Silly question, but is an antagonist cycle the same as a flare cycle? Everyone on here seems to talk about antagonist cycles and was just wondering if a flare is the same thing.

My FS has just changed me half way through my first down reg to what he calls a flare cycle. He said the change was due to low progesterone levels (could not start Synarel as prog still isn't anywhere near high enough and I'm now at Day 28).

Thanks

Yes, my understanding that it is the same thing - just different terminology.

I hope the change works for you!

Thanks! Just wanted to make sure.

No they are different.

I have done a flare & out of 10 eggs, 7 were immature. BFN.

With my antag, I had 8 eggs, 5 fertilised & I ended up with 4 embryos of which to are frozen. It was also my only successful cycle.

Actually no they are not the same thing.

A flare cycle includes the synarel nasal spray as in a down reg cycle, starting on Day 2 of your cycle instead of the month before, and FSH injections from Day 3.

An antagonist cycle does not use nasal spray at all, only FSH from approx Day 2 or 3.

MIVF have a good explanation of each treatment protocol here:

http://mivf.com.au/forum/patient-support/treatment-cycles

HTH.

Thanks girls.

Ange - the link you posted is great. Really (simply) explains what each cycle is - every clinic should have that info available!

Just one more question in relation to flare v antag:

Why do you take Synarel with the Gonal F in a flare cycle? Why do you take a drug (Synarel) to stop production of FSH with a drug (Gonal F) that stimulates the production of FSH?

Thanks
Nat

Oops, I stand corrected...I always thought they were the same. Sorry x

You so this in a Down Reg as well.

Synarel stops ovulation, not FSH.