We've tried to get pregnant for many years without success, what do we do?
Make an appointment with your general practitioner/doctor (GP) who can refer you to a specialist. Private clinics can be approached directly without a referral.
My doctor has referred me, where are we in the queue for treatment?
Most clinics have a waiting list. Usually the clinic will send you a letter informing you that your referral has been received and how long you are likely to wait until you receive an appointment. Waiting lists vary in length from clinic to clinic. Most clinics have a web site where they have updated information about the length of their waiting lists.
What can we do personally to help towards a successful treatment?
If you smoke, you should try to stop.
Try to lose some weight if you are overweight, see our PCOS brochure, or take a look at our web site for information.
A healthy, normal lifestyle is recommended.
Can acupuncture, zone therapy help?
There is no documented evidence to suggest that acupuncture and zone therapy are effective in helping towards pregnancy.
What about homeopathy and dietary supplements?
There are many herbs that have hormonal effects, but their effect towards pregnancy is unknown/unsure.
When is the first day of bleeding calculated?
The first day of good bleeding (not spotting) is always calculated as the first day of the monthly cycle.
Is it possible for us to have a normal sex-life during stimulation treatment?
Yes, up until the ovulation injection is given.
Will we have to stay in hospital for the treatment?
No, everything is done during daytime clinic.
Is it usual to need a sick note for work during treatment?
This is given during the egg-collecting period for those who require it (women only).
What is the difference between IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and ICSI (intra cytoplasmatic sperm injection)?
Both are artificial insemination treatments.
During IVF the egg is fertilised naturally by the sperm cell. The ICSI method requires that the sperm cell be injected into the egg by a bio-engineer. The type of method used depends on the results of earlier treatments and the quality of the sperm cells when tested.
How many fertilised eggs will be implanted?
Primarily one egg will be implanted, a maximum of 2, this is very individual for each couple. The age of the woman, the quality of the eggs and the amount of prior treatments (if any) are some of the factors taken into account.
Why only one fertilised egg?
This is to avoid the chance of a multiple pregnancy, which can give added complications to the pregnancy and birth.
What happens to the fertilised eggs that are not implanted?
Fertilised eggs (embryos) of good quality can be frozen for later use and new treatments within 5 years.
Smoking and alcohol?
Kan smoking reduce fertility?
It is documented that smoking can have a negative effect on the quality of the eggs in women and reduce the quality of sperm cells.
What about alcohol?
Moderate intake of alcohol during treatment has little effect to the results of the treatment, but we recommend that patients abstain from drinking during the treatment period. Alcohol is documented to be harmful to embryos and unborn foetuses.
High temperature can temporarily reduce sperm quality, for example having a fever, working in warm conditions, taking a sauna etc. This can be an important factor during treatment if the man has reduced sperm quality. In practice, this means that the testicles should not be subjected to high temperatures, especially 2 - 3 months prior to treatment.
Why does the fertilised egg not attach to the lining of the womb?
The main reason is usually a chromosome defect in the egg. A percentage of all eggs in healthy woman have a chromosome defect, this percentage increases with the women's age. Polyps and muscle knots (myeoms) in the womb can have an effect. These problems are usually diagnosed with the use of ultrasound and treated accordingly before treatment begins. There can be problems with the egg attaching if there are problems with the sperm cells.
Blood thinning products, can they help?
There are a number of studies being done. There is currently no evidence to suggest that these have any positive effect.
Bleeding during the use of spray (deregulating), what do we do if menstruation doesn't start?
Each clinic has it's own strategy. It's important to check for pregnancy.
Is it dangerous to become pregnant whilst using the nasal-spray?
No.
Nasal-spray and having a cold?
It is possible to use a salt water/usual nasal-spray for congestion 30 minutes before using the deregulating nasal-spray.
Why is it necessary with deregulating?
This is necessary to gain control over the body's own hormone production.
What does the deregulating do to my body?
It varies from person to person. Everyone deregulating is subjected to a false menopause, this can give some side effects such as headaches, hot flushes and swings in humour. The majority of people have no side effects.
Is the egg collection painful?
This varies, but some pain should be expected. The patient is awake for the egg collecting process and can tell the staff whether or not they are experiencing any pain at any time. Every patient is given pain relief.
How long prior to the egg collection should the last sperm ejaculation occur?
It is usual to recommend abstinence of between 2 - 5 days, but there is no concrete evidence to suggest that this has any effect on assisted fertilisation.
What effect do allergy medicaments, antibiotics and other medicines have?
They have no effect during the stimulation treatment, but if you become pregnant, you will have to seek advice from your doctor (GP).
What are the success rates?
30 - 40% get pregnant as a result of the first treatment, and approx. 60% after a third course of treatment. The success rates are individual and depend on age and other varying factors.
Should I do anything special after insemination?
Live normally, but avoid strenuous training/exercise. Moderate exercise is recommended however.
What about sex after insemination?
Live as normal. Use condoms.
When should I take a pregnancy test?
It is normally recommended to take a pregnancy test 14 days after insemination. If the test is taken too early however, the result can be false (e.g. a false negative or a false positive).
