Potential problem with fertility clinic

[Heyhidiho]

Started bleeding yesterday so called clinic to book in first scan ahead of beginning first IVF injections. They could only offer me a scan on day 5 of my cycle. I would not start medications until after this scan. I queried whether this delay means my planned egg retrieval would be delayed a bit more to allow enough time for the follicles to grow (to be honest, I don’t know how any of this actually works so may not make sense!).

They explained that egg retrieval is still planned for around CD12 (medication would begin on CD5 if scan looks ok) - this leaves 7 days between injections and egg retrieval.

I guess i’m asking, does this sound right? We were previously told to expect starting meds on CD3 and expected our egg retrieval to move accordingly (as it took a few days longer than originally expected for the bleed to start). But sounds like the dates are staying the same despite the delay in bleed and delay for first scan/beginning injections.

Could they proceed with egg retrieval even if the follicles aren’t at their optimum size just because I’m already booked in for it?

I asked for a scan on day2/3 but ‘they have no space/aren’t open on weekends for scans’

My clinic usually has a baseline scan before the period and they say, okay looks like you are ready to start your meds. Then meds start on day 3, then scan on day 5 or 6 to see how i am beginning to respond. Then scans on every other day (3-4 scans total, not including the baseline scan). It sounds unusual what they offered to you. Perhaps call again to clarify the timing of all scans and the reason behind them? Maybe your protocol is different for example.

Hi OP I haven't heard of this either. When doing short protocol it's basically I ring on Day 1 of my period and then they tell me to start taking my stims on Day 2/3.
I would do as the other poster suggested and get that clarified.x

Thanks both. I did clarify with them today - despite having all the medication ready to go, they have said they want to scan me first before beginning meds (even though i had a scan 1 month ago and all looked well - maybe things can change a lot in a month?).

So my scan is day 5 and i’ll begin meds that same evening.

The more i read about it, the more I’m questioning it and worried I’ve missed an opportunity by delaying the stims. I suppose I have to just trust the professionals!

Hi, my clinic do scan before cycle starts (mine was done 2 months ago), meds start day 2 and scan day 5 or 6.

I guess the way they are doing it will just result in a longer cycle for you.
As my understanding is the first lot of injections are to help boost the follicles and the second start ovulation. My clinic have said that they will give me more meds if more time is needed.

May be worth checking the reviews of your clinic and looking over the paperwork you have signed, does it say anywhere that they scan before meds and they aim to scan by day X? If so then if it's earlier than day 5 I would be going back to them and quoting this information. I know it's hard and an emotional process but you are still paying for a service that you need to understand. If you are saying that you can be available at any time then 5 days seems a long wait for scans.

Maybe clarify aswell how often they will scan you during your stims

Hope you get some answers

@Heyhidiho My dates were fairly similar- baseline scan on CD3, meds started CD4 and egg collection on CD15. I had 9 mature eggs collected. If I could rewind I'd ask the clinic whether it was worth waiting a couple of days longer but it was my first time and I didn't really know what was what!