Hi there – in your excellent book your diary at the end indicates daily blood tests. I am almost 35 and about to begin my first long protocol IVF treatment (with down regulation) and they don’t mention anything like this, only regular scans. Is this something you feel is an important addition to make a cycle successful and is it something I should perhaps insist on?
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Answer:
Thank you for an excellent and topical question!
In my opinion regular monitoring of your hormone levels during the IVF process is key to its success. IVF clinics success rates vary tremendously ranging from 10% to as high as 59%. I feel the main difference between clinics success rates is dependent on how a clinic tailors the treatment to YOU. There is no point giving you the same levels of fertility drugs as the next woman (as some clinics do!) each person reacts differently. Timing is key to IVF, you do not want your eggs to mature too quickly or develop too many, as can happen with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). The regular blood tests measure for levels of oestradiol level which can indicate to your doctor how your eggs are developing and when you are ready for collection.
Ask many questions about a clinics’ procedure before embarking on treatment. A whole chapter in the book is dedicated to questions you must ask before IVF treatment as it is so important!.
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I have had two natural IVF cycles and produce grade A embryos which never implant. My husband has a low sperm count which is why we are having ICSI. Can you recommend an alternative treatment? I have two frozen embryos left and want to give myself the best chance…
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Answer:
It may be worth having acupuncture treatment just before your embyro transfer and just after. Research has shown that acupuncture can increase the blood flow to the womb and help with the process of implantation.
Best of luck
Marina
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I had a D&C and the doctor discovered I had endometriosis. He dealt with it during the surgery last year. Any chances of it growing back and if so how long will it take to return?
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Answer:
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, endometriosis can be extremely painful to suffer with and it has the downside that it may affect your fertility. There is no cure for endometriosis and it could return in the future however think positively as the good news is that you have had the endometriol tissue removed and now is the time to actively try for a baby!
Go for it!
Best of luck
Marina