In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Traditional IVF
Frequent Patient Questions
- At what point in my cycle am I suppose to start BC pills? Start day three of the cycle preceding IVF
- How long do I take the BC pills before I start the IVF drugs? Usually three weeks, but at least two, and can do up to 12.
- What are the possible ivf drugs that I will be taking and how long do I take each of the drugs? The nurses will discuss this in class, but you will use FSH and LH and Antagon to stimulate your ovaries, prevent premature ovulation and then Ovidrel to ovulate.
- What are all of the possible serious side effects that could occur from the IVF drugs? (ie: hyperstimulation, etc..) Multiples and hyperstimulation are the big ones. Our multiples are usually twins, twenty to 45 per cent. Triplets less than 2%. Hyperstimulation occurs to some degree in every cycle, severe in less than5%.
- Who explains how and when I take each of the different IVF drugs? At what point should my nursing class be scheduled? Your nursing class should be scheduled whenever you are ready. You can already be on pills, or take the class the month before. The availability of classes determines to some extent. It may be easier to plan out your cycle if you take class the first week of pills.
- How do I know when the retrieval process should take place? We can tell you the week, but we can't tell you the day until about 2 to 3 days prior.
- What blood tests are required? Do these need to be done before I schedule the nursing class? One test is an AMH, which determines the amount of FSH and LH you get. Hence it's good to have blood drawn prior to your class. The nurses will let the Doctors know when they are preparing for your class, and they will order your meds.