It all depends on how long the follicles took to get to a mean diameter of 17-18mm. If they reached 17-18mm diameter within 11-12 days, the chance that the cycle might work is always there and the percentage success will depend on your age. However, if they drag their heels and do not progress as planned by enlarging by at least 2mm every 24 hours, then the chances of the cycle working is pretty slim regardless of age. One then has to determine why this has happened, rectify the cause and try again, possibly with a different protocol.

- Week 19 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -

New literature supports the fact that excessive stimulation is detrimental to the outcome of an IVF cycle from the point of view that it has a negative effect on the endometrial lining from an implantation point of view. According to ISMAAR, a milder approach may lead to a better outcome.

a) The use of the pill during IVF is essentially for planning from a logistical point of view. However, with PCOS it has the added benefit of giving the patients a regular cycle prior to an IVF attempt, as well as keeping the ovaries quiescent, theoretically leading to easier recruitment of follicles due to hormonal quiescence. This can be between 30 to 60 days depending on the indication
b) The pill definitely leads to prevention of cyst formation due to hormonal quiescence. A period of 30 to 90 days depending on the indication.

- Week 1 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -