General Questions
Do you have to have old records for my initial consultation?
It is sometimes helpful to have the old records but it is not necessary. Your history is often as important as the lab testing so a lot can be accomplished without the records.
Where can I complete my pre-cycle lab work?
All of the tests can be done at your local lab or ordered by your primary doctor or OB/GYN. Do not worry if they are not complete. We will review them and recommend further testing, if necessary.
What if I have already had some testing done?
Contact our office for a release of medical records form. You can forward that to your physician to have the results sent to us.
When should the FSH/E2 blood tests be drawn?
These blood tests are done on Cycle Day 2 (CD2) or CD3 of a natural menstrual cycle and not immediately after a simulated cycle or if you have been on birth controls pills.
How do I determine cycle day one?
CD1 is the first day of complete menstrual flow. If you have spotting days prior to complete flow these do not count.
What can my activity level be when I'm trying to get pregnant?
We recommend normal daily activities and regular exercise. During an IVF cycle you may need to limit certain activities due to the large size of the ovaries. We will give you a list of activities that we recommend you avoid.
When do I start to use an ovulation predictor kit ("OPK")?
The first full flow of your menstrual cycle is called Cycle Day (CD1). You should begin testing on Cycle Day 11. You should expect a color change with the kit within 6 days. Those with unusual cycle lengths (less than 27 or more than 30) should discuss the use of the kits further with their doctor.
Does every patient need IVF?
No, many patients are able to get pregnant with a combination of ovulation induction and intrauterine inseminations.
Do I have to take shots?
That depends on which treatment is appropriate for you. Many patients are able to get pregnant without taking injections.
Treatment Questions
Is it safe to have intercourse during treatment?
Yes. We will advise you when not to have intercourse. However, you might find that intercourse is uncomfortable during the cycle due to the increased size of your ovaries from the stimulation.
What are common side effects of the medications?
Clomid—headache, irritability, and hot flashes; Birth control pills—nausea, headache, spotting; Lupron—headaches, mood swings, insomnia, fatigue, hot flashes; Follistim/Gonal-F/Repronex—fatigue, abdominal distention, mood swings, pain or redness at injection site; Medrol—restlessness, insomnia, nausea; Doxycycline—yeast infection, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sunlight/sunburn; Progesterone—painful at injection site.
I am on birth control pills and I am spotting, should I be concerned?
Spotting on birth control pills is normal and quite common. It will not effect your treatment cycle as long as you are taking an active pill daily.
Is flying okay during treatment?
Yes. Flying will not affect your chance of getting pregnant, nor is it believed to adversely affect a pregnancy. However, your estrogen levels are elevated during treatment and pregnancy so it is important to stay well hydrated and move around as much as possible during the flight to avoid blood clots in the legs.
How long should we abstain prior to and IUI?
For most couples abstinence for one day prior to the IUI is adequate. "Storing up" for more than 3 days is not advised. The sperm lose their ability to swim.
How long do I need to be in the Bay Area for my cycle?
You will need to be in the Bay Area for approximately one week to ten days. You will have appointments in the office for your clinical monitoring visits (blood work and ultrasounds), your egg retrieval and your embryo transfer.
Is spotting and mild cramping normal during pregnancy?
Spotting and mild cramping is very common during your first trimester of pregnancy. Heavy bleeding and severe cramping is not normal and should be followed up by a physician. |
