Short Protocol & the pill

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Mon Dec 16, 2002 10:31 pm

Hi All Can anyone help me with this? I have had 5 failed IVF/ICSI and am due to start my 6th in January but this time I have been put on the short protocol method which involves taking the contraceptive pill for a few weeks. Aparently I don't have the down reg drugs (Sniffer) but when my period arrive in Jan/feb I go straight on to the gonalf along with a down reg injection for 8-12 days before egg collection. My DR was dissapointed with quality of my eggs (had 14 but only one made blastcyst) and he said this should help. Feel like I am a bit of a old hand at IVF but don't know anything about this procedure. Would be grateful if anyone knows anything. Thans Lucy

alison p · Post by **alison p** » Tue Dec 17, 2002 5:23 pm

Dear Lucy, We've had 3 failed ICSI attempts this year and my Dr has suggested me using the contraceptive pill next time round (you're not at the Lister are you?). I had the long protocol my first go, then I've had 2 goes using Cetrotide, which means that you don't have to down-regulate so it's much quicker and you don't turn in to a monster. Since they haven't wroked I think they want to try something new. My Dr said that you have to take the pill on day 1 of your period and continue for at least 21 days. You can then chose when you stop and start sniffing for only 1 week (you don't seem to have to do this). I will then start Gonal-F exactly 1 week after I've sniffed. Like you, I've not heard anything about this procedure before. I'm not sure if you'd call it a long or short protocol really. Let's see if it works. I'm glad someone else is trying it. We're having a break before starting again and we've booked to go skiing in March with friends. However, at least with this method you can time when you start sniffing and then start taking the FSH, so maybe I can time it so that I start sniffing whilst skiing. On the other hand, I'm not sure I want to be all moody whilst I'm on skis - it could be dangerous!! Good luck anyway and let me know how you get on, Alison P

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Tue Dec 17, 2002 7:49 pm

Hi Alison Thanks for that I am glad someone else is doing the pill thing. I am not at the Lister but a Nuffield in Brentwood Essex. I had everything planned to start sniffing at the end of Jan but of course that has changed now. I've booked to go snowboarding at the middle/end of Jan and now I don't know where I will be with regards to treatment. As normal IVF manages to screw my plans yet again! Thinking about it, being moody on the slopes might make everyone keep out of my way. Enjoy your break from treatment my last attempt was back in June so I have had a good few months to get back to full mental strength. Keep in touch Lucyx

Sealx2 · Post by **Sealx2** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 6:20 pm

Lucy, hello do you remeber me, seal? I had to change it to sealx2 because I forgot my password. So you are starting again? You must be very healthy now - how did the acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine go? I am also doing acupuncture and really love it. I am also starting a short protocol cycle. It is 3 months since the myomectomy and I have been off sick all this time! But feeling recovered now (not 100% but close). I am having a scan tomorrow and if all is well I have an FSH test on day of my period. I have already taken the BCP's. If that is less than 15 (so far my highest has been 10.5) I start with the spray 6x a day on day 2 and gonal F 5 amps on day 3. I am going to devon over Xmas which makes the whole thing really difficult. But I managed to sort out a scan and bloods on day 8 and a scan on day 11 back in London. After that I go to Brussels for egg collection 9probably on the 5th of Jan. They will do PGD and if all goes well do an embryo transfer with acupuncture before and after in Brussels on the 10/1. have you heard about the German study? Apparently they did a study where patients had acupuncture 25 mins before and 25 mins after the transfer with a high success rate. i can send this to you if you like and maybe you could arrange to do this also? It sounds to me as if snow boarding will be a great way of releasing all the hormonal fall out. You wild thing! lets hope the short protocol will be successful for us both.

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 3:10 pm

Hi Seal I am so glad to hear from you and when I saw the Sealx2 name I thought your around somewhere. I have been doing acupuncture and herbs for 4 months now so am feeling a little more positive about it all. I have also had a session of hypno therapy - Interesting but the jury is still out on it, so to speak. I would love to read the German article on acupuncture. I am glad you are feeling better you really have been through alot to get to this stage. Please keep me updated as I feel we are on the same wave length and the same stage with infertility treatment. It looks like you are going to have a hectic Christmas and I wish you all the luck in the world for this cycle. 2003 has got to be our year we have waited long enough now. Love Lucy