Consecutive IVF back to back or take a break in between?

Kissmark · June 2014

Not sure if there is any preference, but if the first IVF is not successful does your RE recommend to do another round immediately the following cycle? Or take a break the following cycle/cycles and try again later?

Bandy514 · June 2014

I can't tell you by experience since we won't be doing our first IVF cycle until August, but my RE has recommended that if the first cycle is unsuccessful to have at least a one month break in between.

Spring78 · June 2014

We had a month off between IVF and FET. I think it is pretty standard to take at least a month off to allow your body a bit of a rest & a chance to get back to normal after IVF before starting a new round of treatment. But each doctor has their own protocols, so yours may recommend more or less time off.

Twinkie0612 · June 2014

My clinic does batched cycles and the way the cycle calendar falls, it would be impossible to do back to back cycles. We did our first cycle in August and after that cycle was canceled, went back on BCPs for our second cycle in October. After my confirmed c/p in early November, I had one natural cycle and then started BCPs for my third cycle in January (We couldn't make it into the December cycle because it was early in the month due to the holidays).

airidh80 · June 2014

I believe most REs want one "rest" cycle in between failed IVF cycles. TBH, you probably will too. IVF is physically and emotionally draining. Best of luck to you!

jaztastic · June 2014

For a fresh IVF to another IVF, typically your RE will suggest taking a break in between cycles. Going from IVF to FET or FET to FET is not as harsh on the body so it is possible to cycle back to back. But every RE and each cycle is different. A big part of the decision ill depend on how your body responds to meds.

ikrystal · June 2014

Twinkie0612 said:

My clinic does batched cycles and the way the cycle calendar falls, it would be impossible to do back to back cycles. We did our first cycle in August and after that cycle was canceled, went back on BCPs for our second cycle in October. After my confirmed c/p in early November, I had one natural cycle and then started BCPs for my third cycle in January (We couldn't make it into the December cycle because it was early in the month due to the holidays).

Same with my clinic - batched cycles would be impossible to do back to back, and I find that the monthly cycles often over laps (for example, baseline for July would be the same week as June transfer). But every clinic is different. I know that my clinic will not do fresh cycles back to back, but it is possible to do frozen cycles back to back.

Carol77B · June 2014

Mine (same as @jaztaz1) requires you to take one month off (get AF) but then you can start prepping. I did IVF #1 in Jan and IVF #2 in March. I'm finishing up stimming for IVF #3, but could have done it in May, if we hadn't done the hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.

However, I really wish I had taken more time off between #1 and #2- I was so anxious to try again, but I don't think I was mentally or physically ready for #2 and wish I had waited at least another month. I feel a lot better with the slightly longer break for #3. I did ask my RE about it and he said that there are no studies to show a benefit to taking a longer break than a month (but that they do show that a month off has better results).

gnl42 · June 2014

As already mentioned... I think most of the time you have to take at least one cycle off after a fresh IVF to allow your body (specifically your giant ovaries) to return to normal before starting stims again. If you are going from IVF to FET, it is usually safe to start right away - but as everyone says, different REs and clinics may have their own views and protocols.

chucktgirl · June 2014

Both of my first two REs allowed me to do back to back fresh cycles. It was easier for me because I was in the "groove" and because, as an AMA gal, I have no time to spare. If you have a preference, just ask your RE.

chickyclg · June 2014

jaztaz1 said:

For a fresh IVF to another IVF, typically your RE will suggest taking a break in between cycles. Going from IVF to FET or FET to FET is not as harsh on the body so it is possible to cycle back to back. But every RE and each cycle is different. A big part of the decision ill depend on how your body responds to meds.

This is what my RE said also. I did my FET the same month as IVF/freeze all due do OHSS

przemosbabe · June 2014

My RE told me there is usually a month break due to cysts. I think I will take a month off if this cycle doesn't work. I have been seeing lots of women do better with frozen egg transfers too because their body is more calm and not full of abnormal hormone levels. Sounds right to me.

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