poor response to first IVF- what should I ask? do RE's protocol ever NOT include BCP?

[Anonymous]

I'm having a consult today after a failed IVF cycle. Just curious is any protocols do not include BCP or I guess Lupron? I think I'm a fairly poor responder- what should I ask?

[Anonymous]

That might be a good question to ask the doctor -- I'm not aware of any protocols that don't start with suppression, but that doesn't mean anything; i'm not a physician. Your body's natural inclination is to only let one or maybe two eggs mature at the same time, so one of the reasons they want to suppress you is so that you won't develop a lead follicle.

There's a rough medical definition of "poor responders" -- generally fewer than four mature follicles at the time of trigger, or peak estrogen lower than 500. You can ask your doctor if those two things apply to you and if so, what he recommends.

[Anonymous]

PP again: This article might give you some things to talk/think about:

http://www.resolve.org/diagnosis-management/infertility-diagnosis/poor-responder.html

[Anonymous]

OP here. To PP, thank you so much for this link- it is very helpful.

[Anonymous]

My protocol with DF did not include birth control pills at all. Just the mircodose/flare Lupron.