I'll try to answer those questions that I know a bit about (based on my own experience)
Here's the description of these cycle types from my clinic's web site:
FLARE CYCLE
When starting a Flare Cycle, you will be instructed to contact the Nurses on the first day of your period. The Nurse will discuss your treatment plan with you. You will start either Synarel nasal spray or Lucrin injections (which prevent the premature release of the eggs from the follicles) in combination with Gonal F or Puregon injections (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).
Both these medications will continue for 6 - 8 days, then a vaginal ultrasound will be performed.
Vaginal ultrasound (stimulation scan)
As instructed, you will continue with the Lucrin or Synarel and the FSH injections for approximately eight days and then a vaginal ultrasound is performed.
The Nurse or Doctor performing the ultrasound will record the number and size of the follicles, the thickness of the lining of the uterus (endometrial thickness) and if any irregularities such as ovarian cysts are present.
Based on the ultrasound information, one of our Doctors will decide the optimum time to administer the hCG injection and therefore when the Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) will occur. Occasionally, a poor result or an overstimulation may be found on the scan, in which case the Doctor will discuss the best option for that situation.
FSH and GnRH Antagonist Cycle
Your Doctor may prescribe the pill (oral contraceptive pill) prior to this cycle, or alternatively when you ring the Nurses with Day 1, you may start the pill for a few weeks prior to starting your injections of FSH (Gonal F or Puregon. The Nurses will instruct you when to start the daily injections of FSH. You will continue these injections for approximately 6 days and then a vaginal ultrasound will be performed.
Following the scan, your Doctor will make a decision regarding when you should start the GnRH antagonist (Cetrotide or Orgalutran) and how many days you will need to continue this medication.
Vaginal ultrasound (stimulation scan)
As instructed, you will continue with the FSH injections for approximately six days and then a vaginal ultrasound is performed.
The Nurse or Doctor performing the ultrasound will record the number and size of the follicles, the thickness of the lining of the uterus (endometrial thickness) and if any irregularities such as ovarian cysts are present.
Based on the ultrasound information, one of our Doctors will decide the optimum time to administer the hCG injection and therefore when the Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) will occur. Occasionally, a poor result or an overstimulation may be found on the scan, in which case the Doctor will discuss the best option for that situation.
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