Patient to Patient IVF

The Guide

Retrieval Protocols

  • Your protocol should be tailored to your specific situation — not a one-size-fits-all standard
  • Women with diminished ovarian reserve may do better starting on lower stimulation doses and increasing gradually — aggressive stimulation isn't always better
  • Women with PCOS are typically strong responders — maximizing stimulation may be appropriate, but suppression before the cycle can work against them
  • Mini IVF is a legitimate option — fewer medications, fewer eggs targeted, worth discussing if it fits your situation
  • Omnitrope (growth hormone) priming is not beneficial for everyone — don't add it just because it worked for someone else
  • Pre-cycle optimization with NAD+ and glutathione injections is something I personally did and strongly believe contributed to my results at 41 — though I cannot prove this
  • The lab your clinic uses for PGT matters — you can ask to use a different one
  • Sperm takes 74 days to fully develop — start supplement protocols at least 3 months before retrieval

Protocol Types

Standard Antagonist Protocol

The most common protocol. Uses FSH stimulation (Gonal-F or Follistim) plus LH support (Menopur) to grow follicles, with a Ganirelix or Cetrotide antagonist injection added partway through to prevent premature ovulation. Triggered with HCG.

This was my Kaiser and Victory protocol. It's standard, well-studied, and works well for many patients. It is not the only option.

Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS)

Uses Provera (medroxyprogesterone) instead of a Ganirelix/Cetrotide antagonist to prevent premature ovulation. Growing in popularity at high-volume clinics. This was part of my CNY protocol.

Letrozole Priming + FSH

Adding Letrozole at the start of the cycle before or alongside FSH stimulation. Used particularly for endometriosis patients and older patients. Letrozole suppresses estrogen initially which can improve follicle cohort quality and reduce estrogen-driven endometriosis activity during stimulation. This was part of my CNY protocol.

Mini IVF

Lower doses of stimulation medication, targeting fewer eggs rather than maximum yield. Worth considering for patients with religious or ethical concerns about creating many embryos, patients with specific medical considerations, or patients who want to minimize medication exposure. Every clinic can do mini IVF — it's not commonly offered but you can ask.

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