Is it time for me to see a fertility specialist?
If you have a known cause of infertility such as irregular or absent menses, an abnormal semen analysis, history of endometriosis, or blocked fallopian tubes, it is recommended that you see an infertility specialist as soon as pregnancy is desired. If all else is normal, in a woman < 35 years of age and healthy, it is fine to wait up to 1 year before seeing a fertility doctor. If a woman is 35 years of age or older, it is recommended to see a fertility specialist after 6 months of unprotected intercourse. At the age of 40, it is appropriate to seek fertility consultation immediately since time is so limited.
Isn’t infertility a "women's problem?"
Approximately 40% of infertility is due to a female factor and 40% is due to a male factor, such as a low sperm count. In the balance of cases, infertility results from a combination of problems in both partners, or the cause of the infertility is not easily explained.
How often should we have intercourse?
It is advisable to have intercourse every other day around the time of ovulation. That means that for women with a 28 day cycle, relations should occur on Days 12, 14, and 16. Remember, every woman is different and every cycle is different, and you may not ovulate exactly on “Day 14.” To increase your chances of the egg becoming fertilized, do not douche or use lubricants immediately before having intercourse.
Can I be monitored during treatment in your Cranford, Princeton or Edison offices?
Yes, we have staff available for drawing your blood and performing ultrasounds in all 3 offices each morning. Just let us know which site is more convenient for you. Note: only our Edison location is open on weekends.
Is there any one position that is more effective than another?
There is not any one position that is more favorable to conceive a baby than another.
Who do I call if I have a problem/question/run out of medication after hours?
If you have a problem, question, or concern that can’t wait till the next morning, or if you run out of medications after hours, call our office at 732-339-9300 and choose the emergency line option to be connected to our on-call doctor. If your situation can wait until the following morning, please leave a voice mail, and we will get back to you the following business day.
Does my spouse/partner need to attend the first visit?
We always prefer that your partner attend the first visit with you, if possible. If he or she can’t
make it for the first visit, we will look forward to meeting them in a later office visit.
What if I am not married, in a same-sex relationship or single and desire pregnancy?
We would love to treat you at ARM for any and all of your reproductive needs.
Will you call me with my test results?
Same-day lab results for actively cycling patients are generally available in the afternoon. Our Coaches will call you with treatment instructions by 4 PM on weekdays and 2 PM on weekends. Please have your mobile phone nearby and voice mail available. If you don’t answer, we will leave verbal instructions on voicemail unless otherwise instructed.
How long does the IVF process take?
The IVF process typically takes about 4-6 weeks. There is a 10 day time period where frequent ultrasounds, blood testing and the egg retrieval occur in the morning. It would be necessary to be off from work on the day of the retrieval.
Is IVF the only treatment available?
While IVF is the gold standard and most successful of all fertility therapies, it may not
necessarily be needed for all patients. Every case is different. We like to tailor treatment to your
specific needs, and in many cases, pregnancy can be achieved with simple treatment options
like fertility shots, pills or combinations of these with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).
Do I need to lie down after sex?
This is not needed. Sperm swim very quickly and a period of rest is not thought to be necessary. Elevation of the hips, legs, etc. is also not necessary.
If my frozen embryos are with another clinic, can I send them to ARM for my embryo transfer?
If you have frozen embryos at another facility, you can have them shipped to us to undergo a
frozen-thawed embryo transfer. This is commonly done across the country and even
internationally, and can be arranged through our IVF Laboratory staff.
Does excess weight affect fertility?
Weight may play a role in fertility. There are conflicting studies in the literature, with some
showing a decline in pregnancy rates with increasing weight and obesity, while others do not
clearly show such associations. In addition, the miscarriage rates have been demonstrated in
certain studies to be somewhat higher with excess weight. Weight loss with lifestyle intervention
through diet and exercise is typically recommended. Even losing 5% of your body weight can be
helpful.
I’m already seeing a fertility doctor. Am I allowed to get a second opinion?
Considering a second opinion is a good idea if you've already undergone failed treatment cycles
at another IVF program or have questions or concerns regarding your current fertility care. Call
us for an appointment and bring your current medical records. We’ll be glad to review them and
will provide you with a complete and better understanding of your treatment options.
I am over 40 years old. What are my options?
Fertility decreases as you get older and there is a higher rate of miscarriage and genetically
abnormal embryos. Your ARM physician will do complete ovarian reserve testing early in your
fertility workup. This will include ultrasound antral follicle count assessment, as well as blood
FSH and AMH tests that help evaluate your ovarian reserve. Based on this evaluation, your
physician can then discuss the treatment options that make the most sense for you, including
how well you may respond to the fertility medications. Irrespectively, with IVF therapy, pre-
implantation genetic screening of embryos (PGS or CCS) is available that will identify any
potential age-related chromosome abnormalities prior to transfer into the uterus. If
chromosomally balanced, or normal, embryos are available after testing, your chance of
pregnancy is extremely favorable regardless of your age!
What does a blastocyst embryo transfer mean?
Blastocyst embryo transfer means transferring of embryos to your uterus that have been
developed for 5 or 6 days after fertilization. This technique helps to select embryos that are
more likely to be viable and thus yield an ongoing pregnancy.
What happens with extra embryos from my IVF cycle?
The IVF Lab Team will give you a report on the quality and number of embryos produced from
your IVF cycle. Any extra embryos above those transferred to your uterus can be frozen for use
at a later time. These frozen embryos can be thawed at a future date to produce another
pregnancy without the need for an entire fresh IVF cycle. That saves you time and costs and
often allows multiple attempts to conceive one or more children from a single IVF cycle!
