Medicated FET - how long to reach desired lining thickness?

[Sierra26]

Looking to hear from anyone who has had a medicated FET - estrogen (+/- ganirelix) to suppress ovulation and build lining from day 1 of period (with aim to get lining to desired thickness, and transfer 3-5 days later).

I just had a failed transfer after transferring on CD29 (late date due to being on too low a dose of estrogen so lining was slow to respond). Logistically trying to plan next cycle round a few commitments, will be on higher dose of estrogen, and wondering when I can expect to hit desired thickness / what average timing is.

My clinic aims for 8mm - I do know some aim for 7mm so would give green light earlier.

Hi, I've done 3 medicated FETs with estradiol + 7 days of ganirelix at start of cycle. My meds don't always start of day 1 though, depending on timing can be day 2 or 3. Then had 6 days of Lubion (finishing on transfer day) + Cyclogest, with day 5 embryos transferred. I was also on a slightly higher dosage of estrogen to help with lining thickness.

Most recent cycle transfer was on day CD18. The cycle before that was (I think) CD19 (might have been a day or two later than this as not sure exactly when CD1 was, only when I started meds). Both of these rounds ended in pregnancy.

My first FET transfer happened on roughly CD18 (again, might have been a day or two later than this as not sure exactly when CD1 was, only when I started meds). This round was a CP.

So in my experience its roughly CD18/19. Of course timing depends slightly on lining thickness but also day of the week etc for timing transfer.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

EDIT: No idea if this timing is 'average' for others, but I'd say probably so? Normally have 2 scans to check lining before go ahead to do the transfer, which I think is fairly normal

@2mumlife Can I just ask how long your cycles are? I’m having a transfer next month and obsessing over dates. I know nobody can say exact days but just seeing if longer/shorter cycles make much of a difference?

My cycle length varies massively which is why we did medicated FETs.

Before I got pregnant with my DD (2nd FET) my cycles were anywhere from 23-38 days. There was no consistency or good pattern with them at all.

I only had 2 periods before this latest FET, as was post partum after my DDs birth. They were 36 and 34 day cycles.

I don't think your usual cycle length probably matters that much, because they hijack your reproductive system with the meds.

@2mumlife Thanks for the info.

I was offered to choose between medical or natural as my cycles are regular but I just don’t trust my body anymore to do what it needs to do. So medicated cycle it is. Good to hear that you got your daughter as a result.

Medicated FETs have always worked well for me. We had 4 failed medicated IUIs and 1 BFN fresh transfer. First FET CP, 2nd FET is my DD and 3rd FET I’m currently 32 weeks pregnant. Keeping fingers crossed FET works for you! 🤞

My first transfer was a medicated FET. Started oestrogen on day 1 of my cycle. Had a scan on day 12 my lining was 7.3mm. Started progesterone the day after for 5 days and then had transfer. I am currently 18 weeks with our little miracle (DP has extreme MFI and we were given a 5% chance of IVF working) so we are incredibly lucky!

@DippyDuck19 I can't help with the FET stuff as I've never had one but I just wanted to say I'm so happy you had successful IVF despite extremely low odds - that's so great! X

Thanks everyone for your replies and congratulations on the pregnancies!

Sounds like CD 18 ish is common. Hope I can align more to that next time. My clinic insists on 8mm though which pushes things back!

@Sierra26 have you started the cycle? What meds are you having? Mine should start next month and I’ve been told I’ll be starting off on progynova and then after scans, lubion/cyclogist.

I started estrogen (progynova) on day 3 and when they checked in day 17 I had a 12mm lining, the cyclogest for 5 days before transfer. I did drink beetroot juice everyday and eat beetroot with salads as I read it helps with circulation. I also went for 1 hours brisk walk everyday.

Hi @SlinkMcSlink sounds like the same protocol as me - is this your first transfer? Feel free to ask any Qs if so! I’ll be starting next week when period starts IF I think dates will line up. We have a trip in Sept I’m trying to work transfer date round. Otherwise need to wait another couple of cycles :(

Ill be on progynova high dose (8mg + patches), plus ganirelix to stop follicle growth, followed by lubion and cyclogest.

@mlruirod great lining response! Was cd17 your first/only scan? I already do a lot of exercise but I might try the beetroot tip! Hope it went well for you 🤞🏻

Hi @Sierra26 , yes it’s my first transfer! I had my egg collection at the beginning of July. Had a withdrawal bleed 6 days later and then AF this week. It has been quite painful and has really upset my system (toilet works sorry if tmi). I want it to be September now so my next AF will start- never thought I’d say that!

How many scans did you have before transfer? Did you have any side effects from the progynova? Also, what day have you had transfers in the past? My DH is being annoyingly positive and is convinced that this will work first time which is making me more anxious. Sorry for bombarding you!

@Sierra26 yes, it was my first and only scan. It was scheduled for 2 weeks after taking progynova- they asked me to take 3 tables a day the first week then 4 tablets a day for the second week. I'm currently 5w2d pregnant so very early days but very (cautiously) happy 😊 this is my second FET though, first one was a chemical but I also got a 13mm lining then. I wish you the very best for your next cycle!

Congratulations @mlruirod gives me hope!

Fantastic news @mlruirod , will keep everything crossed for you that it goes smoothly! Had you had any BFPs before starting ivf?

sorry you’ve been feeling rubbish @SlinkMcSlink ! I usually have okay periods but the one after my failed transfer was brutal, as if the emotional pain of it not sticking wasn’t enough!

I didn’t have any side effects from progynova but I’ve heard headaches are common. I had four scans and transferred on CD29 but only because I wasn’t on high enough dose so they stepped me up but not very quickly. Not only did the low dose mean slow lining but I grew follicles when I shouldn’t have so that’s why I added ganirelix. This time will do all that from day 1. Really hoping I’ll get a day 17-20 transfer this time!

Wow, I can’t believe they kept you going until CD 29!! That’s a long wait. I hope that you do get an earlier transfer this time. 🤞 @Sierra26

@mlruirod CD17 seems very late for a first scan! Obviously worked though!

@Sierra26 thank you! I only had a BFP about 2 years before starting IVF but it was a blighted ovum and only found out one day before my 12 weeks scan. I promised myself in y. Next pregnancy I would paid for a private early scan and would not wait for 12 weeks ever again, so I'm happy we get an early scan with IVF but the wait is being so bad!

@SlinkMcSlink thank you! It's such a stressful process and full of worries. It seems deep inside I thought IVF would work for us staright away as we have unexplained infertility and it was such a shock when it didn't, even though my clinic made very clear the chances, it really hurt. We just need to stay hopeful and be patient. Good luck with your cycle!

@2mumlife I know, I was surprised when i heard of other women getting earlier scans. It seems my clinics just follows that protocol, at least with me as it was exactly the same for both transfers, and tbh I'm guessing probably they do the same with everyone

@mlruirod I find it so interesting different approaches clinics take