Ask The Doctor

For an in vitro fertilization cycle, what tests are used to determine when the eggs are mature?
Before you start your medication, you are likely to have an ultrasound and a blood test for hormone levels. These tests will probably be repeated every few days and may become more frequent as your eggs reach maturity.

What are the possible risks of ovulatory induction medications?
These medications may increase your chance for multiple births -- which may increase the risks of miscarriage and premature delivery. Another risk is the development of ovarian cysts. A rare but serious side effect from treatment is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Symptoms may include severe pain in the pelvis, abdomen and chest, nausea, vomiting, bloating, weight gain, and difficulty breathing. Call the doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

Can I drive home, or go back to work, after an egg retrieval.
No. You should plan to have someone stay with you during the procedure and for the first 24 hours after you return home. You are likely to have some cramping and vaginal spotting for a day or so after the egg retrieval, so you may want to take off the next day from work to rest.

Can I go back to work after an embryo transfer?
Our program requires that you maintain bedrest the day of embryo embryo transfer and for 2 days following the transfer.

What are daily progesterone injections for?
The hormone, progesterone, helps to support the lining of the uterus to maintain a pregnancy.

How soon after in vitro fertilization, will I know if it's been successful?
In general, a pregnancy blood test will be performed about 2 weeks after your embryo transfer. Do not do a home pregnancy test before that time -- some of the infertility medications may cause false results if the test is performed too early.

Is there anything my husband and I need to do to prepare for an ICSI?
You will need to take fertility medications during the treatment cycle procedure so that your ovaries will produce multiple eggs. Also, you should abstain from sex for 2 or 3 days before the egg retrieval to maximize the semen quality.

How soon after an ICSI will we know if it's successful?
In general, a pregnancy blood test will be performed approximately 2 weeks after your embryo transfer. Do not do a home pregnancy test before that time -- some of the infertility medications may cause false results if the test is performed too early.

What does a low sperm count mean?
A low sperm count is fewer than 20 million sperm per milliliter ejaculated. The normal range is between 40 and 300 million sperm per milliliter of ejaculation.

What does low motility mean?
Motility describes the movement of the sperm. Low motility may reduce your chances to conceive, especially if your sperm count is also low. In a normal semen sample, at least half of the sperm have appropriate movement.

What does abnormal sperm morphology mean?
A normal sperm has an oval head, slender midsection, and a tail that moves in a wave-like motion. Sperm that do not have this normal shape may not be able to swim effectively or penetrate the egg.

How can ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) improve my chances for pregnancy?
A single sperm is selected to be injected into the egg, and the embryo is transferred directly into your uterus. ICSI is a good option for patients in whom fertilization of the egg is otherwise unlikely.