Can someone explain...

the IVF process to me (in general terms)? What is the protocol, time frame, etc? I have a feeling that's our next step.

Message edited 5/7/2008 8:43:48 PM.

Re: Can someone explain...

I'm w/ you! I have my IVF interview on Monday w/ Dr. Kenigsberg @ LI-IVF. I'll update you after I get bacK!!!!

Re: Can someone explain...

Everyone has a different protocol, but basicially my first IVF cycle was 6 week start to finish - which includes the 2WW.

This was my timeline last cycle (keep in mind, I responded slowly to the stims, so I went a little longer than most.

2/18 - Started Lupron injections (I had already been on BCP for 10 days prior)

2/23 - Stopped BCP

2/29 - Started Stims

3/11 - Triggered with Ovidrel

3/13 - Egg Retrieval

3/16 - Embryo Transfer

3/20 - Progesterone Check

3/27 - Pregnancy Test.

Message edited 5/7/2008 9:06:21 PM.

Re: Can someone explain...

I will briefly tell you mine but do a search for my ivf diary post. I had an unusual cycle because my cycle fit in with my clinic's timing I did not have to take BCP's. I started stims on CD 3(gonal and menopur) did that for 10 or 11 days, then triggered, then did retireval and a 3 day transfer. I am now pregnant with twins.

Re: Can someone explain...

double post

Message edited 5/7/2008 9:03:22 PM.

Re: Can someone explain...

IVF#1 was on what they call the MicroDose Lupron Protocol.

It consisted of BCP's (to calm down the system). I did it for 21 days. 4 days later, no matter if AF showed or not, I went in for the usual b/w and sono. That night I started the lupron injections, the next day I started gonal-f and menopur. So, my shots were twice a day. In the morning I did lupron and gonal-f and at night I did lupron and menopur. Went back 3 days later for monitoring. Then it was every other day then when I had follies that reached 18 it was every day. Day of trigger I did my morning shots. Got the go ahead, that night I triggered (I used Ovidrel). Then ER was 36 hours later. At ER they told me # of eggs retrieved. ER was very fast. Think I was out for 20minutes if that long. The next day I got my fertility report (telling me what fertilized and what didn't). Then went back 2 days later for ET. You need full bladder so it's easier to see the uterus on external sono. Then 1 week after ER I went in for Progesterone test and 1 week later I went in for Beta.

HOpe that helps.

ETA: left out important stuff like when you start stimming DH (usually) start anti-biotics until retrieval. And the night of retrieval you start your antibiotics (7 days) and (if doing assisted hatching) you also start steroids for 7 days. Day after retrieval you then start progesterone (I did shots, or I shouldn't lie and say I had a nurse give me my shots nightly).

Message edited 5/9/2008 4:51:14 PM.