Mini IVF
Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 10:29 am
I am 43 and just completed a failed mini IVF. We tried a regular IVF cycle prior. The embryo quality was much improved with the mini IVF on me. My RE retrieved 3 eggs and all fertilized by ICSI. On day 3, 1 was at 8-cell with no fragmentation, the other 2 were "at the next level", as my RE put it, where the cells kind of merge together before separating again (morula?). He transferred all 3.
However, my question is regarding why some clinics say they use only Clomid for 5-10 days then 1 vial of Menopur every other day for 3 days for their protocol whereas my RE had me take the Clomid for 5 days and still use 225 units of Follistim, 1 then 2 vials of Menopur, Ganirelix and then Ovudrel. With the regular IVF cycle, I was doing 300 units of Follistim so it wasn't reduced that much, in my opinion, but the nurse insisted 225 units was "low dose". I still did 1-2 vials Menopur, the Ganirelix and Ovudrel with the mini cycle.
My thinking is that with the Follistim only reduced by 75 units/day and showing such a noticeable improvement in embryo quality, shouldn't using even less or none at all be even better? My RE never said anything about my bloodwork being abnormal so why is there such a variance in mini IVF protocols from clinic to clinic? I understand it's a case by case basis, but do you think the protocol my RE used with me was minimal stimulation? Or am I just confused on how each of those drugs work and I actually did need them all?
Thanks!
However, my question is regarding why some clinics say they use only Clomid for 5-10 days then 1 vial of Menopur every other day for 3 days for their protocol whereas my RE had me take the Clomid for 5 days and still use 225 units of Follistim, 1 then 2 vials of Menopur, Ganirelix and then Ovudrel. With the regular IVF cycle, I was doing 300 units of Follistim so it wasn't reduced that much, in my opinion, but the nurse insisted 225 units was "low dose". I still did 1-2 vials Menopur, the Ganirelix and Ovudrel with the mini cycle.
My thinking is that with the Follistim only reduced by 75 units/day and showing such a noticeable improvement in embryo quality, shouldn't using even less or none at all be even better? My RE never said anything about my bloodwork being abnormal so why is there such a variance in mini IVF protocols from clinic to clinic? I understand it's a case by case basis, but do you think the protocol my RE used with me was minimal stimulation? Or am I just confused on how each of those drugs work and I actually did need them all?
Thanks!