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Sunfert IVF Stimulation Protocols


Helpful tools

Why Personalised Fertility Treatment Matters?

At Sunfert International Fertility Centre, we believe every patient deserves personalised fertility care and treatment because no two fertility journeys are the same.

Hence, our fertility specialists will:

  • assess your age, ovarian reserve, and medical history
  • customise treatment plan based on your body’s response
  • prioritise minimal discomfort and shorter treatment duration
  • aim to maximise your chances of success

What IVF Stimulation Protocols Are Available at Sunfert?

At Sunfert International Fertility Centre, we offer a range of clinically proven IVF stimulation protocols. Each protocol is carefully selected based on your individual fertility condition to optimise outcomes while ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the treatment journey.

The available stimulation protocols include:

  • Long Down Regulation Protocol (LDR)
  • Short GnRH Antagonist Protocol
  • Microflare Protocol
  • Natural Cycle IVF

Short GnRH Antagonist Protocol

A shorter and more patient-friendly option, commonly recommended for women with polycystic ovaries (PCOS) or those at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

 

Who Is This Protocol Suitable For?

  • Women with PCOS
  • Patients at risk of OHSS
  • Those who prefer a shorter and more patient-friendly protocol

 

How Does This Protocol Work?

  • May begin with oral contraceptive pills (OCPs)
  • FSH injections start on Day 2 or Day 3 of the cycle
  • A GnRH antagonist (e.g. Cetrotide or Orgalutran) is introduced mid-cycle
  • This prevents premature release of eggs

 

What Is the Treatment Timeline?

  • Total duration: Around 10 to 12 days
  • Monitoring scan typically performed on Day 5
  • Daily injections continue until egg maturation

 

Short GnRH Antagonist Protocol Treatment Timeline

Overview of IVF short GnRH antagonist protocol for ovarian stimulation

Long Down Regulation Protocol (LDR)

A well-established protocol that provides strong hormonal control and is often suitable for women with conditions such as endometriosis.

 

Who Is This Protocol Suitable For?

  • Women with endometriosis (including undiagnosed cases)
  • Patients who require stronger hormonal control
  • Those seeking a well-established protocol with consistent outcomes 

 

How Does This Protocol Work?

  • Begins around Day 21 of your menstrual cycle
  • A scan confirms ovulation before starting treatment
  • Daily Buserelin (Suprefact) injections suppress ovarian activity
  • Once suppression is achieved, ovarian stimulation begins with FSH injections
  • A GnRH antagonist may be added mid-cycle to prevent premature ovulation

 

What Is the Treatment Timeline?

  • Total duration: Approximately 4 weeks or longer
  • About 2 weeks for down regulation
  • Followed by 10 to 12 days of ovarian stimulation
  • Multiple scans are performed to monitor progress

 

Long Down Regulation Protocol Treatment Timeline

Step-by-step IVF long down-regulation protocol (LDR) treatment timeline

Microflare Protocol

Designed for women with low ovarian reserve, older age, or previous poor response to IVF, aiming to enhance ovarian stimulation.

 

Who Is This Protocol Suitable For?

  • Women above 35 years old
  • Patients with low ovarian reserve
  • Those who had poor response in previous IVF cycles

 

How Does This Protocol Work?

  • Pre-treatment with oral contraceptive pills
  • Low-dose Buserelin starts on Day 2 of menstruation to stimulate ovarian response
  • FSH injections begin from Day 3 to support follicle development

 

What Is the Treatment Timeline?

  • Total duration: Approximately 10 to 12 days
  • Focused stimulation phase to maximise egg production

 

Microflare Protocol Treatment Timeline

Illustration of IVF microflare protocol for patients with low ovarian response

Natural Cycle IVF

A minimal stimulation approach that works with your natural cycle, suitable for women who prefer fewer medications or have low ovarian reserve.

 

Who Is This Protocol Suitable For?

  • Women with regular menstrual cycles
  • Patients with low ovarian reserve
  • Those who prefer minimal medication or a more natural approach

 

How Does This Protocol Work?

  • Minimal or no hormonal stimulation is used
  • The body naturally produces one or two eggs
  • Eggs are retrieved and fertilised during the IVF process

 

What Is the Treatment Timeline?

  • Shorter and simpler cycle compared to stimulated IVF
  • Typically requires about 3 clinic visits for monitoring
  • Minimal injections or medications involved

Take the Next Step with Our Fertility Specialists

If you are facing fertility challenges, start with a consultation with our specialists. We will guide you through your fertility journey with expertise and compassionate care. 

Make an appointment with our Fertility Specialist today and take the next step toward your parenthood goals.

Ready to start your fertility journey?

Book now

The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early

If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.

If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.

Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI