Medicated or natural cycle for FET/donor eggs

[wishIwasonholiday10]

Just about to start a second and final attempt for IVF with donor eggs (which is also equivalent to a FET as far as preparation goes). This time I'm with a new clinic and they are offering a choice of a medicated cycle or a natural cycle (but with the trigger shot). I can't decide which to try this time. I have only done one previous cycle with donor eggs (and never did an actual FET) and it was medicated but took ages for my lining to build up so was wondering about trying a natural cycle instead? Are there any disadvantages to the natural cycle?

Feels like this there is so much at stake as its so expensive and its our last shot.

Hi OP,

I am having a medicated FET and have really enjoyed the control that gives with transfer dates as they can manipulate it to suit busy times and it not to fall on weekends etc. This is my first though so I can’t compare to non medicated etc xx

@wishIwasonholiday10 my clinic took the choice away from me as my cycles are unpredictable and I ovulate late in the month. Currently prepping for transfer at the end of the month with my medicated FET and feeling better than I thought I would. In for a scan on Monday to see what my lining is doing. Xx

Thanks for the advice! My cycles are short and fairly regular (usually 23-26 days) and I normally get the darkest line on day 12 on home ovulation tests. Not sure if I'm a good candidate for a natural cycle or not?

I would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who had problems with their lining not thickening fast enough with the medicated cycle but better results with the natural cycle.

Hi @wishIwasonholiday10, not quite the situation you’ve asked but I’ve had trouble with a thin lining on a medicated FET so asked my clinic if they thought a natural FET might be better and they said no. We’re actually trying a stimulated cycle next time with the hope that will improve my lining. Maybe another option for you to ask your clinic about.

I have one DC from a successful medicated FET with donor eggs.
I have had two unsuccessful natural modified FETs (ie the only medication is the trigger shot, same as you are describing).

I have also had previous mock cycles with my clinic and found lining to be the same on all. If there is an issue with the lining I think it would be easier to tweak on a medicated cycle.

The reason for me having unmedicated FETs was due to breastfeeding my existing DC at that point but next time I will have medicated.
My clinic’s stats for medicated/unmedicated are so similar that they don’t recommend one over the other.

I did find the unmedicated cycles more stressful, particularly one where it looked like I would ovulate early so the trigger shot was brought forward and I had to have transfer on a weekend.