Hi ladies and gents. Hope you don't mind me joining you. I have my appointment today to pick up ivf drugs and make a start. Problem is they have miscalculated when working out myappointment date and I am now on cycle day 1. Just called the hospital and they have apologised for the mix up and have told me to come in anyway as I could if I wanted to start today or wait til cycle day 23. Guessing this would mean I would be on short protocol instead of long? Not sure what to do as this may be our only attempt as my fsh has been on the high side and we had a definite no to ivf a few months ago but dr changed his mind when fsh came down a bit. Just don't want to waste our only chance. Googles it and short protocol is sometimes used for those with high fsh but I'm unsure what to do. Does anyone have any advice for me on this please.my stress levels are through the roof and I'm furious that the nurse could not count properly even with a calender in front of her to give me the right appointment. Thank you in advance. X x x

Hi Katie,

The short protocol does not involve down reg and they actually use your normal cycle and start stimming. It is normally used for slightly older women and I think, if you are able to wait for the 23days then maybe the long protocol is better, generally wherever possible they try to do the long protocol as it is more controlled and you are likely to get more eggs from it (I believe) which are mature enough for IVF or ICSI. Let us know how you get on.

Thank you ks9 for your reply. I am a little older at 38 so maybe the short protocol may be better. Appointment is this afternoon so will see what they say and will let you know the outcome. I've not posted on this forum before but have been on ttc for a long time. Have followed a number of your threads and want to wish you and your wife all the luck in the world.

Hi, I'm 36 and did IVF 4 times before i got a positive, i always did the long protocol as i believe you have a higher chance of getting more eggs. what does the clinic advice? I'd really go with what they say.

Sorry to hear about that, this is a stressful enough time without additional things like this. If you have had you AMH done, the clinic should be able to work out which protocol you are likely to respond better to.
From my experience, I have done 1 cycle of each, and got 1 more egg on the long protocol. I don't think there is generally much in it but the doctor should be able to predict which is better for you. Can you ask for one of them to call you and discuss?

Good luck x

Don't worry about which propotocol you're on.

I'm only 29 with unexplained fertility and was put on the short protocol because my clinic happen to prefer it. Much less drugs, less invasive and if you have a fairly regular cycle then it is perfect.

Although my treatment didn't work, I certainly don't think it was down to being on the short protocol. I had 23 embies collected, 12 fertilised, 1 transferred and 5 frozen so pretty successful in terms of how my body responded to the drugs.

I think I spent too much of my time reading things on the internet and worrying myself that my doctor was doing things differently to others rather than just trusting.

Good luck x

Just an update from me. The clinic have started me on the long protocol from Cycle day 1. They have told me that starting on day 1 rather than 21 will not jepordise my treatment. I can only hope they are right. Will be down regging for approx two weeks and then if all ok at my scan will then start stimming injections. OH has been fantastic in giving me the needles. Don't think i could have done it without his help. Not too many symptoms so far apart from feeling tired and the odd niggle but am soooo bloated. Look 6 months already. Keeping my fingers crossed that this will work first time around. xxx

Hi Katie
just wanted to wish you all the best. I am now in my 2ww after a cycle of ICSI (IVF). I have a diary thread on the LTTTC forum which you might find helpful as I posted all throughout doing down-reg and stimms. Good luck xx

Dear All, my wife has been put on the short protocol as well. I discussed the details of this with the clinic and they explained to me that some women do not respond to the down reg drugs as well as others. Everyone is different. The short protocol is therefore a better option in this scenario and I asked whether you get more or less eggs from this protocol compared to the long protocol. I was told that there is no difference. The long protocol is preferable from the two as the clinic is in control and can start the stimualtion when they feel the body is ready. Whereas in the short protocol they have to fit in with the womans natural cycle. It is therefore essential that the patient goes to the clinic on Day 1 for blood tests and assuming the estrodial levels are okay, then on day 2 they will scan to see if the lining is thin enough and then commence with the stimulation.

It is no drugs pre stimualtion but once they atart stimming then it's the same from thereon as in you would still take downreg drugs during the atimming.

Mrs Bambino, i have just read your IVF diary and i am sat in tears. I want to wish tou, your hubby and your two embies on board all the luck in the world. I will be checking in on you to see how you are all doing. Your diary has definitely helped me so. This can be such a lonely process. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to write this and sharing such a personal journey with us all. xxx

KS9 i am also wishing you and your wife all the luck in the world. I'm hoping that the change of protocol get you what you both and we all are dreaming of. The nurse did tell me that both protocols were as successful as each other and it was just down to the individual on the one they chose. I'm keeping everything crossed for you both.

Hi Katie
Aww, I am so gld reading my IVF Diary post has helped - that means a lot to me. Hang in there and stay strong. Honestly, you CAN do this!! Take care hun. xx

Thanks Katie. Drink plenty of water and milk once they start the stimming. My wife said Skimmed milk was a lot less heavier to drink so, maybe try that. Also stick to bottled water if you can so that you can clearly measure how much you have drunk.