bcp question..

feel kinda dumb for asking but since we r about to do ivf i know that some of you girls have had to take bcp before..what makes one have to take them..when will u know on your cd 3 appt? thats when i was told to come in

Re: bcp question..

I always had a sense of my protocol before my CD 3 appointment, but CD 3 would be when you'd start if that were the plan. My previous doctor used bcp as a rule to give the ovaries a "vacation" prior to stimming in hopes of a stronger response. My current doctor used lupron because it doubles as a suppressant to ovulation. But the lupron suppressed me so much during that attempt that he just dove right in, starting meds on CD 2 for the 2nd try.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is it really depends on your doctor. Not everyone does bcp. Your protocol has probably already been decided on, so you should call and ask.

Good luck with the IVF!!

Re: bcp question..

Thanks for asking... I wanted to know the answer to this too after reading another post. If I can avoid taking BCP I would like to.

Re: bcp question..

Doctors use BCP to supress your ovaries, and try to have better control of your cycle, as everything is time sensitive. I was told ahead of time that I would use BCP, but confirmed and started after my cd3 appt. Good luck Gina!!

Re: bcp question..

i wouldnt count on avoiding BCP unless you are older or have done previous IVFs. a vast majority of doctors suppress with BCP on the first cycle - esp. for PCOSers. it is the simplest and most effective way to suppress so that the doctor can control your cycle. for me, BCP tended to slightly over-suppress me and my stim would take a bit longer after BCP. but its pretty standard protocol for many RE's IVF cycles.

Re: bcp question..

I did 2 fresh IVF cycles. First one I did not take BCP, only used lupron, had 25 eggs retrieved and hyperstimulated. Next cycle, new doctor and new approach, took BCP to have better control of my cycle, and it really helped time everything. They still got 14 eggs, but I think it helped get my horomones in better control. It was also helpful b/c DH and I went to Mexico before the 2nd cycle and I was on BCP which allowed the doc to better manipulate when I was going to start meds.