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Are Birth Control Pills Given During Infertility Treatment?
Hello, my name is XXXX. I am going through infertility treatment right now and was stimulated with Letrozole 7.5 from day 3-7 and then Gonal-F injections 100 units a day for four days, when I came for the ultrasound our IUI cycle was cancelled due to too many follicles, more then 19. I was not triggered with HCG shot. And I was given a birth control for 21 day without an explanation of why I need to drink it. Obviously we will abstain from intercourse to avoid pregnancy. But what is the purpose of birth control? Are doctors just protecting us from getting pregnant or is there some other reason for drinking birth control. I dont do too well on any birth control pills and I feel like i have too many hormones in my body right now. Thank you.
Wed, 12 Jun 2019
Hello,
Follicle growth & development is monitored during fertility treatment. When the follicles have reached 18-20 mm in diameter they are ready.
A hormone trigger injection is given to stimulate your follicles to release the matured eggs prepared.
The best possible time is estimated for IUI or matured eggs are collected to be fertilized with sperms to create embryos in the labs.
When, as in your case the ovaries were sensitive & produced an unusually large number of follicles after stimulation. You were probably at the risk of OHSS, ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome.
This is a dangerous condition so your treating doctor will take options to abandon the cycle or delay to stimulate follicles to release eggs.
Since this is not the right time to conceive you were given birth control pills. It's good if you & your partner can abstain from sex.
OHSS is a condition when the ovaries get swollen & painful. May complicate to shortness of breath, decreased urination, blood clots in the legs or a tight or enlarged abdomen. Sometimes, it may be fatal.
Have patience, relax. Stay away from anxiety & addictions if any. Give your system time to return to normal. Visit your treating doctor thereafter & allow the treatment to continue.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician
Follicle growth & development is monitored during fertility treatment. When the follicles have reached 18-20 mm in diameter they are ready.
A hormone trigger injection is given to stimulate your follicles to release the matured eggs prepared.
The best possible time is estimated for IUI or matured eggs are collected to be fertilized with sperms to create embryos in the labs.
When, as in your case the ovaries were sensitive & produced an unusually large number of follicles after stimulation. You were probably at the risk of OHSS, ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome.
This is a dangerous condition so your treating doctor will take options to abandon the cycle or delay to stimulate follicles to release eggs.
Since this is not the right time to conceive you were given birth control pills. It's good if you & your partner can abstain from sex.
OHSS is a condition when the ovaries get swollen & painful. May complicate to shortness of breath, decreased urination, blood clots in the legs or a tight or enlarged abdomen. Sometimes, it may be fatal.
Have patience, relax. Stay away from anxiety & addictions if any. Give your system time to return to normal. Visit your treating doctor thereafter & allow the treatment to continue.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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