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Questions and Answers about IVF:

Who is a good candidate for IVF?
When IVF was first used its main purpose was to help patients with tubal disease that could not conceive naturally. Since that time many others have benefited from IVF, namely people with ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis, male factor infertility, uterine factors, immunological disorders and idiopathic reasons.

Is there an age limit?
Due to diminished ovarian reserves that result in compromised egg quality and embryo development pregnancy rates are low in women greater than 42 years of age.

Are there screening criteria for IVF?
There are several diagnostic studies that can be done to help predict ovarian stimulation outcome. Most commonly utilized are the basal FSH, LH, and estradiol levels on cycle day 3. The Clomiphene Challenge Test is another predictor of ovarian outcome. Also helpful is an ultrasound to measure ovarian volume and resting follicle count.

Does IVF increase the risks of birth defects?
IVF does not increase that risk of birth defects in children. There is an approximately 2% risk of birth defects in naturally conceived children and in children conceived by IVF.

What are the chances of multiple pregnancies with IVF?
Approximately 30% of patients will have more than a single gestation. Efforts to reduce this number have been instituted at our center by selectively replacing just 2 embryos at the blastocyst stage.

What is involved in Cryopreserved Embryo Transfer?
Estrogen replacement therapy is initiated at the beginning of the cycle to prepare the endometrium for implantation. A select number of embryos are thawed and transferred into the uterine cavity during the appropriate window of receptivity. Progesterone therapy is given to maintain luteal support for a pregnancy