QuestionI have four frozen embryos which I would like to have transferred. My question is what has a better success rate with prepping the uterus, the vivelle dot 0.1mg patches vs. the delestrogen injections? I had a baby two years ago from donor egg and how they prepped me was with the delestrogen. I have since moved away from that IVF Clinic who used this protocol. I have recently consulted with a different clinic where I presently live and they rather use the patches. This makes me weary since I am not sure if this will hinder my success rate. Please advise. Thank you.
AnswerHello Brenda from the U.S.,
There is no difference in pregnancy rates between these two forms of estrogen. Any estrogen can be used. Some clinics will use oral tablets, and other will use vaginal suppositories, in addition to the patches or injections. The key is to make sure that enough estrogen is being delivered to form an adequate uterine lining. Certainly protocols can vary, and it is the specifics of the protocols that are important i.e. are they using enough estrogen with the patches vs the injections. Without looking at the two protocols, I cannot tell you if the patch protocol is adequate. You would have to send them to me in order for me to review them and give an opinion on those specifics. Keep in mind that frozen embryo transfers have a lower pregnancy rate than fresh transfers, so that may affect your chances of pregnancy. The rates are roughly 50% less (30% vs 60%).
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf, and follow me on Facebook at http://bit.ly/9Iw9oV
