Q: Is my IVF baby going to be normal?
A: Risks and complications are the same as in a naturally conceived
baby.
Q: How long does IVF take?
A:
It takes
approximately eight weeks total. The first month is to prep you for
the stimulation cycle which will take two weeks and then we wait two
more
weeks for the positive pregnancy test.
Q: What is IVF?
A:“In vitro” literally means outside of the body. IVF
is a method of assisted
reproduction in which the man’s sperm and the woman’s
egg are combined
outside of the body in a laboratory dish. If fertilization occurs,
the resulting
embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus, where it will
hopefully implant
and give rise to a pregnancy.
Q: What is Acrosome Reaction?
A: The
acrosome reaction test is a sperm function test which gauges
the
potential for fertilization of ova by sperm. A failing score predicts low
fertilization capability of the sperm versus a passing score which predicts
good potential for fertilization.
Q: What is a Complete Semen Analysis?
A: A complete semen analysis is often the starting point in male
testing. It
measures certain parameters such as volume, number of sperm,
motility and
progression of sperm. Most importantly, the semen
analysis gives the physician
a detailed look at the morphology, or appearance, of the sperm. Theoretically,
the more normal sperm observed, the better odds the sperm will have at
fertilizing the ova. Some abnormalities include bent necks, small ovals,
amorphous heads, neck and tail defects, and immature sperm cells.
Q: What is
TESA or TESE?
A:
Testicular
epididymal sperm extraction (TESE) or aspiration (TESA)
are procedures performed by an urologist in which minute pieces of
tissue
are removed from the testes. Once the sample arrives at
the laboratory,
the tissue is minced and observed under the
microscope. If sperm is present,
it can be used to inseminate
ova thru Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
to produce embryos. This procedure brings hope to men with vasectomies,
failed vasectomy reversals, congenital absence of the vas
deferens, obstruction
of the epididymus, etc.
Q: What is
PGD?
A: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is a procedure that detects
numerical abnormalities in the set of chromosomes being screened
prior to
embryo transfer. Abnormal number of chromosomes is one
of the major
contributors to spontaneous abortions and may also
explain some
implantation failures.
Q: What is
Embryo
Cryopreservation?
A:
During the ART procedure, an excess number of embryos may result
in culture. If more than the two intended for immediate uterine
transfer
are ideal in quality, they can be cryopreserved, or
frozen, for future attempts.
Embryos which have been cryopreserved can produce pregnancies in
subsequent attempts even if no pregnancy was obtained during the fresh transfer.
Q: What is
Semen Cryopreservation?
A:
Although fresh sperm
samples are ideal for ART procedures or intra-uterine
inseminations, semen cryopreservation offers an alternative to
patients whose
spouses are traveling during treatment or have
difficulty producing samples
upon request. Semen Cryopreservation also assists the following in providing
samples for future treatment, such as men who have been diagnosed
with cancer
or other medical illnesses requiring surgery and/or treatment, men involved
in high-risk occupations and men undergoing vasectomies.
Q: Did you know we offer family balancing?
A: If you meet and agree with our strict criteria we can help you
balance
your family.
Q: Can I afford IVF?
A: IVF is not as expensive as you think. We have different financial
packages
that make IVF affordable to most. Contact us and let us show you
how easy
it is to achieve your goals.
Q: What are my chances of getting pregnant?
A: Your chances depend on your specific situation. Keep in mind
that IVF
is the most successful infertility treatment available today.
Q: What is ICSI?
A: In ICSI, a single sperm cell is injected directly into the egg
in order to
assist fertilization.
Q: What are my options if my husband cannot produce sperm?
A: In most cases sperm can be retrieved from the male reproductive
tract
and used for fertilization.
Q: My husband had a failed reversal can we still have babies?
A: In most cases sperm can be retrieved from the male reproductive
tract
and used for fertilization.
Q: My husband had a vasectomy can I still have a baby?
A: In most cases sperm can be retrieved from the male reproductive
tract
and used for fertilization.
Q: Do you offer surrogacy?
A: Yes but we do not get involved with the selection process of
your surrogate.
Q: Why have I failed multiple IVF cycles?
A: There are immunological causes that prevent implantation and
can also
cause miscarriages. Let us take a closer look at your individual
case and see
if we can help.
Q: I was told to have a Hysterectomy do I have other options?
A: Always get a second opinion. We do offer reconstructive surgery
and
minimally invasive procedures in an effort to preserve the uterus.
Q: How do you screen your donors?
A: Our screening of all egg donors includes family and genetic
history, thorough
physical exam to rule out sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis,
basic
genetic testing, hormone evaluations and evaluation of psychiatric
pathology.
Q: How long does it take to be matched with a donor?
A: It depends upon your matching criteria; however, the average
wait is 4 to 6 months.
Q: What evaluations do I, as a recipient, need?
A: Both you and your husband/partner need to be tested for sexually
transmitted
diseases, in addition, the female partner will need a full evaluation
of the uterine
lining and the male partner will require a semen analysis and semen
culture and
both partners are required to meet with our psychologist. |
