FAQ ABOUT FERTILITY TREATMENT
Why do I have Spotting?
The most common cause of light spotting is caused by weak blood vessels on the cervix. Other causes include polyp and hormonal causes due to lack of ovulation.
Spotting in the mid-cycle or after IUI is quite common and is not a reason for concern.
Spotting in early pregnancy is quite common and usually benign. Sometimes it means it is not a normal pregnancy. Unfortunately, nothing can be done to save an early pregnancy that is destined to miscarry. Almost all of these are caused by chromosomal
WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET PREGNANT WITHOUT SUCCESS, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
It’s often easier said than done, but it is important to remain hopeful. There are a number of fertility treatments available today that present options for even the rarest of infertility cases. Our technologies are more accurate and innovative than ever before. We regularly diagnose and treat complicated cases. Our fertility laboratory features many of the brightest minds in reproductive medicine , and lab technicians who focus exclusively on ways to improve embryo development and success rates. Without a doubt, the very first step is to meet with a Carecrest Fertility Doctor. During your hour-long appointment, we will begin the process of evaluating the factors that could be affecting your fertility health
AM I INFERTILE?
Whether or not you are experiencing infertility depends on your age and the amount of time you have been trying to conceive through unprotected intercourse. Women under 35 who have been unable to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, women over 35 who have been unable to conceive after 6 months, women age 40+, and men with low sperm counts are advised to speak with a fertility specialist as soon as possible. A fertility consultation will bring piece-of-mind and a structured plan to remedy any concerns you may have.
How Long Is The Process Of IVF?
IVF is the process of growing multiple eggs, retrieving them through an out-patient procedure in our clinic, and fertilizing them in our lab to produce as many embryos as possible. 3-5 days later, the embryos are transferred back into the uterus. Each process of IVF is called a cycle. One full cycle takes about 2.5 weeks, depending on your menstrual cycle.
How Safe are Hormone Treatment?
Because an imprecise dosage of hormones can lead to discomfort or injury, our doctors take measures to accurately diagnose each patient and determine an appropriate dosage of hormone treatment. Your safety and comfort is always our primary concern!
Is Egg freezing right for me?
Female fertility begins to decline in a woman’s late twenties, and the continued loss of eggs associated with this decline results in increased rates of miscarriage, chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities, and infertility (especially for women older than thirty-five). Egg freezing affords a woman the opportunity to use ‘younger’ eggs whenever she decides she would like to become pregnant. This allows her to avoid the decreased fertility and increased miscarriage rates associated with advanced age. It’s an empowering opportunity to pause your biological clock so that you can choose to build your family when you are ready. There are many reasons a woman might not feel ready to become pregnant “right now” — no matter the reason, freezing your eggs preserves them so that they maintain their health and youth until you are ready to start your family. By freezing your eggs, you greatly increase your chance of a successful pregnancy in the future. For example – if you freeze your eggs when your 32 and use them at age 42, your success rate is that of a 32-year-old.
HOW Many eggs do I have ?
Your age is a great predictor of the number of eggs that you have. Generally speaking, the older you are, the fewer eggs remain. At birth, a baby girl has 2 million eggs. 400,000 eggs remain at puberty. 100,000 remain by age 30. By age 45 or 50, that number usually drops to 0. This is all-natural and is associated with increased rates of embryo abnormalities, miscarriage, and infertility. Whether you want to get pregnant now or wait, it’s a good idea to know where your fertility levels stand. Data definitively shows that egg quantity and egg quality begin to gradually decrease after age thirty. Yet it’s also important to know that everyone is different. We see women who experience infertility in their twenties, as well as women who are incredibly fertile in their late thirties. One test that can tell you where you stand is an AMH blood test, which gives an accurate count of your remaining egg supply.
Does Stress Affect My chance?
Stress does affect all body functions including reproduction. Severe stress can prevent ovulation. Several studies showed that stress does not affect pregnancy rates with IVF. It is helpful to try and decrease your stress level at work and at home. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and prayer are helpful. We also have counselors experienced in dealing with infertility and are available to see you.
Does Weigh Affect Pregnancy?
Yes the more your weight is outside your optimum range the more it will adversely affect your chances. This goes for both underweight and overweight. Quick weight gain and loss can also affect ovulation and your hormone levels. Body Mass Index (BMI) is an accurate measure of weight in relation to the height measured in Kg/height in meters squared. BMI outside the normal range of 18.5-22.5 has been shown to affect the chance of pregnancy.
What are my chances of Pregnancy?
Success with infertility treatment is defined as pregnancy per cycle. It is important to understand what are the chances of pregnancy with and without treatment to avoid frustration and disappointment. Pregnancy rate after one year of infertility without treatment is approximately 4% per cycle (i.e. 4 couples out of 100 per one month). After 2 years it drops to 2% per cycle and after 3 years it is <1% per cycle. With treatment, there are a lot of variables that affect the pregnancy rate. The most important variable is the age of the female partner. In general when you look at all patients using the oral medication the pregnancy rates are 8-10%/cycle. For Injections and IUI, it is 20% per cycle and 50% after 3 cycles. For IVF/ICSI it is around 50% per cycle. 85% of the pregnancies happen in the first 3 cycles, with 15% happening over the next 3 cycles of any particular treatment. In other words, you have to try several cycles before moving on to the next level of treatment.
