Anyone use Climara estradiol patch for IVF? (ticker &pic in siggy)

JillAly

I had to wait a month after they cancelled my last IVF.  So I'm finally able to start back up tonight.  They said to start with the Climara patch tonight - no shots.  I've never done it this way before and I've gone through 3 IVF tries- but if makes more than the 2 follicles I got last time, I'm up for anything!  Anyone ever start with Climara and then do all the shots later?   Amy side effects? 

epphd

Sounds like you are doing an estrogen priming protocol - it is usually a good choice for low responders.  You might try cross posting on Success after IF as I think there are some ladies who had success with EP.

As for the patches themselves, I've used vivelle patches (also estrogen) and the side effects were mild - some overheating and general ickiness-feeling, but nothing too horrible. GL!

QE2

Hi Jill! I start Climara on Sunday. I'm doing the co-flare protocol, and will also do Ganirelix for 3 days starting Monday, then start stims on CD2, which should be the end of next week.

For my previous cycles, I used Estrace pills for priming and they made me REALLY weepy. I'm hoping Climara is a little easier on me.

Question for you and any other Climara users: Where is the best place to put the patch? When quitting smoking, I found wearing the nicoderm patch on my upper or arm or upper back worked best. Not sure if Climara has to go on the belly.

Good luck Jill!!?

epphd

Well, for vivelle I was instructed to place the patch on my lower abdomen below the belly button - I would imagine that it would be the same for any estrogen patch.  Usually the product inserts specify, or as your RE.

Quizzle

I'm using vivelle post-IVF and putting it on my lower abdomen. I did it a little higher this time, only because those suckers are nasty to take off.

epphd

Quizzle - eye makeup remover or baby oil works pretty well!

JillAly

The picture on the instructions showed the patch placed on the upper arm and the abdomen - to one side of the belly button and a little below it.  So I'm guessing you can use it in either place.  I used the abdomen- I figure it's closest to the ovary and I want all the stimulation going directly there- LOL!

Thanks for the info -  it's a long story but I never even talked to my RE about it- I get calls from the nurses and they are so busy, they don't explain anything.  I never cared since I'm sort of a pro having done it so many times but this was new- and googling only got me so far.  I'm probably switching RE's if this doesn't work but I thought Cornell has such a great reputation, I'd try it one last time.