Ask the Reproductive Endocrinologist: Top IVF Questions
IVF can be a confusing process to navigate, and our patients often think of questions to ask their IVF doctors after their visit.
We asked reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Gaya Murugappan of Spring Fertility Silicon Valley to answer some of our most frequently asked questions about IVF.
Q: Why are birth control pills part of my IVF medications?
For some patients, your doctor may recommend birth control pills as part of preparation for an IVF cycle to synchronize the growth of your follicles.
Q: I’m not ready to have kids now – is egg freezing really a viable option?
If you are not ready for pregnancy, egg freezing is a treatment that may increase your chance of pregnancy at a later time. The success of egg freezing, or your chance of having a baby using frozen eggs, varies based on each patient’s age and clinical history.
Q What about airline travel around transfers?. How long should I wait after transfer until I can travel and how far is it ok to travel?
There is no evidence that air travel impacts success rates after an embryo transfer.
If you choose to travel, we recommend staying well hydrated and stretching your legs intermittently. We also recommend familiarizing yourself with options for medical care at your destination should you require an evaluation in early pregnancy.
Q: How many blastocysts is good to have if I plan on having two children?
Each euploid or chromosomally normal blastocyst has a 65% chance of resulting in a baby after transfer. We recommend 2 euploid blastocysts per desired child.
Q: Why does my doctor not remove my cysts before the embryo transfer?
Ovarian cysts are very common and the majority resolve without any intervention. If you have a cyst, this will be evaluated on an individual basis by your physician to determine the impact, if any, on your fertility treatment.
Q: Is 35 really too old to try and conceive naturally?
Approximately 50% of women who are 35 years old will conceive naturally after trying for 6 months.
Q: Would my RE change my medication protocol every time I do an egg retrieval?
After every treatment cycle, your doctor will evaluate and make modifications if necessary.
Q: Is OHSS really a concern?
The risk of OHSS, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, depends on your age, number of follicles, number of eggs retrieved, and whether or not you will be undergoing a frozen embryo transfer. Your physician will tailor your medication doses and IVF protocol to minimize your risk of OHSS.
At Lokahi Acupuncture, we have more than 20 years of experience working with local IVF clinics and reproductive endocrinologists. If you have additional questions you’d like answered, please let us know and we would be happy to reach out to local RE’s.
Anna Rudel
San Jose Acupuncturist
408.279.9001
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