In case you missed it, last week Simon Kipersztok, M.D. of our Waldorf, MD office hosted an online Getting Started with Infertility Treatment Webcast for current and prospective patients interested in learning more about infertility treatment and the financial options available at Shady Grove Fertility. In addition to the presentation, Dr. Kipersztok took questions from the audience on topics ranging from diagnostic testing and treatment to insurance coverage and financial programs. Here are some of the questions from the audience.
Q: What will happen during the initial appointment if I don’t have any baseline tests completed at the time of the appointment?
A: Patients that come to see me have varying levels of the initial work-up completed prior to their initial appointment. At the consultation, we will review the tests that have been completed and what is still needed to help us determine an accurate diagnosis and ultimately the right infertility treatment plan. Once we know what is needed your nurse will be will be able to coordinate the remaining tests. It is important to bring paperwork, such as the new patient packet our New Patient Center mailed after scheduling the consultation and a copy of any fertility related medical records from other physicians. Learn more about fertility testing.
Q: Will my spouse have to complete a semen analysis? Do you treat male factor infertility? How?
Male infertility occurs with 40 to 50 percent of couples experiencing infertility, making a semen analysis a vital part of a fertility assessment. As far as scheduling the semen analysis, your nurse can help to arrange the appointment for your partner. Collection can be completed at home; it is requested to abstain from ejaculation for 3 to 5 days prior to the analysis to obtain accurate results.
If male factor infertility is present, depending on the severity, the treatment options vary from IUI to IVF or the use of donor sperm. We also co-manage patient care with fertility focused urologists to help with procedures such as aspirations.
Normal Semen Analysis
Abnormal Semen Analysis
Q: I am scheduled to have an HSG. I hear it is painful and uncomfortable. What can I expect?
A: The majority of the time, if a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is painful it is due to a blockage in the fallopian tubes. When no blockage is present, the discomfort is minimal. Speak to your doctor about taking a over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure to prevent or reduce pain during the test. We encourage you to complete the HSG at one of Shady Grove Fertility’s certified radiologic facilities. While on site, our team of infertility specialists will perform the exam and interpret the results. Read more about Dispelling the HSG Myths.
Q: I don’t have insurance, what options are available for me?
A: Shady Grove Fertility offers a variety of cost savings programs when insurance is not available. Financial options such as Shared Risk, Shared Help, and the Multi-Cycle program can help make treatment more affordable for patients. There are also financing options that allow patients to make monthly payments towards the cost of fertility treatment. Lean how you can save on infertility treatment.
Q: Are IVF and IUI the same thing?
A: No, IUI (intrauterine insemination) is a low-tech in-office procedure whereby a concentrated specimen of washed sperm is placed in the uterus through a catheter. The procedure is done at your local Shady Grove Fertility office and takes one to two minutes. It is not painful and does not require anesthesia. Success rates for IUI treatment are dependent on the age of the woman and diagnosis.
IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a process where the ovaries are stimulated to grow multiple follicles which are removed directly from the ovary once they are of a certain size and maturity. Once in the embryology laboratory, fertilization occurs with the partner’s sperm to produce embryos. Three to five days later an embryo is transferred back to the uterus. Similar to IUI treatment, the success rates associated with IVF are dependent on the age of the female partner. Find our more about infertility treatment options.
Q: What are the side effects associated with infertility treatment for women? On average, how long will the whole process take?
A: The majority of side effects from infertility treatment are a result of stimulation medication that can even occur in the most basic treatment options. Common side effects include bloating, minor cramping, and hormonal changes. The intensity and type of side effects that present themselves, if any, will vary patient to patient.
Treatment time varies from patient to patient, but the average cycle takes six to eight weeks.
Q: Have you had many patients that have had a previous tubal ligation? What are the options for these patients?
A: Yes, we have many patients that come to us after having their ‘tubes tied’ – or medically referred to as a tubal ligation – that want another child. If she had a tubal reversal and the tubes are still open, it may recommend to start with IUI treatment, but if a reversal hasn’t been performed, IVF will most likely be recommended.
When treating women with a previous tubal ligation, most specialists will recommend IVF depending on the age of the women and the number of children desired. Furthermore, if there are other factors present that might impact her ability to conceive – such as male factor – IVF will more than likely be recommended. We advise all patients considering a reversal or IVF to research the cost and success rates for tubal reversal compared to the cost and success rates of IVF.
Q: How likely is it to have multiple births when undergoing IVF or donor egg treatment?
A: When undergoing IVF treatment – either with your own eggs or donated eggs – the risk of multiples increases with the number of embryos transferred. Shady Grove Fertility continues to be a national pioneer in electing to transfer a single embryo, known as eSET. The sole purpose of eSET is to reduce the risk of multiples without reducing the chances of success. The risk of twins with eSET is less than two percent, no different than the chances of multiples during unassisted conception. In the case of donor egg treatment, transferring two embryos increases the chances of multiples significantly – to approximately 50 percent.
Watch the Getting Started with Infertility Treatment Webcast with Dr. Simon Kipersztok.
If you have questions regarding infertility treatment or would like to schedule a new patient appointment, please call our New Patient Center at 877-971-7755 or click to schedule an appointment.
