Birth Control Before IVF?

KatrinaLoves

Hi Ladies!

I'm brand new here, but have been lurking a bit, unregistered, for a while. My husband and I are about to embark on our first round of IVF. September 1st-ish starts our monitoring month, with our first IVF round in November.

We have severe male factor issues (under 1million, poor morphology and low mobility), so we'll be doing ICSI.

I have a very consistent and regular cycle, and have shown absolutely ZERO signs of infertility (and they've done plenty of testing and ultrasounds).

Our doctor informed us that in October I'd be put on birth control for a full month.   However, for the 6 months that I was on birth control after marriage, I absolutely hated it. HATED it. I gained weight, it made me emotional, I didn't feel good, my periods were heavier, I clotted more and had more intense cramps, and I even spotted at random times. It just turned me into a fat basketcase, and I felt like it was the most unnatural thing to be doing to my body.

Now, I realize that IVF drugs are far more intense, but I also know it's a necessary evil for the process. I gotta get them eggs popping!

However... birth control for the cycle prior to IVF? Is that reeeeally necessary, or is my doctor being overly cautious and/or throwing a "one-size-fits-all" practice at me?

Our doctor simply told us that "it gives the ovaries a rest". Like, really? Am I 5 years old, and can't be given a more detailed explanation than that? I want medical reasons (because hey, there might BE some good reasons!)

So tell me, ladies... is this normal? Is a round of birth control prior to IVF absolutely mandatory, or merely a matter of medical preference from doctor to doctor?

The few google searches I've done have rendered limited information, so I'm hoping someone here can share their experiences.

My gut tells me that BC isn't a good idea, but I'd love to actually have some information to stand on. I'm prepared to be totally wrong on this if that's the case, but I've never been given a reason to take one doctor's recommendations without question and am looking for more info.

TIA!
-Katrina

Mitzi Bishi

My situation sounds virtually identical to yours, except my cycles weren't always regular, although I do ovulate on my own. 

I was not put on birth control.  My doctor told me to stop charting, however I haven't and I am glad I haven't. It allows me to get a better gauge on things as to when day 3 will happen and I can start a new cycle. Since our first IVF-ICSI was not a success it will also enable me to know when to call to start our next cycle. 

If you're not comfortable about doing BC speak up! It might even be a good chance to see how well your doctor will listen to your questions, concerns, and see if he's treating you or simply treating you for issues. I'm not sure why some doctors use this protocol and others don't, but I'm really not aware of something specific that it helps for.

According to my OBGYN birth control can actually help people get pregnant and their first couple months off of it are their most fertile. Take that with a grain of salt, because she also told me I should take clomid despite the fact I ovulate. I'm searching for a new doctor. 

Mayan2011

A lot of clinics will use BC to 'batch' patience.  I have done 2 IVFs without them (antagonist and agonist protocols) and many other ladies have also cycled without them.  If you are that against using them in your protocol discuss this more with your RE - you do have options.

Personally, if it were me, and my RE thought it would have positive influences wrt the protocol, I would take them.  That said, if it was simply to batch me with other patience and I was really uncomfortable with them b/c of past experiences, then I would explain this to my RE and find another solution.  It could mean waiting a bit longer for your first IVF cycle and/or looking for a new RE.

 Good luck.

Aegis2005

I also have an almost identical story to yours and just started on BCP last Monday for IVF #1.  It is common practice at my RE to do 21 to 24 days of BCP before starting Lupron to help them gain better control of stimming.  They didn't give a lot ofi nformation (and to be fair I didn't ask, because I've read it's really common, and I took BCP for six years straight with no issue).  If you have concerns, I'd second having the discussion with your RE to see if it's something that is truly necessary given your personal situation.

bubbas mama1

The use of birth control pills after a period in an IVF cycle helps suppress the ovaries & allows them to "rest" during the cycle. It also lowers your risk of an ovarian cyst prior to ovarian stimulation (which will get your IVF cycle cancelled) as well as lowers the risk of you getting OHSS.

Being on BCP's also helps with the planning & timing of the start of the stimulation part of your cycle.This way, the egg retrieval & transfer can fall on a date mutually convenient to both the RE & the patient.

If you have more questions & concerns you really should discuss it further with your RE. Good luck to you!

Sweets11

I'm also starting BCP before my FET in September/October.  It's not standard protocol with my RE, I'm just taking them to control pain. 

That said, I know many other women whose R.E.s have them take BCP before starting a protocol.  It prevents cysts, gives them more control over scheduling protocols, and helps with suppression. 

I have never heard that it can help prevent OHSS, but wish I'd known this before our first IVF cycle.  I had moderate OHSS and my transfer was cancelled.  This would have been good info to have beforehand!

If you're really opposed to it, you should speak to your R.E. about your options.  BCP aren't always necessary in a protocol.

DrRx

My RE told me that it was to prevent OHSS or cyst formation, allows them to start controlling the hormones involved with ovulation, and that it helps with the timing and scheduling of the whole process.  She said it's especially true for those who are PCOS, which is what I have.  

Have you tried different BCP and had those same side effects?  Perhaps there's one that won't make you feel so bad.  And if not, just know that you will only have to be on them about 3 weeks.  

Good luck! 

 

Mrs.LisaP

bubbas mama1:

The use of birth control pills after a period in an IVF cycle helps suppress the ovaries & allows them to "rest" during the cycle. It also lowers your risk of an ovarian cyst prior to ovarian stimulation (which will get your IVF cycle cancelled) as well as lowers the risk of you getting OHSS.

Being on BCP's also helps with the planning & timing of the start of the stimulation part of your cycle.This way, the egg retrieval & transfer can fall on a date mutually convenient to both the RE & the patient.

If you have more questions & concerns you really should discuss it further with your RE. Good luck to you!

This! I am on BCP now for our sept IVF.  

 

KatrinaLoves

Thanks for all the input, girls. I really appreciate it. At our next appointment I'll definitely be very honest with him. The first time around though, I was just so excited that questioning his authority just didn't cross my mind at the time.