Medication for frozen embryo transfers?

[Anonymous]

IVF meds were expensive and extensive, but we are planning to do a frozen embryo transfer this time so presumably will not need as many drugs. I assume I will not need to take anything to make me ovulate or produce large quantities of eggs for retrieval. So what will I need? I will make an appt for a consultation at SGF soon but wondered what the experiences of others have been and how/why it may vary. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I'm in a cycle right now. I do Lupron (2 14-day kits), then add in estrogen tabs and, later, progesterone. I think you get an antibiotic for the procedure (or at least for an HSG if you need it), and then a few days of steroid (prednisone for me) if they use assisted hatching, which is common with frozen embryos. It's a MUCH cheaper, simpler and more flexible cycle than a full-blown IVF cycle. Best wishes!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the response. Can you refresh my memory ... is the Lupron an intramuscular injectable? (uughh) I recall the progesterone after the IVF was a cream inserted vaginally. Is that the same for you? I did also do an antibiotic but I thinkk it was just for one day. Can that be right? I don't think we used assisted hatching but I'm not sure if you mean that this was something that was done before freezing or after thawing. ?? Thank you again.

[Anonymous]

Lupron is sub-cu, so no IM shots! I also do the progesterone suppositories (oh so fun). The assisted hatching is a technique they use to soften the outer zona of the embryo to assist implantation, so it's done after thawing. The zona is tougher after freezing than it would be if it were a fresh embryo, so the AH helps it break out and implant. The steroid, from what I understand, is to help the body not reject the embryo, though I don't fully understand the medical science behind this. What I do know is that I've only gotten pregnant on cycles with AH, so I'm superstitious about it in a good way!

[Anonymous]

This is great info. Thank you. One more question -- do you know about how much the meds cost? I don't think our ins (BC/BS Care First) will cover anything.

[Anonymous]

If you ovulate regularly and don't have lining issues, you maybe be able to do a natural cycle. Natural cycles have little to no medication involved, just more monitoring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is great info. Thank you. One more question -- do you know about how much the meds cost? I don't think our ins (BC/BS Care First) will cover anything.

14:47 here - I have BCBS PPO, and since all of these meds are used in multiple purposes, they do provide coverage. My total co-pay cost for the entire cycle came to just under $70. Check with your clinic to see if they can pre-run the costs with the pharmacy they use. They should be able to give you an estimate before ordering.