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Trent and Amy's Story
“The positive warm feeling of the office radiates to your heart. Because of Dr. Haddad, we are able to fulfill our lifelong dream of becoming parents. We are ecstatic to report that we are expecting a beautiful baby girl in November.”
IVF Frequently Asked Questions
In-Vitro Fertilization FAQs — Houston, The Woodlands, and Beyond
Infertile couples who are considering in-vitro fertilization (IVF) often have many questions regarding treatment. Below, we have provided answers to some of the questions we commonly receive about this advanced fertility treatment. General information about the in-vitro fertilization process is available on our IVF page. For more specific information, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with an in-vitro fertilization expert at our IVF clinic serving Houston, The Woodlands, and surrounding Texas communities. Our doctors provide a superior level of care to all who turn to Houston Fertility Institute for IVF and other infertility treatments.
What is the percentage of success with each treatment cycle?
The possibilities of success with IVF vary from patient to patient. Your physician can best predict the outcome in your case after a complete evaluation, which includes reviewing your history and any prior response to fertility medications. All IVF programs are required to report their statistics to the Center for Disease Control and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). These statistics are available for public review. View IVF statistics for Houston Fertility Institute.
How much does in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cost?
Your costs for IVF will depend on how much medication you need, whether your insurance covers a portion of treatment, and other factors. Our staff will work closely with you to help you manage your costs. Visit our section on financial information or contact our office for more information.
How long do I have to take the fertility injections?
The length of time that you will be taking the injections will depend on the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol chosen for you at Houston Fertility Institute. Typically, patients receive injections for 7 to 10 days, but some must take them for a little longer.
What are the side effects of the medications I will be taking?
Side effects from fertility medications vary from patient to patient but may include abdominal bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and nausea.
Who will give me the injections?
You, or a family member of your choosing, will be taught by our staff how to give the subcutaneous injections.
Are medications included in the cost of a cycle?
No. Medications are not included in the cost of an IVF cycle, but you will be given a prescription or one can be faxed to the pharmacy of your choice.
What constitutes day one of my cycle?
Day one of your cycle is considered your first day of heavy full flow bleeding, not spotting. If this occurs after 12 p.m. (noon), the next day is considered day one.
How many monitoring visits will I have while I am in treatment?
This will depend on your individual response to the medications. During an IVF cycle at our Texas clinic, you will have between six to nine appointments, including one for egg retrieval.
Can I exercise while going through treatment? What can I do?
Some exercise is acceptable during in-vitro fertilization treatment, but as the IVF treatment cycle progresses, only low impact exercise (such as walking) is recommended. The ovaries may become enlarged from the fertility medications you will be taking, and high impact exercise may put you at risk for ovarian torsion, a condition in which the ovary can twist on itself. This is a very rare but serious side effect.
Can I take herbal supplements?
Herbal supplements are not recommended and may cause unknown effects. If you are currently on such supplements, please inform one of our nurses.
Can I color my hair if I am going through treatment or think I am pregnant?
During the first two weeks of each IVF cycle, hair coloring is allowed. However, from mid-cycle on, including waiting to find out if you are pregnant, it is best to wait until after 12 weeks to receive a hair color treatment.
Can I get my nails done if I am going through treatment or think I am pregnant?
Having a manicure or wearing artificial nails will not cause any harm during IVF treatment or pregnancy, but make sure your nails are treated in a well-ventilated area.
Can I travel during my IVF treatment?
No. It is imperative during the monitoring phase of your treatment cycle that you be available for multiple appointments to assess the growth of your follicles. Our nursing staff can work with you to plan for these at one of our eight in-vitro fertilization clinics (Beaumont, The Woodlands, Houston, Willowbrook, Tomball, Katy, Sugar Land, Medical Center, and Clear Lake).
When can we have intercourse after embryo transfer and if I am pregnant?
After embryo transfer, we ask that you refrain from intercourse until your pregnancy test, which is approximately 14 days later. If you are pregnant, as long as you are not experiencing bleeding or discomfort, intercourse is okay after we are able to detect the baby’s heartbeat. This will be approximately two weeks after your positive pregnancy test.
Is the egg retrieval process painful?
No, not generally. It lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and IV sedation is administered so that you will not be awake. Some patients have mild cramping after the procedure and are discharged with a prescription for pain medication.
Is there a higher risk of birth defects with a child born from IVF?
The simple answer is no. Children born from IVF are no more inclined to any particular birth defect than those conceived naturally.
When will I be able to tell if I am pregnant?
A pregnancy test is scheduled 14 days after the embryo transfer.
How long will I stay with the practice once I am pregnant?
Typically, you will not be discharged to your Ob-Gyn until 8 to10 weeks into your pregnancy. You will have several blood tests and ultrasounds to determine the development of the pregnancy before you are released.
Contact Our IVF Center in Texas
When you visit our in-vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic serving Houston, The Woodlands, Beaumont and other Texas communities, you will receive all of the information you need to make educated decisions regarding your care. Schedule an appointment at Houston Fertility Institute today.
