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Frequently Asked Questions

Our patients often have questions about Fertility and processes like IVF. We’ve taken many of the most common questions that we are asked and have listed them here for your convenience.

Additional Sites than can help answer your IVF questions:

Ferring Reproductive Health
Fertility LifeLines

What are some common abbreviations that you use?

IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
ICSI – Intracytolasmic sperm injection
CGH – Comparative genomic hybrization
ER – Egg Retrieval
ET – Egg Transfer
BCP – Birth Control Pill
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
PGD – Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
PGS – Preimplantation Genetic Screening
PICSI – Physiological Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
FET – Frozen Embryo Transfer
ET – Fresh Embryo Transfer
OC – Oral Contraceptive
PNV – Prenatal Vitamin

Do I need to change my diet while going thru IVF?

No, no diet change is necessary.

Will taking vitamin supplements during my treatment improve my outcome?

There are a lot of opinions about the use of many different supplements during the course of fertility treatments. It is complete conjecture and speculation that any of these has benefit for improving outcomes. That is to say, there is no evidence to suggest that taking any supplementation will improve egg quality, sperm quality, implantation potential, outcome of pregnancy itself, reduced miscarriages, etc. There is no data suggesting that any of these supplements that people read about, and the list is very long, has a direct benefit. So, there are many, many opinions but no evidence upon which to give a recommendation. Not only has no supplement been shown to improve outcomes, as described above, but no one knows if there are combinations of these various supplements that have benefit nor does anyone know the actual dose for prescribing a regimen that is to be recommended. Again, in short, there are no recommendations because there simply is no data to show any of these things improve outcomes. At MCRM, we certainly do not object to people utilizing these therapies as again there is no evidence to suggest that there is any harm. As such, here is a list of many things that people do take during the course of fertility treatments:

CoQ10/Ubiquinol.
A multivitamin/prenatal vitamin.
Vitamin C.
Vitamin E.
Various other antioxidants like grape seed extract, resveratrol, green tea extract, Pycnogenol.
There are many other remedies that I have heard such as cranberry juice, pineapple core consumption, there are fruits and vegetables, Chinese herbs.
Acupuncture, myofascial release, chiropractic care, massage therapy.

Can I drink alcohol?

Alcohol intake, in small amounts, during the stimulation phase is safe; however, alcohol intake is to be refrained from post an embryo transfer.

How many days does my husband need to abstain prior to egg retrieval day?

We do not recommend any abstention prior to egg retrieval.

Any exercise restrictions?

No high impact activity after transfer, but no restrictions up to that point.

Is bleeding after egg retrieval to be expected?

It is normal. You can wear a pantyliner/pad if needed, just alert us if it gets to more like a full flow.

What does dark, brown spotting indicate?

Light brown spotting typically refers to old blood from a previous bleed. If the spotting is more than light, in nature, you should notify your coordinator.

What do you consider Day 1 of a period?

First day of full flow.

Do consents have to be notarized?

Yes, unless witnessed by an MCRM staff member

Is spotting while taking the BCP normal, cause for any concern?

As long as you are taking the BCP daily as directed, any break thru bleeding is of no concern. Please do let your coordinator know however.

Can I fly, swim, get hair highlights, or spray tans during my IVF cycle?

Yes to all.
You can fly during any time of your IVF cycle, unless contradicting an office appt.

What kind of medications may I take after ET?

For headaches or mild pain,Tylenol may be taken. Regarding additional medications, consult with your physician or OB/GYN prior to use.

What happen if your day 1 falls on the weekend?

Call on the next business day.

Abstaining prior to male testing?

We do not recommend any abstention prior to any semen analysis testing.

Any protocols for female for ultrasound (full bladder, semi-full etc.)

No full bladder is required for ultrasound examination except for an ET/FET where a semi-full bladder is required.

For pre-cycle testing AFC/FUS it is OK if you are bleeding?

It is okay, and expected when you are early in your cycle.

Why birth control pills?

The BCP is used as a means to manipulate your menstrual cycle into our IVF cycle. You will be on it temporarily.

I’m spotting. What does this mean?

If spotting on the BCP, no concerns. If spotting during the stimulation week, let your coordinator know. If spotting after ER and ET, let your coordinator know. We will need to know more about the spotting in relation to where you are in the cycle process.

The embryos were CGH normal. Why didn’t it work?

It could be for genetic reasons, immunology reasons or other reasons.

What is FAQ?

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How will I get my medications?

Once your personalized protocol has been determined by one of our physicians, your coordinator will order your medications from a specialty pharmacy.

Will I need infectious disease testing?

Yes. Infectious disease testing is required by the FDA and must be completed within 6-months of your egg retrieval. No exceptions can be made.

How much will my medications cost?

Medication costs vary depending on multiple reasons including by not limited to: personal protocol,available discount programs, manufacturer rebates and pharmacy pricing. To assist with updated pharmacy pricing, you may use the Fertility Drug Calculator App available at http://www.fertilitydrugcalculator.com.

What considerations should I have regarding my fertility and traveling to a Zika infected region?

For the latest guidance recommendations from ASRM visit: https://www.mcrmfertility.com/2016/09/16/zika-fertility-asrm-guidelines-reproductive-age-women-men/

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