What Determines Which IVF Protocol I Am Treated With?
Your fertility treatment is bound to be an exciting and nerve-wracking time during your pregnancy journey. Naturally, with all the emotions going around, the last thing you want to add to the mix is any uncertainty.
When discussing the IVF process, you may or may not know that there are two different protocols which can be used
These protocols are long protocol IVF, and short protocol IVF. If you are not aware of the difference between the two, or which is more relevant to you, this can cause confusion when it comes to IVF.
To eliminate this confusion, read on to find what differs between the two protocols and get a feel for which would suit you better.
What is the difference between long and short protocol IVF?
The IVF protocol refers to the stimulation regimes which are performed on your ovaries in preparation for your IVF treatment.
Your IVF protocol, whether that be long or short, is your personal treatment plan, which will schedule how exactly your treatment is tailored for you.
This plan will include the details of which drugs are administered to you and what doses will be included, as well as when these procedures will be performed.
The long protocol and short protocol differ in terms of length, and when in your cycle the process will begin. However, both plans will require some time dedication, which may interfere with work or other projects.
The long protocol route typically involves procedures such as hormone injections, which usually start on the 21st day of your menstrual cycle, blood tests, and ultrasound scans. These procedures help to produce the best results for the egg retrieval and fertilisation.
The short protocol IVF is a much quicker process and is used in different situations, such as when a woman has not produced an adequate amount of eggs under the long protocol.
This process begins earlier in your cycle and starts with lower daily doses of hormone injections, which work to completely shut down your ovarian function.
How is it decided which IVF protocol you are treated with?
When meeting with a fertility expert, it is important to give as much information as possible, as this is what will influence the decision as to which IVF protocol is used to treat you.
Some factors which will help the consultant to make the decision include age, as a woman’s natural fertility may begin to decrease with age. Your root cause of infertility will also help to decide whether long protocol IVF will work for you, along with your responses to previous treatments.
While this post can help to shed some light on certain aspects of IVF, if you have any questions specific to your case, it’s always best to consult your fertility expert. This as they can give you information tailored to your situation.
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