Timeline of IVF cycle?

My RE gave me a quick overview of an IVF cycle as approximately 6 weeks including 10 days on BCPs. If this IUI cycle fails we are looking at starting IVF, however, we currently have a vacation booked at what would be week 6 of the cycle. Could anyone give me an idea of the timeline including BCPs and if there is any way possible that I could be away for a week during week 6? Thanks as always girls

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

Well generally the last week would be the retrieval and transfer.

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

I would think it would be difficult to go anywhere during a cycle. DH and I did not even go to our parents' houses for Easter since a day trip is just not practical and I had so many appointments scheduled. At the end of the cycle, you may need to go everyday to get monitored. This happened to me since my estrogen levels were so high. Tomorrow is my beta (which really probably could have been done on Friday or Saturday) and I started Lupron on March 20th and started stimming on April 3rd. If you are already going away, I would skip this cycle and enjoy yourself!

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

well i think it depends what he put on the timeline. if you are only scheduled to do 10 days of BCP, week 6 might just be your beta. if you can move your trip out oa few days (and feel comfortable travelling in early pregnancy) or if your beta(s) is scheduled before the trip that might be all you need.

that being said IVF is so emotionally draining and you are still on injectable meds afterwards (if it works) so i would be just be cautious of where you are going so you dont have to consistently travel with needles and meds that may need to stay cold. i personally probably wouldn't want to have to worry about it. so if you cant change your trip i would do another IUI cycle before moving to IVF. and if it doesn't work then move to IVF after your vacation. good luck!

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

Ill give you some advice on both sides.

I was told that once I start the injections I can not travel because I have to be around for monitoring, plus they have to give updated instructions about meds.

I was also told that I could be on BC a little longer to accommodate my schedule if need be. But I think they meant to push things back by a few days to try to avoid a transfer during an impossible day, not a few weeks. Their advice to you would probably be to skip the cycle, maybe being able to start the BC part when you are away so you don't have to wait two cycles.

The last thing I'll add is....DH and I were considering going away but the only time we could would have prevented us from doing our first IUI. I decided to wait the month and go on the trip. I hated the decision at first, but I AM SO THANKFUL THAT WE WENT. It was the best trip ever, probably because we had been under so much stress is was that wonderful to be away. I don't know what kind of trip you are planning but if it is a real vacation - TAKE IT and ENJOY IT!

Sorry that was kind of long.

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

it is so hard to say bc at least for me things changed

they gave me a calender of the schedule but it changed

was supposed to be 2 weeks of bcp instaed was 3

i stimmed longer than was usspoded to bc the follies needed to grow..trioggered and had er 2 days after the original date
while i stimmed i was at the doc literally every other day so if u r going away during that it would not work..also if 6 weeks is where ur et or transfer would be that woudl not work either

i would def talk 2 ur doc and see what they say

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

In my RE's practice, they will not do IVF unless you can commit to being in the area during the entire cycle. So if you'll be away week 6, they'll either start you earlier or later, I think.

Something to keep in mind - you may have to take a cycle off before you start IVF, so not sure if you figured that in. Also, many people are on bcps for 3 weeks (or longer). You can always take a cycle off and then go on bcps until you're back from vacation. That sounds the most promising plan to me.

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

Mine was a total of exactly 4 weeks and 5 days from day 1 of birth control to the transfer. Good luck!!!

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

Thank you ladies!! I appreciate the advice and your input so much. Its hard not to just want to start this as soon as possible. We even contemplated canceling the trip but the amount of money we'd lose on the resort & flight would be crazy. I spoke to one of the REs in the practice and he said it'll really depend on the timing & protocol, it may or may not work out with the week away and we'll figure it out as we get closer. I have a feeling we're going to have to skip a month but we'll see. Thank you all again for sharing and being so helpful

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

Re: Timeline of IVF cycle?

Posted by NYCGirl80

Skipping a month isn't always a bad thing. It gives your body and mind a chance to feel "normal" again and de-stress. Plus, wouldn't you rather be able to drink on your vacation?