Although rare, gonadotropins may pose a risk to some women. During your cycle, the physician will be monitoring you closely with sonograms and blood work.
a. Ovarian hyperstimulation: occurs in about 1-5% of cycles. The risk increases with polycystic ovarian syndrome and in conception cycles. When severe it can result in blood clots, kidney damage, ovarian twisting (torsion) and chest and abdominal fluid collections. In severe cases hospitalization is required, but most cases are temporary.
b. Adnexal torsion: In fewer than one-tenth of one percent of cases, the stimulated ovary can twist on itself, cutting off it’s own blood supply. Surgery is required to untwist or even remove it.
c. Ovarian cancer: The risk of ovarian cancer seems in part related to the number of times a woman ovulated. Infertility increases the risk, birth control use and pregnancy reduce it. Controversial data exists which associated gonadotropin use to the risk of future ovarian cancer. Until further definitive research is available, it is reasonable to proceed with careful use of ovarian stimulation drugs.

    The wait for a new patient appointment is about two weeks.

    It usually takes about 4-6 weeks to complete the necessary screening work and be scheduled for an IVF Series. A Series refers to the block of time the IVF Lab is performing retrievals and transfers. There is need for periodic closures to perform maintenance and does not allow us to have a patient stimulating during these times.

    Two of our three offices are open seven days a week, 365 days a year to deliver patient care. The hours are from early morning (8 am) to noontime. Click here to see the individual office hours.

    There are many other treatment plans available, and can be discussed with your physician based on insurance, financial, physical and personal need.

    How treatment impacts one’s life is highly individual, and is dictated by your treatment plan. Treatment plans are based on such things as diagnosis and age. Some infertility treatments are less involved, and therefore take little time away from your daily activities. As treatments get more involved, so will the impact on your time. We will try as best as we can to minimize the impact, without jeopardizing your care.

    Once you start stimulation medications, you will be brought back to the office for blood and sonograms as your individual results dictate. This may mean daily or sporadic visits during that time. Once your follicles are at a mature size, it will be every day. The day after HCG you will have blood work at the office. After your retrieval and transfer is done, you don’t return for two weeks.

    Please click on IVF for further information.