IVF cycle progesterone gel & monitoring

[gonna_be_dad]

When do the clinics usually stop the progesterone gel support during the end of an IVF cycle. Does it stop after the pregnancy BT after the TWW or does it continue for a few more weeks?

Also how many BT's are required after the TWW to monitor the HCG beta levels? We where told if we where lucky enough to get a positive, some IVF clinic's monitor you until they see the first heartbeat via u/s before handing you off to the obstetrician.

Thanks.

[Lissie]

I have done 6 x stim cycles and never used progesterone gel support (only used injections) so can't help you on that one. I have done 2 fets and am currently on my 3rd fet using progesterone pessaries and they keep you on these even after positive BT until 8-12weeks gestation.
Re blood tests, when i was with Sydney IVF they only did the one blood test even after a positive outcome i was never asked to do another one -just told to wait till scan date.I am now with QFG doing FET'S and they do intial BT then they do a follow up a week later and then a week after that its scan date. Sorry have not been much help - i would just call your clinic and ask i have always found the nurses at both my clinics extremely helpful - goodluck with this cycle.

[Janie71]

Hi there,

I can't be much help about a stim cycle as my first stim cycle resulted in a BFN. However, my first artificial FET has resulted in a BFP. I have to remain on Progynova and Progesterone Pessaries until I am 10 weeks pregnant which is when I will stop cold turkey! I believe by 9-10 weeks the placenta has taken over the hormonal support.

In regards to BT, I had my positive BT on a Wednesday and then the did a follow up test on the Saturday. They do this to ensure that none of the medication used in an artificial cycle has given a false positive result. Also it is to look at how your HCG is coming on and if you have enough Progesterone support.

I had my first scan with the FS at 6 weeks 3 days to check for a heartbeat and that baby was in the right place etc. From there the FS hands you over to your OB.

Hope that helps.

Janie xxx

[butterfly_warrior]

It depends greatly on your clinic and individual circumstances.

My clinic stops progesterone support at 4 weeks, while others continue to 12 weeks and beyond. When it comes to blood tests, I only had the one. If levels come back between 10 and 100 they will bring you back for a second test two days later. Anything over 100 and they are completely happy and only bring you back for a scan around 6 weeks. Anything under 10 is a flat out BFN. I've heard of other clinics that are happy with anything over 50, and still others that monitor HCG levels regardless of the starting point for those first few weeks before the scan.

BW

[gonna_be_dad]

Thank you all for your comments.

Our FS is happy as the bloods came back good today. hcg 200,e2 3000, progesterone was 100 so we are off the prog. gel. An u/s is scheduled for between week 6-7 then they will hand us off to an OB.

We are thinking of enrolling in early pregnancy monitoring service just so we can keep tracking (bloods/ultrasounds) on a more regular basis...