Have I Just Struck Gold? After 8 Months Searching, A Fertility Doctor Has Finally Uttered The Magic Words
Personalised protocols seem to be frustratingly rare
Instagram: @solofertility40s
Just off the phone from another consultation.
Wow - this one was different.
To recap my situation:
2 failed own egg IVF cycles in 2024
8 months researching the fertility industry and European clinics
+10 virtual consultations across Greece, Spain and North Cyprus
And finally - it’s happened.
A doctor has suggested a personalised protocol.
I did a little dance in my apartment. He even suggested this before I asked “Will you create a protocol specific to me?”
If you’re already undergoing fertility treatment - you’ll know how huge this feels!
Personalised means the doctor will examine you closely at baseline (via bloods and scans); introduce hormones as relevant (and explain why); continue monitoring; and tweak as your stimulation unfolds.
The ARGC Clinic in London often runs mock cycles on patients before the egg retrieval to monitor your response to medication. During stimulation, you visit the clinic daily for bloods and scans. They claim this attention to detail contributes to their above average success rates. (I like their focus on live births as the most meaningful measure of success.)
If failed cycles have taught me anything, it’s that cookie-cutter protocols are risky - and sadly, far too common This is where the doctor rolls out their favourite protocol on every unsuspecting women. So despite paying thousands, you’re not getting personalised care.
I’ve got the scars for this approach.
(My November cycle was a complete disaster using 300 Meriofert - often the protocol of choice in Greece for women +40. From a baseline of 7 follicles - the cycle retrieved one mature egg that never fertilised. A sharp contrast to my first cycle with 225 Pergoveris - 5 mature eggs, 4 fertilised and 3 embryos. I’ve no idea why we switched from Pergoveris, which could have been interpreted as my baseline.)
But my call just now was different.
Dr Harry from Pelargos IVF in Greece gave me the spiel about the very low expectations of a live birth. It’s the painful bit in every consult where you have to fight back the tears, and tell your body you’re keeping the faith.
Any good doctor should set your expectations. But it’s still hard to hear.
He made clear the protocol would be personalised. We discussed my potential LH sensitivity (hence the bad reaction to Meriofert with a 1:1 FSH:LH ratio). And starting my third cycle with an FSH like Gonal, and adding in LH (such as Menopur) as required, and as dictated by blood test results.
Hurrah.
Finally a doctor who acknowledges the need to test and tweak as we go.
Does your doctor do this? (If so, drop the name/clinic in the comments.)
If you’re not yet having fertility treatment, and you’re above 40 - I suggest these priority questions for your prospective doctor:
Will you provide a personalised protocol?
How will you monitor me before and during stimulation?
Will you tweak the protocol according to how I respond to the meds?
Make sense?
(If you want my 10 suggested questions and template, download below).
So why don’t doctors treat women as individuals?
My guess is the following:
Lack of time. This is a lucrative business. More patients, more money!
Lack of inclination. Why bother if you can roll out the same protocol on most women?
Lack of expertise. Most doctors claim they have expertise treating women over 40. This is different from having a specialism. Female biology +40 is more fragile so demands a careful, bespoke approach.
So which doctors create personalised protocols?
Those I’m aware of (besides Dr Harry):
Dr Alicia, Reproclinic, Spain - Her name has come up repeatedly from women +40 having a positive experience with her.
Dr Dimitri, Avenues, London, UK - I've heard some very positive comments about his investigative approach to fertility treatment, making him a popular choice among the +40 crowd and those with ‘unexplained’ (uninvestigated) fertility. Join his patient group to check the feedback. His services will cost you.
Dr Liliana, Go Fertile, Greece - This was a recent tip-off from a woman who is pregnant aged 42 and having a positive experience. Our consult is next week. Watch this space.
Who else?
Share in the comments!
FREE: Resources page on Solo Fertility 40s with my favourite webinars, articles, forums and podcasts. I’m adding to this all the time so keep checking back.
FREE: 10 Important Questions for Your Consultation
Sarah x
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