| You have been trying your best to conceive a baby | | | | during the procedure, be sure to interact with your |
| using the natural method for so long now and still | | | | reproductive endocrinologist, the nurses and their |
| nothing happened. So, you decided to investigate | | | | other colleagues by getting to know them well. |
| other fertility options as an opportunity to become | | | | 6. How many embryos are being transferred during in |
| pregnant. You have already interviewed a couple of | | | | vitro fertilization? |
| fertility physicians and chose one accordingly. Now | | | | If you undergo IUI procedure, you should know the |
| that you already have a reproductive endocrinologist, | | | | largest number of follicles before they could erase |
| there is still a need to gather information before you | | | | them. If you use injections, the number of follicles is |
| begin. If you are unfamiliar with medical terminology, | | | | also important. Every reproductive endocrinologist has |
| the whole process can be intimidating. You will be less | | | | different protocol and the number of follicles or |
| nervous and more confident if you know the | | | | embryos transferred varies for every patient. |
| procedures and how it really works. | | | | 7. What are the risks for twins or more babies? |
| Here are ten very important questions you need to | | | | This includes the possibility of double or higher-order |
| ask your reproductive endocrinologist before starting: | | | | multiple pregnancy and the risks to the health of |
| 1.Does your reproductive endocrinologist offer clinical | | | | mothers and babies. Ask your fertility specialist how |
| trials? | | | | to minimize these risks so you can also prepare for |
| Fertility treatment is very expensive and not covered | | | | them. |
| by insurance in most states. Ask what are the | | | | 8. What are the possible causes of the withdrawal of |
| conditions for eligibility for a clinical trial. If you qualify, | | | | treatment? |
| inquire how you can participate. Also, ask your | | | | It is advisable to ascertain the possibility that the |
| fertility doctor for possibilities for cancellation of trials. | | | | treatment may be revoked. Talk to your fertility |
| 2.What are the possible side effects of the drugs | | | | specialist about the possible reasons for this to occur |
| that are going to be used in the treatment? | | | | so you can prepare for it. |
| It is important to understand that all drugs used have | | | | 9. Does your reproductive endocrinologist encourage |
| possible side effects. There are drugs that act as | | | | or recommend complementary or alternative |
| hormone agonists used to reduce the production of | | | | medicine? |
| hormones from the pituitary gland but may also | | | | Studies have shown that some forms of alternative |
| weaken the bones, which may lead to bone | | | | medicine can increase the success rate of fertility |
| fractures. The fertility doctor must discuss in detail | | | | treatments. Ask if your fertility doctor has a |
| the description and purpose of each medication | | | | reference list for these types of treatment. If not, |
| including its side effects. | | | | coordinate with them about other fertility options. |
| 3. How is the procedure going to be done? | | | | 10. What outside resources do your fertility specialist |
| Let the fertility specialist discuss as much as possible | | | | recommend? |
| the steps involve in the treatment plan. Ask the | | | | Your reproductive endocrinologist may know some |
| fertility specialist to give you a timetable, agenda, | | | | outside resources that you do not know about. Ask |
| program for medicines, dates, names, and the | | | | for recommendations about these resources aside |
| operation to be performed at each appointment. It | | | | from the magazines, books and support groups that |
| would be particularly useful if it will be in writing in | | | | the clinic offers. |
| order to have enough time at home and read. | | | | The desire to become pregnant is often taxing and |
| 4. Who will be your point of contact? | | | | can become too stressful for women and their |
| Find out who will answer your questions. During your | | | | partners. Learning its process and gathering |
| in vitro fertilization procedure, ask questions about | | | | information is helpful in overcoming this difficult stage. |
| the program of nursing and medicines. If you can | | | | The more you know, the less nervous you become. |
| identify the right person to contact, it is more likely | | | | Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a stupid |
| to get a quicker response. | | | | question. Voicing out your concerns before starting |
| 5. Who performs the procedures? | | | | the cycle can help alleviate anxiety during the |
| Before doing the actual fertility tests and treatment, | | | | treatment. |
| determine who will perform the procedures. Also | | | | |