IVF Short Protocol- spotting or "full flow period"?

[thatismahogany]

Hi,

Kind of embarrassed to ask this question as I feel like I should know the answer already! But would appreciate any input, just feeling really anxious.

My protocol states that on Day 1 of a "Full flow period" I should call the clinic to book a scan, or as soon as possible if it is the weekend, then start Ovaleap on Day 2 of my cycle. When doing the injection teaching session, I explained to the nurse that my period can start off with a few days of spotting, then suddenly becomes moderate- heavy for 3-4 days then tapers off again. She said this was fine and to start injections on day 2 as I know know my cycle better than anybody, and by day 2 I will know if it was my period.

I was, at the time, reassured by her answer, but I am now kicking myself for not making it obvious how light this spotting is (only see it when wiping/just enough to mark pad) as I started spotting (period??) today just after 3pm, just barely enough to mark the pad but not much at all. But I also have some cramps, a headache, feel a bit sick, breast tenderness- typical period symptoms. It is a few days after my period was predicted to start, and I am 100% sure I'm not pregnant this month.

If I continue to bleed tomorrow, would it be safe to assume today is cycle day 1 of a "full flow period", even though it is only spotting and it started in the afternoon?

I know nobody here can really give me medical advice. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience? I'm just scared of starting the drugs too early and ruining everything

My clinic says day 1 is if full flow comes before 1pm. If after 1pm, then it’s the next day. If spotting is not full flow for you then I would not say it’s day 1 x

@grcrobbo thank you, I think I'm going to have to wait to see if it continues tomorrow x

@thatismahogany - no harm in calling the clinic, explaining the situation and seeing if they advise you to come in. If they do a scan they should be able to get an idea if your period has really begun by seeing how much of the lining is coming away. Good luck!

@KatRee thanks for your reply. Unfortunately my clinic will only be open from tomorrow. However the bleeding today is even less than yesterday, so I'm feeling more confident that this can't be considered "full flow" and I have time to sort things out Monday x

Just a quick update.

Spoke to a nurse at my clinic and she reassured me. They didn't ask me to come in for a scan, but they have advised that I have not had a proper CD 1 full flow bleed. Even if the spotting continues for a few days I should wait. So it's just a waiting game now- isn't it always? Thanks again for the advice x

@thatismahogany Good to get that reassurance. My clinic is closed on Sunday's too, so if your period starts from Saturday afternoon onwards you have to call on the Monday morning. They aren't at all worried in that scenario, but happened to me once and I was really on edge. I hate the bit where you are just waiting to get started. Hopefully your period will be here for real soon- 🤞for a successful cycle !

@thatismahogany thank you for the update!

I always get anxious about these things because misunderstandings are just too easy to happen. In your position, I would freak out and do the injection which is apparently the wrong answer. So thanks again for letting us know and good luck x

@IsabelHerna no problem. I was so tempted to do the injection but I'm glad I waited.

Hopefully this post will help somebody else in the future, if only by prompting them to get clarity from their clinic, before it closes for the weekend It can be so hard to think of everything you need to ask!

And thank you, good luck to you too x