Hi I got my drugs from an the Israeli website IVFPharmacy.com I have friends who have utilized them you just have a wait time to get the drugs, but call them
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I agree as well as disagree with the BCPs and I'll tell you why. I am AMA and DOR both. In one of my cycles, I was put on BCP for a very long time (close to 20 days I think) and I responded very poorly. Got 2 eggs none of which made to blasts. I also did a cycle later with microflare Lupron protocol without using birth control pills. That cycle gave me 5 blastocysts none of which implanted. I also had other cycles wit birth control pills for about 15 days where I did not respond quite well. After a lot of online reading, I found an article by Dr. Sher that talked about the importance of birth control pills. I did not agree with what he wrote because I responded poorly on birth control while awesomely without birth control. Took an appointment with him to get his perspective on my case since nothing was working out with me. I told him about my concern regarding BCP. He explained the process and how BCP plays a role in creating a smooth wave of hormones as part of the agonist antagonist protocol. He told me he was confident I would have a decent number of normal embryos if I followed his protocol. That sounded marketing like talk but there was no other option out there anyway. Finally, I gave a try yet again on an IVF cycle but this time at SIRM. I was on BCP for 12 days followed by other medications (overlap of Lupron and then Ganirelix, Follistim and Menopure). I got 9 eggs (a number never seen before) which gave 4 blastocysts and 3 normal embryos through PGD. I now agree that a lot of it depends on the protocol, amount of medications and order of medications.

I am the one that took q10. I only took one a day but I believe you can go much higher.

Also, I was at SGF and I didn't start with BCPs (a previous poster said that all their protocols start with them) so they do actually have some range in their protocols. I did a micro-flare protocol that basically had me start Lupron the second day after my period and start stims on day 4 after my period. I only stimmed for 7 days and triggered on the 8th which basically put my egg retrieval 12 days after my period.

The first time I did the micro-flare protocol a couple years ago (successful cycle) I did do the BCPs first. Based on my hormone levels this time they decided I didn't need the bcps. Of course the very first protocol they had me on was the protagonist (ganirelix) and that failed miserably.

Here is a breakdown of my 4IVF cycles (always 2 eggs transferred)
1st (Oct/Nov 2012) - Protagonist with bcp (no q10) - 4 eggs - 2 fertilized - 3 day transfer - BFP but chemical
2nd (Jan 2013) - Micro-flare Lupron with bcp (Added Q10) - 12 eggs - 7 fertilized - 5 day transferred - BFP (successful pregnancy) - No frozen embryos
3rd - (May 2014) Micro-flare Lupron (no bcp) - 5 eggs - 2 fertilized - 3 day transfer - BFP but mc at 8 weeks (also had non-doubling betas)
4th - (Aug 2014) Micro-flare Lupron (no bcp Added Q10) - 10 eggs - 3 fertilized - 3 day transfer - BFP (so far everything seems normal) - 1 frozen embryo


I am not recommending are saying that they are the best clinic, just thought I would clear up this incorrect information. I do think it is most important to find a clinic that suit your individual needs or that you are comfortable with. I have had success at SGF so of course I am happy with them.

I know time is essential due to AMA, but you could look at antioxidants for your DH for 90+ days to improve sperm quality (DNA fragmentation, etc). Look at Proceptin or copy with your own supplements.

I would definitely look to an AMA expert for second opinion on protocol. Dr. Davis at Cornell Weill (NYC) is the best.

NCIVF is a good option to explore too. Dominion is a good local option.

I am very surprised they have you on BCPs! That is a huge red flag.

PP, what was your dosage for Q10? (I read 600-800 mg, is this true?) Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:I am the same age 39 and I found that taking Co-enzyme Q10 correlated with my positive cycles. I did one cycle in Oct 2012 that was a chemical and started co-enzyme Q10 right away. Did a cycle in Jan which resulted in a successful pregnancy. Did a cycle in May 2014 that ended in mc at 8 weeks (abnormal pregnancy from the beginning) and again started on Q10 right after. Did another cycle in August and currently 6.5 weeks but so far everything seems normal.

I am not saying that Q10 was the trick but it is suppose to improve egg quality. It may be worth looking into taking it to see if you can get some better eggs. Also, I only got 10 eggs my last cycle and only 3 fertilized. We transferred 2 at day 3 but the last egg did make it to freeze this cycle. First time ever I have had a frozen embryo.

Thanks! I am definitely looking into Q10. Congrats on your 6.5 weeks!!

ICSI used. First time my fertilization rate was about 80 percent. 2nd time 40 percent.

Anonymous wrote:Started out on bc. Then prescribed menopur and gonal-f. My first cycle I was slow to respond and stimmed for a long time. The second time they increased my dosage of both medications. I ended up with a few more eggs ( I think 10 total)but none made it to blast. I transferred 2 eggs the first time and 3 the 2nd time.

What is your fertilization rate? If it's less than 50% you probably have poor sperm and/or egg quality. Are you doing ICSI or PICSI?

Anonymous wrote:Started out on bc. Then prescribed menopur and gonal-f. My first cycle I was slow to respond and stimmed for a long time. The second time they increased my dosage of both medications. I ended up with a few more eggs ( I think 10 total)but none made it to blast. I transferred 2 eggs the first time and 3 the 2nd time.

This is why I left Shady Grove- all their protocols start with birth control pills, which suppresses your response. If you don't want to go to donor eggs yet, find a clinic that does NCIVF or estrogen priming protocol.

As for egg quality, I took royal jelly, DHEA, and acupuncture from an accpuncturist who "treats" infertility.