Protocol Question

NicoleY · #1 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 02:02 PM

I feel so dumb for asking this but can anyone explain the timeline for my protocol. I have my script for BCP I'm to start taking on day 3 (and the anitbiotics too) my notes written by the nurse say Luteal Lupron. I am confused to how long or short this will be. DH wants a projected week for ER and ET so he can schedule light at work, I have no clue. I google 'calendars for Luteal Lupron IVF' and they seem to be all over the place.

reneerenee · #2 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 03:13 PM

I have a horrible memory but here goes...
I know my protocol was pretty routine so yours may be similar
BCP for about 3 weeks (I think)
Lupron to shut your system down (overlaps BCP?) I can't remember how long
When you are sufficiently shut down (ckd by bloodwork and u/s) you will start stims and probably stay on a smaller dose of Lupron so you don't ovulate on your own. I think I was on the stims for about 2 weeks. Then you get frequent cks to see where your eggies are at.
Overall it takes about 6 weeks to get to ET from start of BCP.
If I am wrong it is b/c I just did a fet and it is quite different and like I said I have a horrible memory for dates and times. But I think I am in the ballpark.
Good luck:-)

Staciewi · #3 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 05:00 PM

Good luck and keep us posted!!

Tkeys · #4 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 08:17 PM

I'm doing a luteal phase lupron protocol - each doctor varies them a bit, but for me, it was 21 days of bcps, I started lupron on day 19 of the bcps and waited for AF to arrive. I went in today for my b/w and u/s . . . I was supposed to start stimming tonight, but my estrogen level was still a little high, so I'm doing 2 more days of lupron, then go in for more bloodwork on Friday, and hopefully will start stims then. I was told 8-12 days of stims, then trigger, ER 36 hrs later, and ET 3-5 days after that. HTH!

Mommy Wannabe · #5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 08:18 AM

What they said!

Your RE may vary the length of your BCPs by a week or two, though, in order to avoid overwhelming the retrievel and transfer schedule. They should be telling how long to take the BCPs, but maybe they are cheking the schedule first, or trying to help fit it into your schedule a bit as well??? The BCPs are the only really long variant... stims should not vary much.

ainara · #6 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 03:11 PM

Ladies I'm sorry to bump in here, but could somebody please explain to me what is the difference between Luteal phase Lupron and regular Lupron?

Tkeys · #7 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 03:29 PM

I think there is a luteal phase lupron and a long lupron protocol and I think a lupron flare protocol. I'm not sure all the differences, but luteal phase lupron means you started the lupron during the luteal phase of your last cy (before AF arrives). My RE has you on bcps for that cy to ensure you aren't pg and have no cysts - some don't require the bcps. The long lupron protocol I think has you on lupron for weeks or even months . . . but I don't know the details of that. The lupron flare protocol uses lupron microdose - you start right at CD 1 or so and it gives you higher doses of lupron 2x a day to take advantage of the initial flare effect the lupron can have, and then you start stims right away. The last protocol is usually used for low responders.

Those are the only ones I know, and apparently the mid-luteal lupron is the most common?

NicoleY · #8 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 04:48 PM

Thanks ladies. I am pretty sure based on what I'm hearing from everyone that the first calendar I looked up is the correct one. That puts my projected ER on May 16th. I always did 9 days of stims so hopefully I won't vary too much. I'm taking Gonal-F for IVF but used Follistim during my injectible phase.
TKeys - GL with the blood work this Friday. I don't miss all the poking. It's been nice to have a break this month.