Is a rest period between IVF attempts recommended?

[kellym]

For my three IVF attempts, and two cancelled cycles I have been with the same clinic who requires its patients to have a rest period between attempts, then after the rest period puts you on the pill for a month. So, if you get a BFN in January, you have to wait to April to start the next cycle (i.e. fertility drugs). My DH and I are thinking of switching to a new clinic who says that even though I just got my BFN last week (along with AF), I can start the next IVF cycle (no pill, so drugs start immediately) in March. Has anyone been allowed to jump back into it this quickly? Are there risks in not waiting to the extra month or two?[/list][/code]

[Michellyn8]

I just got a BFN and my ER said we only need to wait one cycle between. We are going to start a new cycle in March. They are not putting me on the pill. ...As if I needed to be on the pill Plus isn't that what the Lupron is for. Some people go right into another cycle without waiting at all. You could always get a second opinion if you had any other clinics in your area. They might have that waiting policy to give you a mental break because it takes as much of a mental toll as it does a physical toll on you. But I am sure you already know that as we all do. Good Luck.

[geckogirl]

My doctor recommends only one cycle between IVF attempts. It may vary from clinic to clinic though. I am in a difficult position because due to a lab error (the lab accidentally threw away three of my four embryos) I will have to go though the process again soon. I have one embryo tucked in for now and am hoping for the best though....

[sassynlv]

Kelly: The waiting time btwn cycles varies a lot by clinic. Mine requires no waiting time. I actually did 3 fresh cycles back to back with no more than 3 wks in between (during that time they put me on bcp to control my hormones for the next cycle i.e., so i would have AF at right time to start again). My RE said as long as i felt ready to go again, there was no physiological reason i had to wait. Some women enjoy having a month or two of down time. I am type A, and really liked being able to dive right back in after my bfns. I do have to tell you, though, emotionally it all kind of caught up with me after my #3 fresh (i had a month off as all ferts were frozen for an FET last month). Physically, though, it wasn't a problem for me. Good luck!

[REACH-AEJ]

Hi Kelly, My clinic waits one cycle between and then you have to have a normal period to proceed. I did not have a normal period after my last BFN (it drug on for 14 days!), so I had to wait another month. AF has arrived this week, however, it seems to be dragging and I am worried they will say still wait. My doctor says it's a sign that your body is not ready to go again. They did mention if it happens again this time, they would put me on Provera (estrogen med) to regulate...
Good Luck!

GeckoGirl - I can't believe that!!!
I are at least paying for your next cycle. I guess nothing can get back those embies or the stress you have to endure. Just awful...
Good Luck on your next cycle and maybe the little survivor is the one!! It only takes one!!

[kellym]

Great! I am ready to get back at it and am glad to hear that there are clinics out there that are okay with proceeding. I have a review appointment for my last cycle so I will ask the doctor why they insist on a rest period and the pill between cycles - it sure makes the time between attempts seem long (3 months).
GeckoGirl - you are amazing to be positive after the error at the lab. But as I was told in my second attempt, you only need 1 embryo to get pregnant. Good Luck!!!