We understand that getting time off work for appointments can be difficult. It may be helpful to discuss what is happening with your employer. We can provide proof of your appointments if necessary.
Please remember that the treatment dates are only an estimate of how your body will respond to the drugs. This means that we may have to alter the treatment dates in response to the scan results to ensure that you have the best chance of a successful egg collection. This can sometimes be at very short notice.
Medication and injections
We use several different medication protocols to prepare patients for egg collection. Each protocol is tailored to the specific needs of the patient and will be fully explained to you before you start any medications. Each protocol may consist of the following:
Controlling your natural cycle
You may be asked take injections of Buserelin Acetate (Supercur) that will temporarily switch off your natural cycle and allow us control of your cycle. Alternatively we may use the timings of your natural cycle to allow us to progress with treatment.
Stimulating your ovaries (boosting egg supply)
You will be asked to take follicle stimulating hormone injections (e.g. Menopur or Rekovelle) to stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs. Follicles are tiny fluid filled sacs that grow on the ovary and contain the eggs. In your normal monthly cycle, only one egg is produced. Following treatment with hormone injections more will be available for collection.
Controlling ovulation (release of eggs)
You may be asked to take a drug called Cetrotide. Cetrotide blocks the effects of a hormone called gonadotrophin releasing hormone that controls the secretion of another hormone called luteinising hormone which induces ovulation. Cetrotide will prevent premature ovulation.
Monitoring egg growth
We will watch the number of eggs in you ovaries by doing a series of scans. We will count the number of follicles developing in the ovaries and measure them. When the follicles reach about 16mm, we would expect the eggs inside to be ready to respond to the next stage of treatment, the trigger injection.
Sometimes the ovaries respond inadequately to the drugs and produce very few, if any, follicles. A decision will be made as to whether the treatment cycle is to be continued, in spite of the very poor chance of success or cancelled. If the latter option is chosen you will be offered a consultation to see a doctor during which other treatment options (if there are any) will be discussed. Occasionally a blood test will be needed to confirm the scan results.
Injections
We will teach you (or a partner or family member or friend) to administer the injections. It is simple to learn, and much easier than having to visit your doctor every day. If you choose not to do your own injections and wish to go to your GP, you must make arrangements for this yourself, remembering that some injections have to be given at weekends or evenings.
Unfortunately, we cannot arrange for injections to be given in the unit as we do not have the staff available. We will also supply you with the needles and syringes you need. We will provide a special container for the disposal of used needles and glass. Please do not put these in your household rubbish.
Needles and syringes
You can collect needles and syringes and a sharps box from the Newcastle Fertility Centre. Please return the sharps box and any unused items to the centre for safe disposal.
