Samuel Wood, M.D, PH.D., M.A., M.B.A., HCLD/CC(ABB), FACOG
How do you know it is time to use egg donation?
A fertility specialist may recommend using an egg donor for several reasons, including repeated unsuccessful fertility treatment cycles with the female patient's own eggs and the likelihood that future cycles may also not be successful. Other factors could include age-related decline in egg quality or certain genetic conditions.
What is the thaw rate of frozen eggs vs frozen embryos?
The thaw rate for frozen eggs is generally lower than that for frozen embryos. Typically, around 70-90% of frozen embryos survive the thawing process, while frozen eggs have a thaw rate of about 60-80%. However, the viability of the thawed eggs or embryos also depends on various factors, including the freezing technique used and the age of the eggs at the time of freezing. Always consult your fertility specialist for specifics related to your situation.
How much sperm should be frozen to prepare for an IVF cycle?
The amount of sperm to freeze for an IVF cycle can vary, but generally, it's recommended to have at least 10 million motile sperm per vial for optimal chances of success. Depending on individual circumstances and fertility issues, your doctor may suggest freezing multiple vials to ensure adequate supply. Always consult your fertility specialist for tailored recommendations based on your situation.
How long do patients need to stay on medications after transfer?
After a transfer, patients typically need to stay on medications for about 10 to 14 days. This usually includes progesterone and possibly estrogen, depending on the specific treatment protocol. Your doctor will provide personalized guidance on how long to continue the medications based on your individual circumstances and response. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for the best outcomes.
How long should you take IVF supplements before treatment?
It's generally recommended to start taking IVF supplements at least 2-3 months before beginning treatment. This timeframe allows your body to build up essential nutrients, such as folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which can support overall reproductive health. However, it's best to consult your fertility specialist for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.
How long should you take birth control when on long-term monitoring?
The length of time you should take birth control pills before starting IVF varies based on your health and your doctor’s recommendations. Factors that may influence this include your ovarian reserve, any hormonal imbalances, and the specifics of your IVF protocol. Your doctor will tailor the duration to optimize your chances of success.
Should you repeat ovarian rejuvenation if there is no egg activity?
If there is no egg activity after ovarian rejuvenation, the decision to repeat the treatment should be made in consultation with your fertility specialist. They will assess various factors, including your overall health, ovarian reserve, and previous response to treatment. Additional evaluations may be needed to determine the best course of action. It’s important to discuss all options and potential next steps with your doctor.
How long after ovarian rejuvenation treatment before starting IVF?
The timing for starting IVF after ovarian rejuvenation treatment can vary depending on individual circumstances and your healthcare provider's recommendations. Generally, it's suggested to wait about 1-3 months after the rejuvenation procedure. This allows time for your body to respond and for any potential side effects to subside. Always consult your fertility specialist for tailored advice based on your specific situation.
What is the expected amount of bleeding after transfer and during pregnancy?
After an embryo transfer, some light spotting or bleeding can be normal due to the procedure itself, but it should be minimal. During early pregnancy, some women may experience light bleeding or spotting, often referred to as implantation bleeding. However, significant bleeding or heavy cramping should be reported to a healthcare provider, as it could indicate a problem. Always consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
Nurse Practitioner
Why is it better to start pretreatment on day 21?
Starting IVF pretreatment on day 21 of your menstrual cycle is a common practice, especially when using a protocol that involves birth control pills or hormone therapy to regulate the cycle and prepare the ovaries for stimulation. This timing helps synchronize the menstrual cycle and can improve the overall success of the treatment. However, the best approach can vary based on individual circumstances, so it's important to follow your fertility specialist's recommendations.
Why does a patient need to do an HSG?
A patient may need to undergo hysterosalpingography (HSG) for several reasons:
1. Evaluate Fallopian Tubes: HSG helps determine if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked, which is crucial for fertility.
1. Evaluate Fallopian Tubes: HSG helps determine if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked, which is crucial for fertility.
2. Assess Uterine Health: The procedure can identify abnormalities in the uterine cavity, such as fibroids, polyps, or structural issues.
3. Investigate Infertility: HSG is often part of a fertility workup to help identify potential causes of infertility.
4. Determine History of Ectopic Pregnancy: It can provide insights into previous ectopic pregnancies and overall reproductive health.
5. Increase Chances of Conception: Some studies suggest that HSG may help improve fertility by clearing out the tubes and improving uterine conditions.
Consulting with a healthcare provider can clarify the specific reasons for recommending HSG based on individual circumstances.
Why do we use birth control instead of estradiol for pretreatment?
Birth control pills are often used instead of estradiol for pretreatment in fertility protocols for several reasons:
1. Cycle Regulation: Birth control pills help regulate menstrual cycles, providing a predictable schedule for ovarian stimulation.
1. Cycle Regulation: Birth control pills help regulate menstrual cycles, providing a predictable schedule for ovarian stimulation.
2. Ovarian Suppression: They suppress ovarian activity, which can improve the response to stimulation medications during IVF.
3. Simplified Management: Birth control can simplify the management of the treatment cycle by controlling hormone levels and timing.
4. Reduced Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation: Using birth control can help mitigate the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in certain patients.
5. Flexibility: They provide flexibility in scheduling IVF cycles, making it easier to coordinate with other medical appointments or treatments.
Estradiol may still be used in combination with birth control or during other phases of treatment, but the initial use of birth control can offer these specific advantages. Always consult with your fertility specialist for personalized treatment recommendations.
When should a pregnant patient start looking for an OB?
A pregnant patient should generally start looking for an obstetrician (OB) as soon as they receive a positive pregnancy test or confirm their pregnancy, typically around 4 to 6 weeks into the pregnancy. It's advisable to schedule the first prenatal appointment between 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Early planning allows for timely appointments and helps establish care throughout the pregnancy.
Can a patient swim during FET cycles or while pregnant?
Gen 5 Fertility Center does not recommend swimming during FET cycles or while pregnant. The reason is that when a person is immersed in a body of water there is a higher chance for infection.
What is the difference between natural and medicated FET Cycles?
The main differences between natural and medicated frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles are:
Natural FET Cycle:
• Hormonal Influence: Relies on the body’s natural hormonal cycle without additional medications.
• Timing: Embryo transfer is timed to occur around ovulation, often monitored through ultrasound and blood tests.
• Medications: Minimal to no medications are used, aside from potential progesterone supplementation after ovulation.
Medicated FET Cycle:
• Hormonal Influence: Involves the use of medications (like estrogen and progesterone) to prepare the uterine lining for implantation.
• Control: Offers more control over the timing of the transfer and can be beneficial for women with irregular cycles or hormonal imbalances.
• Monitoring: Requires close monitoring of hormone levels and uterine lining development.
Both approaches have their benefits and can be tailored to individual needs based on medical history and specific fertility goals. Always consult your fertility specialist to determine the best option for you.
Is blood work required for my husband during IVF?
Yes, blood work for the husband (or male partner) is typically required when going through IVF. This testing often includes:
1. Semen Analysis: To assess sperm count, motility, and morphology.
1. Semen Analysis: To assess sperm count, motility, and morphology.
2. Hormone Testing: To evaluate levels of hormones like testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
3. Infectious Disease Screening: Tests for conditions such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis.
These tests help assess male fertility and overall reproductive health, which are important components of the IVF process. Always consult your fertility specialist for specific requirements based on your situation.
Does a patient need a ride home after egg retrieval?
Yes, a patient typically needs a ride home after an egg retrieval. The procedure is often performed under sedation or anesthesia, which can impair a person's ability to drive safely. It's important to arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for a few hours as you recover from the sedation. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding post-procedure care.
What are the benefits of pretreatment for a fertility patient?
Pretreatment for a fertility patient offers several benefits, including:
1. Regulating Menstrual Cycle: Helps stabilize hormonal levels and improve cycle regularity, which can enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments.
2. Optimizing Ovarian Response: Can prepare the ovaries for stimulation, increasing the chances of a successful outcome during IVF.
3. Improving Uterine Lining: Hormonal pretreatment can enhance the thickness and quality of the uterine lining, creating a more favorable environment for embryo implantation.
4. Reducing Risks: Can help identify and manage any underlying issues, reducing the risk of complications during treatment.
5. Tailored Treatment Plans: Allows healthcare providers to customize treatment based on individual responses and needs, improving overall chances of success.
6. Informed Decision-Making: Provides time for patients to discuss and understand their options, addressing any concerns before starting treatment.
Consulting with a fertility specialist can help determine the best pretreatment strategy based on individual circumstances.
What are the benefits of doing genetic carrier screening?
Genetic characteristic screening offers several benefits, including:
1. Identifying Genetic Disorders: Helps detect potential genetic conditions in embryos, allowing for informed decision-making about transfers.
2. Improved Pregnancy Outcomes: Increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy by selecting embryos without known genetic abnormalities.
3. Reducing Miscarriage Risk: Can lower the risk of miscarriage by screening for chromosomal abnormalities.
4. Family Planning: Provides valuable information for couples about the likelihood of passing on genetic conditions to their children.
5. Informed Choices: Empowers couples to make educated decisions regarding their reproductive options and the next steps in their fertility journey.
Consulting with a genetic counselor or fertility specialist can provide more personalized insights into the benefits of screening based on individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Clinical Questions
Please click below to see the corresponding video about our most FAQ
Female Fertility Supplements:
FOR EVERYONE:
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)Prenatal Vitamins with 400-800mcg tolate dailyOmega-3 tish On 500-1000mg daily
FOR WOMEN OVER 35 YEARS
Vitamin C 500-1000mg dailyCo-Enzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) 200-600mg dailyPycnogenol 100mg dailyMelatonin up to 3mg at bedtimeDHEA 25mg three times daily (avoid if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome)N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine up to 1200mg (1.2grams) daily
Fertility Diet recommendations
As a fertility diet the Mediterranean diet is a great choice ~ Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet is both delicious and nutritious. It may help manage your weight, protect your heart, and prevent diabetes.
There are no concrete rules for following the Mediterranean diet, but general guidelines can help you incorporate its principles into your daily routine. This article takes a closer look at the Mediterranean diet, how to follow it, and how it can affect your health. We also offer some meal tips and provide you with some great recipes.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-meal-plan
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Healthy Fertility Lifestyle
Benefits of moderate exercise while trying to conceive
For starters, it can help improve insulin sensitivity, which can be especially important for women with po vtheistic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Exercise can also help reduce stress and regulate menstrual cycles, which can have a positive impact on fertility.
Things to avoid when trying to get pregnant
- Excessive Alcohol
- Caffine
- Smoking
- Added Sugar
- High Mercury Fish
- Stress
- Processed Meat
- Fast Food
- High Carbohydrates
OBGYN Support Services Performed at Gen 5