FAQs Archive - IVF Phoenix

Q: Does my Spouse/Partner need to attend the initial New Patient TeleMed Appointment with me?

We believe that the spouse/partner is critical to supporting the process you will be going through. Although it is not mandatory that your partner attend, the first appointment is designed to evaluate the history of both patient and partner in order to best determine possible underlying causes of infertility. Approximately 40% of infertility is related to men, we believe it is important that we address both the woman and man efficiently. We also request that your spouse/partner complete new patient forms at the same time so there is no delay in any diagnostic testing.

Q: How does one secure or recruit an Egg Donor?

An egg donor can be someone who is either known to the recipient couple or anonymous. A known egg donor can be anyone who is not closely related to the male partner who will be providing the sperm. An egg donor CAN be related to the female partner. Sisters, nieces, cousins or even daughters from previous partners are acceptable candidates to be a known egg donor . If a couple does not have a suitable known egg donor or does not feel comfortable with a known egg donor then they can try to find an anonymous egg donor . There are many resources for finding an anonymous egg donor. Many of our patients are choosing to recruit their own egg donors by placing advertisements in local newspapers or by placing signs up at local colleges or beauty salons. Some of our recipients have found potential egg donors on the internet and still others will use an egg donor agency (though this is a very expensive option).

Q: How does egg donation work exactly?

Egg donation is a modification of the process of IVF. There are several steps involved. Recruitment of an egg donor Screening / testing of the egg donor Synchronization of the egg donor and recipient, but most commonly these days, is to freeze all embryos, then return for frozen embryo transfer. In woman 35 year and older, we are recommending biopsy and PGS, and freeze all embryos. Stimulation of the egg donor with fertility medication and preparation of the recipient uterus Retrieval of the egg donor ‘s eggs Fertilization and culture of the egg donor ‘s eggs Transfer of the embryos into the recipient’s uterus

Q: What about environmental male factors?

Many researchers believe environmental causes explain an ongoing decline in make infertility. Exposure to toxic substances can be harmful, as can exposure of the genitals to elevated temperatures (such as with hot baths, whirlpools or steam rooms), Also problematic is in-utero exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic form of estrogen, the female hormone. Finally, men facing the burden of a cancer diagnosis should be aware of the negative effects on fertility of medical treatments such as surgery or radiation. Behavioral male factors A higher risk of male infertility is tied to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, using alcohol or illicit drugs, and being overweight. Other behavioral factors are having certain past or present infections or taking medications for ulcers, psoriasis, depression or high blood pressure. Get help with male factors Infertility challenges are frustrating, but we can address all the factors associated with male infertility. Call us today at (602)765-2229 or email us at info@ivfphoenix.com to learn more and get tested. We’ll give you all the information and assistance you need to achieve your goal of starting a family or adding another child.

Q: What are Male Infertility Risk Factors?

Infertility isn’t solely a women’s challenge. At IVF Phoenix ™ we want you to understand male infertility factors, which account for half of all cases, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Sperm disorders – the most common male infertility factor Difficulties making healthy sperm can cause male infertility. There may be too few sperm or sperm may be immature, abnormally shaped or unable to swim. Several causes of sperm disorders are commonly reported in men who experience male infertility. Infections or inflammatory conditions such as having the mumps after puberty Hormone or pituitary gland irregularities Immune problems that generate antibodies against sperm Genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation Men who have had groin injuries or surgeries either as an adult, or when they were children Men who have taken anabolic steroids, most notably testosterone Structural or inherited male factors can cause issues Anything blocking the genital tract can hamper the flow of semen. Some items that our fertility specialists or urologists look for: A history of a sexually transmitted disease that causes infection or inflammation Scar tissue from surgery or twisted or swollen veins in the scrotum Liver or kidney disease Treatment for seizure disorders Any trauma to the testicles, or a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery A history of undescended testicles Medication history, most notably the use of testosterone Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder Certain medical conditions such as tumors or chronic illnesses such as sickle cell disease

Q: Many individuals assume that the term “fertility” relates specifically to women.

However, nearly one-third of all infertility cases are related to male factors such as low sperm concentration, poor motility, and abnormal sperm shape. While some men require treatment for their infertility, there are a number of things you can do on a daily basis to boost your male fertility naturally.

Q: What if I don't respond to the drugs for ovarian stimulation?

A response to ovarian stimulation depends on a number of different factors, the most important include available eggs, appropriate hormone levels, proper administration of any medications and lifestyle/environmental factors. In order to respond to ovarian stimulation, a woman must have eggs available to respond; this is sometimes referred to as ovarian reserve. If a woman has diminished ovarian reserve (identified by high blood levels of follicle stimulation hormone (FSH), low blood levels of Anti Müllerian Hormone (AMH) or a low antral follicle count on ultrasound), she may not have as robust (or any) response to stimulation. For these patients, an alternate stimulation protocol may be tried or donated eggs may be used (from a woman known or unknown to the patient). It is possible that a woman does have the necessary eggs but lacks the appropriate pituitary hormones to respond. In this case, using a different medication- one which may contain both FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) may allow for an optimal response. Lifestyle factors can also affect a woman’s response to stimulation. Optimizing weight, diet and stress and cessation of use of tobacco, alcohol and recreational substances can also improve a response to ovarian stimulation.

Q: If I live out-of-town or internationally, how often will I need to visit IVF Phoenix™? How long will I need to stay?

IVF Phoenix™ requires out of town egg donors or recipients to visit our clinic initially, then if coordinated efficiently and if there is good offsite monitoring, we can expect the patient, to be seen by us at the end of the stimulation cycle, or at the peak of estrogen administration for endometrial development. Unlike many other clinics, mock cycles are not necessarily required. Depending on your circumstances, you will most likely need to be here for five to nine days. This is something your donor egg/ART coordinator will help determine. One option that some couples choose is to have the male partner visit IVF Phoenix™ for sperm collection prior to the couple’s visit for the woman’s cycle. This option requires the man to travel to IVF Phoenix™ one time, and the couple to travel to IVF Phoenix™ one time.

Q: Can I exercise while I’m undergoing IVF treatment?

Yes, but you should refrain from high-impact exercise and opt for workouts such as walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling during IVF treatment. Leading up to the beginning of the IVF cycle you may exercise as you normally do, but as you get closer to the egg retrieval we will ask that exercise be modified for health and safety reasons.

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