What is the standard IVF protocol?
There are several variations on the IVF protocol. Described below is a sample “down regulation” protocol. This is an example of one which doctors commonly start with when the patient is under 35 and has a history of good response to stimulation. In the down regulation protocol, you start the cycle before your stimulation and retrieval cycle. On CD3 of that cycle, your FSH level is measured. On CD21, you do a progesterone test to see if you have ovulated. (If you are annovulatory, they will often put you on a BCP regimen to give you a predictable cycle). If you have ovulated, then you start Lupron shots once a day. The dosage varies from doctor to doctor to some extent. You may start out on 20 units and then drop down to 10 units after five days. Your period should arrive close to its due date. On CD1 or 2, you are tested to ensure that Lupron has shut down your own hormone system, so that they can use drugs for stimulation and have a more predictable cycle.
There are several variations on the IVF protocol. Described below is a sample “down regulation” protocol. This is an example of one which doctors commonly start with when the patient is under 35 and has a history of good response to stimulation. In the down regulation protocol, you start the cycle before your stimulation and retrieval cycle. On CD3 of that cycle, your FSH level is measured. On CD21, you do a progesterone test to see if you have ovulated. (If you are annovulatory, they will often put you on a BCP regimen to give you a predictable cycle). If you have ovulated, then you start Lupron shots once a day. The dosage varies from doctor to doctor to some extent. You may start out on 20 units and then drop down to 10 units after five days. Your period should arrive close to its due date. On CD1 or 2, you are tested to ensure that Lupron has shut down your own hormone system, so that they can use drugs for stimulation and have a more predictable cycle. Suppression is determined pr
There are several variations on the IVF protocol. This description is of a standard long “down regulation” protocol. When the patient is under 35 and has a history of good response to stimulation. In the long down regulation protocol, you start the cycle before your stimulation and retrieval cycle. On D3 of that cycle, your FSH level is measured. On D21, you do a progesterone test to see if you have ovulated. Starts the GnRH shots once a day. The dosage varies from doctor to doctor to some extent. Your period should arrive close to its due date. On D1 or 2, you are tested to ensure that medication has shut down your own hormone system. If you are adequately suppressed and an ovarian scan shows no cysts, you will usually start injectables on D2 or so. Your medication dosage depends on your diagnosis, age, and response history if you have taken injectables before. After three days of ovulatory stimulants, your follicles and Estradiol levels will be checked. E2 levels above 100. If needed
