

Hi,i had ivf and u have to go a number of time.it's diffrent for everyone depending how u respond to the drugs.how long have u bern trying abd have u had any test.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Nina

This all depends whether you start with a short or long protocol IVF cycle. As a general rule, most patients start treatment with a long protocol. This is started on Day 1 or Day 21 of your menstrual cycle (doctor’s preference). You will down regulate for 10-14 days, sometimes a little longer. The drug that is used is usually sniffed up the nose – sometimes given in injection form. This means that you will stop ovulating and also your womb lining will shrink. The reason for doing this is to make sure you do not have any cysts on your ovaries that might increase in size during the stimulation process. You will have a scan to check this, and perhaps a blood test too. If all is OK, then you start the stimulation injections. These will produce extra follicles which will hopefully contain eggs. A scan will reveal how your ovaries are reacting to the stimulation. When the follicles are ready and your womb lining is sufficient, you will have a one off “trigger” injection to release eggs into the follicles. Approx 36hrs later you will go for egg collection, usually under sedation. They will then see how many eggs have been collected, and add the prepared sperm. 2-3 days later, providing successful fertilisation has occurred, 1-2 embryo(s) will be transferred into your womb. You would probably be prescribed some progesterone pessaries to use to support the lining of your womb. You will then do a pregnancy test 2 weeks later.

Hope this helps.

Diane Arnold

[Nina100]

Thanks Kelmar and Diane for detailed response. We have been trying for nearly two years. have tried IUIs and want to go onto IVF. It looks like it depends on each individual - hopefully I will get the answers from the doctor sooner rather than later. regards,