In order to get eggs ready for fertilization, special preparations are used to stimulate the ovaries. The combination of these drugs can be different. Such combinations are called protocols. Usually in in vitro fertilization, two types of protocols are used. This is a long and short protocol of IVF. They use the same drugs. Short protocol differs from long only in doses and period of application. In order to determine what protocol to apply, the doctor carefully studies the patient's medical history. It also takes into account the age, weight, condition of the reproductive system. Consider the use of protocols on the example of a short protocol IVF.
Application and duration of short IVF protocol
Many women who solve problems of conception with this method, are interested in how long a short protocol lasts. Basically, the short protocol is almost identical to the natural cycle. It lasts 4 weeks, while the long one is 6 weeks. This type of protocol is used if a woman has a poor ovarian response in previous cycles of a long protocol. Indication for use is also age. If a woman is older than the age recommended for in vitro fertilization, a short protocol is used.
Distinctive features of a short protocol
The main difference between a short and a long protocol is that, with a short protocol, the patient immediately goes to the stimulating phase, while at the long one there is also a regulating stage. Usually the stimulating phase begins on the third day of the cycle. At this time, the patient comes to check, passes the blood test. At the same time, the doctor conducts an examination in order to make sure that the tissues of the uterus have become thinner after menstruation.
Subspecies of short IVF protocol and duration of protocol stages
Depending on what drugs are used, there is a short with agonists, a short with antagonists and an ultra-short with an antagonists protocol.
Short with agonists, GnRH includes 6 main stages. The first stage is the blockade of the pituitary gland. This stage lasts from the third day of the cycle to the puncture. It uses such preparations of a short protocol as agonists GnRH, dexamethasone, folic acid. Stimulation begins with 3-5 days of the cycle and lasts 15-17 days. Then follows the puncture. It is done for 14-20 days after the onset of stimulation. 3-4 days after the puncture do the transfer. The next stage is support. After the transfer on the fourteenth day, pregnancy control is performed. In total, this protocol lasted for 28-35 days. The disadvantage of the protocol is spontaneous ovulation, low quality of oocytes. The plus is that this protocol is easily transferred.
Short (ultra short) with antagonists protocol has the same stages as short with agonists, only without the stage of blockade of the pituitary gland.
There is still such a concept as a protocol without analogues of gonadoliberin (pure). In some cases, schemes that do not involve blocking the pituitary gland are used. In this case, only preparations containing FSH can be used. For example,
Feature of short protocol
When using this protocol, spontaneous ovulation is impossible, since special drugs suppress the peak of LH. In addition, women perfectly tolerate all stages of the protocol. And there is a rapid resumption of the pituitary gland function. The human body is less prone to negative factors and the risk of developing a cyst with this protocol is reduced. A short protocol lasts for a time less and women receive less intense psychological stress.