Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Fertility FAQ Manhattan
Why In Vitro Fertilization?
Since the first successful IVF in 1978, in vitro fertilization has been used safely and effectively to help create families. IVF is the most successful treatment today, and although originally IVF was designated to treat tubal disease, in vitro became the number one therapy regardless of what is causing the couple’s infertility.
Older patients should consider foregoing conventional therapy (e.g. Inseminations) as they benefit more from having IVF as their primary therapy.
What Should I Expect?
At first woman is treated with fertility injections to help her produce higher quality eggs. High quality eggs in sufficient number are the bases for IVF success.
Eggs are then retrieved and prepared for insemination with the partner’s sperm.
Fertilization occurs in the laboratory in a dish containing reach media to support and nourish growing embryos. Within three to five days after fertilization, embryos are transferred into the women’s uterus.
Patient’s positive attitude is very important and later on her compliance with instructions is crucial for the successful outcome.
IVF is a low-risk treatment for infertility patient who undergoes therapy, some times more then once. The most common complication is hyperstimulation syndrome caused by the patient’s overreaction to infertility injectable medications.
Is "Mini-IVF" Better?
‘Natural’ IVF or ‘MINI IVF’ eliminates use of injectable fertility medications but the same time the ‘super eggs’ production step is eliminated.
‘Natural’ IVF produces less great eggs and has lower chances for pregnancy, especially not recommended in older patients.
Frequently patient with history of multiple failed ‘natural cycles’ is looking for second opinion after she is told that her FSH is too high to continue treatment.
Should I Wait and Relax?
Delaying seeing a doctor can dramatically reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.
It is a myth that relaxing or ‘giving time’ will overcome infertility. Fertility problems are medical in nature and consultation with reproductive endocrinologist; the ‘infertility doctor’ will help make diagnosis that should be a base for right treatment decisions. If after a year of ‘trying’ women is not pregnant,
It is time to consult doctor. Women over 35 should not wait longer then six months to make appointment for evaluation.
Can Diet Help to Conceive?
Take time to discuss how naturally to enhance your fertility potential with healthy lifestyle and diet. Have natural remedies work for you.
Fertility herbs have been used to boost fertility for thousands of years. Herbs are ‘natural’ medications and have potential to increase fertility, but herbs may have site effects.
Herbs and acupuncture for fertility enhancement are safe and most effective when supervised by licensed professional.
I Had Endometriosis and Surgery...
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?
Women with endometriosis often need IVF to conceive—and unfortunately some women need several cycles of treatment.
At the end, more than half of the woman with minimal to mild endometriosis left the clinic with the baby, but only ∼40% of the women with severe endometriosis.
Multiple surgeries for endometriosis, three and more in severe cases potentiate endometriosis-damaging effect on ovaries with loss of follicles and eggs. For women with advanced endometriosis, especially these who lost one ovary, egg freezing is of great value for women who not ready to star family.
Women with endometriosis have an increased risk for miscarriage and tubal damage from the scar tissue.
