What to expect after an embryo transfer

The IVF treatment cycle consists of several parts. In this article, we will be focusing on what to expect after an Embryo Transfer and the activities you can engage in.

Five days following the Egg Retrieval the patient will have the Embryo Transfer (ET). The procedure only takes approximately 15 minutes; afterwards, a patient will remain in a horizontal position for about 15 minutes. She will then be discharged to leave.

Directly after the Embryo Transfer patients should go directly home or to your hotel and take it easy for 24 hours. This does not mean staying in bed. You can do all your regular activities but avoid strenuous exercise or carrying heavy objects.

You may have some watery discharge. This is from the vaginal wash and not the embryos “coming out”.

The day after your transfer, you may resume light normal activities.It is important to stay on all your medications. These medications support the uterine lining and help maintain a pregnancy. These are usually estrogen & progesterone through pill, injection, or vaginal suppository.

We advise our patients to avoid travel for 24 hours so that they are near their doctor in case any complications, such as bleeding, arise.

If you are ready to learn how VCRM and Dr. Sharara can help your dream of having a baby, then please complete the Request A Consultation form or call us at 703.437.7722.

Trying to conceive with Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are very common benign, smooth muscle cell tumors that affect 25% to 40% of reproductive-age women. Multiple studies have found there is an association between fibroids and infertility, especially when fibroids are large, in the uterine cavity, or compress the cavity. There are several explanations as to why uterine fibroids may reduce fertility:

*Fibroids change the position of the cervix (the vaginal opening to the womb) and may affect the number of sperm that can travel through the cervix
*Changes in the shape of the uterus can interfere with sperm movement
*Blockage of the fallopian tubes by the fibroids
*Affecting the blood flow to the uterine cavity where the embryo would implant.
*Changes in the uterine muscle may prevent movement of the sperm or the embryo

Dr. Sharara at the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine can help determine if fibroids might be hampering your ability to conceive. Treatment options vary depending upon the age of the patient, the severity of the symptoms and the size of the tumor(s).

To Schedule a Consultation, please visit http://www.vcrmed.com/ or call 703-437-7722.

FAQ about IUI-Intrauterine Insemination

Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine prides itself on providing each patient with the utmost personal care and attention. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about fertility treatments and the procedures involved. Below, we have composed a list of most frequently asked questions about the Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) process and associated responses.

Who should consider IUI?

Patients suffering with low sperm count, decreased sperm mobility, unexplained fertility, hostile cervical condition or ejaculation dysfunction can all benefit from an IUI procedure.

How is IUI done?

IUI with washed semen is a technique that places prepared sperm directly into the uterus using a catheter. IUI bypasses the vagina and cervix where many sperm are otherwise lost, thus the number of motile sperm available to fertilize an egg is increased.

When should the IUI procedure occur?

An IUI procedure is performed around the time of ovulation.

Does the procedure hurt?

Most women consider IUI to be fairly painless, similar to having a pap smear. There can be some minimal cramping afterwards, but often what is felt is ovulation-related rather than from the IUI.

Can sperm fall out?

Once sperm is injected into the uterus it doesn’t fall out. Occasionally there is wetness after the IUI procedure but this is related to the catheter loosening the cervical mucus.

How long after IUI should implantation occur?

Implantation generally takes place 7 days days after ovulation/your IUI procedure.

How soon can I take a pregnancy test?

It is highly recommend that the patient wait two weeks before taking a pregnancy test to prevent a false positive due to hormones and injectibles.

What is the success rate for IUI?

Success rates will vary with the couple’s original diagnosis and the number of cycles of IUI.  The pregnancy rate per cycle of insemination is 15-20%.  The pregnancy rate may be as high as 30-50% in couples undergoing three cycles of IUI. 

The use of fertility medication, such as Clomid, Tamoxifen, or injectable Gonadotropins, increases the chance of pregnancy. The pregnancy rate using Clomid/Tamoxifen is about 15-%, and that of injectables/IUI is about 20-25%, but these rates are age-dependent and are significantly lower in women > 35. The multiple pregnancy rate is about 5% with Clomid or Tamoxifen (mostly twins), but increases to about 20-25% with injectable gonadotropins (some may be higher-order multiples, i.e triplets or more).

How many IUIs should I try before moving on to IVF?

It depends on what you can afford and what medication you are taking. If a couple doesn't have success after four ovulatory cycles on injectables with well-timed IUI, it would be time to consider IVF.

If you are considering IUI or other fertility treatments, we invite you to Contact Us

The patients at VCRMED are taken care of by a single physician who knows everything about their specific case. We believe this care results in faster success. We would love to assist you in making your dreams come true.

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Fertility Clinic: How to choose the right one

It is estimated that there are almost 500 Fertility Clinics throughout the United States. So when a woman or couple begins to explore Infertility Therapy, there are a lot of options to consider. There are a variety of Fertility Clinics to choose from:

·      Sole Practitioner

·      Small Practices

·      Large, Full Service Practices

·      Networks

·      University and Hospital Clinics

The sole practitioner or smaller practices offer a more personable experience, with more direct access to your doctor than larger practices or universities.  Full service practices usually have the laboratory and other resources on site, which is convenient for women however communication is usually done through nurses and staff. In fact, you may even have the uncomfortable experience of seeing a different doctor each time you have an appointment.

IVF, IUI, or any Infertility Therapy is a costly investment. Each clinic’s’ cost will vary, and it is important to ask exactly what is included for the service. While cost is an important consideration, don’t let it be the determining factor.

When selecting a Fertility Clinic, it is important to review their success rates. It is suggested to compare multiple clinics fertility reports and choose a center that has above average success rates. Choosing a fertility center with higher success rates may help woman and couples achieve positive results quicker and at a lower cost.

The Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine (VCRM) is a unique Fertility Clinic because it offers its patients the best of both worlds - a boutique and personalized setting as well as a highly successful onsite laboratory. At VCRM, patients are guided through their evaluation and treatment by the same physician who is initimately familiar with their specific situation. This allows the practice to create a highly custom treatment plan for each patient and the results speak for themselves.

In 2013, VCRM had 76% better live birth results (delivery of an actual baby) than the National Average! VCRM has also been rated very highly in the Washington DC area by the Washingtonian magazine. Additionally, an independent data aggregation website ranked VCRM #2 in the United Stats for its results in patients between 35-37 yrs of age.

We invite you to learn more about us and what makes our Fertility Center unique by visiting: http://www.vcrmed.com/about-us/why-us/