In Vitro Fertilization: IVF

In Vitro Fertilization: IVF

Are there any restrictions on physical or personal activities during an IVF cycle?

• Heavy exercise such as aerobics, jogging, weight lifting etc. is prohibited during ovarian stimulation and until the pregnancy test results are known.
• Smoking should be stopped before ovulation induction begins. It is highly recommended to discontinue tobacco intake at least 3 months prior to an IVF cycle.
• Alcohol and should be avoided during pregnancy and infertility treatment. Drinking alcohol is not advisable from the time fertility medications are initiated until the pregnancy test is conducted.
• Some medications may interfere with the fertility medications prescribed, some are not safe to use before an operation or medical procedure, and others might interfere with ovulation or pregnancy implantation. If you are taking any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, please inform your physician.
• Herbal supplements are absolutely prohibited during IVF Cycles.

How long does egg retrieval take?

Egg retrieval is a rapid procedure. Typically egg retrieval will take around 20-30 minutes. But, the length of the procedure may vary depending on how many follicles are present, how easy is it to reach the ovaries with the ultrasound probe.

Is the egg retrieval painful?

Egg retrievals are performed under anaesthesia. Our anaesthesia specialists use medications which heavily sedate you. You will be “asleep” during the retrieval process.

I am spotting on the pill. Is this normal?
Yes, because the birth control pill contains such a low dose of estrogens, this can cause spotting in some women. Continue to take your pill at the same time every day as directed and do not skip any pills.

Why do I have to be on the birth control pill if I spent so many years unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant?
We use the birth control pill as a way to regulate your hormones before we start you on stimulating hormones. In some protocols, birth control pill hormones help the actual IVF cycle. Lastly, we use it for cycle control to help ensure that we can start your cycle at the appropriate time.

Why does my husband/ partner have to take antibiotics?
If we are using a fresh specimen the day of the retrieval, antibiotics help to protect the woman from infection and reduce harmful bacteria during IVF. If we are using a frozen specimen or you are having a frozen embryo transfer, the husband / partner will not need antibiotics.

When is the blood pregnancy test performed?
The blood pregnancy test is performed 14 days after the egg retrieval.

What happens if I become pregnant?
If you become pregnant, you will be asked to return to the clinic for a repeat blood test and an ultrasound to ensure the successful ongoing pregnancy. After confirming a fetal heartbeat you will be referred to an obstetrician for the remainder of the pregnancy.

If I am not pregnant, when can we try again?
Usually the patients are asked to wait one or two complete menstrual cycles before beginning another ART cycle.

What is the age cut-off for doing IVF with own eggs?
We do not offer IVF for patients older than 45. Your physician will recommend an appropriate fertility treatment for you depending on your medical history and FSH levels.

How much does IVF cost?
The cost of IVF depends on the treatment and options selected. For IVF pricing information, please visit our nearest centre.

When is IVF needed?
IVF is originally for women with blocked or missing fallopian tubes. It is also used for other conditions such as endometriosis, male factor infertility and unexplained infertility in which no medical cause for infertility can be found.

Will my baby suffer birth defects?
Fortunately, 20-plus years following Louise Brown’s birth (the first IVF baby), we now have ample data that children conceived through IVF have no increase in the number of birth defects in humans.

What are the side effects of the medications I will be taking?
IVF treatment side effects vary from patient to patient. However, reactions to medications may include skin irritation at the injection site, abdominal bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and nausea.