Did you take BCP before IVF?

eastsidekitty

The protocol at my RE's office is to take 3 weeks of bcp and have a small bleed before you start the IVF month. Is this common?

suzie711

Yes, I did with the IVF cycle with DS and I have with my past 2 FET cycles also. 

I just found this on a Fertility Center's website after googling:

Why do I have to take birth control pills?

Taking birth control pills prior to start of the treatment cycle helps to suppress the pituitary to prevent premature ovulation later on. The pill also eliminates any ovarian cyst left over from previous cycles. Moreover, the pills can also lead to better follicular development due to its suppression of testosterone production in the ovaries. Finally, the pill gives us some flexibility in scheduling patients into groups for better efficiency.

eastsidekitty

makes complete sense. thanks!!

laurid75

I have not done IVF but have had several friends do it and the one place down here who a lot of people go to uses this as standard procedure prior to IVF. 

efhoping2010

It depends on the clinic, protocol, your test results and reason for IF, and prior cycles as well.  Some clinics use it to sync up cycles others use it for suppression. Some protocols use it but not all. It is usually pretty standard especially for a first IVF.

Hopeful3434

Yes, I was on BCP for three weeks before as well.