Short protocol only, no meds in UK??

[Imisscoffee2021]

I've just had a first consultation for IVF at 34, and was surprised to be offered an antagonistic short protocol. My AMH and AFC are smack bang in the middle of normal and we have MFI, so was always under the impression I'd have long protocol to get more eggs to fertilise with ICSI.
I queried why this was and after saying that I could respond well to short or long either way, they then said there's also huge a shortage of the meds needed for long protocol, and that they have none at all and can't even put an order in for them.
Has anyone else found this to be the case at their clinic? I'm going private but the clinic also has NHS patients. I'm just worried I won't get enough eggs to balance the possible low embryo development from our MFI, and don't want to pay for a cycle that isn't tailored for me.

Short protocol is the usual for a first cycle- they like to see how you respond and prevent OHSS.
My first cycle was short protocol currently on my 2nd cycle long protocol ( NHS) but clinic also does private.

Your first cycle is king of like a test run- they need to see how you respond and then tweak meds if it doesn't work.

This may sound frustrating but I'm sure a few women will be able to explain the pain of OHSS x

I think what the previous poster said is correct; short protocol is the default that everyone starts with - that certainly happened in my case. I’ve now just started my second long protocol and also heard about the shortage of medication. Buserilin is apparently in short supply…

Ditto pp. Short protocol is normal for first go. Some clinics don't offer long protocols at all (or only in very specific circumstances). Don't worry about it - try to trust the team treating you and let them make the decisions, particularly on your first go. It relieves a burden of stress for you.

Thank you everyone, I know I'm reading too much about the process, it's just been such a long journey to get here and we're using our savings so really want this to work. We're also in the position because of a misdiagnosis ten years ago for my husband which has essentially rendered him infertile now so I'm a little too wary of clinicians atm. Thank you for the advice it's a relief to know this is the usual as from what I'd been told before on referrals with NHS it's usually long so had me worried.

@Tinkerbell04 I'm on my 2nd long protocol and I have the suprecur brand of Burserelin. I down reg'd for 17 days on Suprecur and am now on Meriofert 225 and Suprecur- day 5 today. How are you getting on?

I’ve also got Suprecur. It sounds like you’re a few weeks ahead of me - all the best with your stim phase. How do you feel?

I had my follow up appointment last night ready to start another round of IVF and my consultant also told me that there is a national shortage of Buserelin so my protocol might change too!

My first round was long protocol!

There even be a delay in starting another round because of it... good old waiting game of TTC!

@Tinkerbell04 I feel a lot better this time around- but I am trying to have 60g of protein a day at least and drink lots of water.
How are you getting on? X