FAQ

Is it time for me to see a fertility specialist?

If you have a known cause of infertility such as irregular or absent menses, an abnormal semen analysis, history of endometriosis, or blocked fallopian tubes, it is recommended that you see an infertility specialist as soon as pregnancy is desired. If all else is normal, in a woman < 35 years of age and healthy, it is fine to wait up to 1 year before seeing a fertility doctor. If a woman is 35 years of age or older, it is recommended to see a fertility specialist after 6 months of unprotected intercourse. At the age of 40, it is appropriate to seek fertility consultation immediately since time is so limited.

Isn’t infertility a "women's problem?"

Approximately 40% of infertility is due to a female factor and 40% is due to a male factor, such as a low sperm count. In the balance of cases, infertility results from a combination of problems in both partners, or the cause of the infertility is not easily explained.

How often should we have intercourse?

It is advisable to have intercourse every other day around the time of ovulation. That means that for women with a 28 day cycle, relations should occur on Days 12, 14, and 16.  Remember, every woman is different and every cycle is different, and you may not ovulate exactly on “Day 14.” To increase your chances of the egg becoming fertilized, do not douche or use lubricants immediately before having intercourse.

Can I be monitored during treatment in your Cranford, Princeton or Edison offices?

Yes, we have staff available for drawing your blood and performing ultrasounds in all 3 offices each morning. Just let us know which site is more convenient for you. Note: only our Edison location is open on weekends.

Is there any one position that is more effective than another?

There is not any one position that is more favorable to make a baby than another.

Who do I call if I have a problem/question/run out of medication after hours?

If you have a problem, question, or concern that can’t wait till the next morning, or if you run out of medications after hours, call our office at 732-339-9300 and choose the emergency line option to be connected to our on-call doctor.  If your situation can wait until the following morning, please leave a voice mail, and we will get back to you the following business day.

DOES MY Husband/PARTNER NEED TO ATTEND THE FIRST VISIT?

We always prefer that your partner attend the first visit with you, if possible. If he can’t make it for the first visit, we will look forward to meeting him in a later office visit.

WHAT IF I AM NOT MARRIED, IN A SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIP OR SINGLE AND DESIRE PREGNANCY?

We would love to treat you at ARM for any and all of your reproductive needs.

Will you call me with my test results?

Same-day lab results for actively cycling patients are generally available in the afternoon. Our Coaches will call you with treatment instructions by 4 PM on weekdays and 2 PM on weekends. Please have your mobile phone nearby and voice mail available. If you don’t answer, we will leave verbal instructions on voicemail unless otherwise instructed.

How long does the IVF process take?

The IVF process typically takes about 4-6 weeks. There is a 10 day time period where frequent ultrasounds, blood testing and the egg retrieval occur in the morning. It would be necessary to be off from work on the day of the retrieval.

IS IVF BE THE ONLY TREATMENT AVAILABLE?

IVF is recommended only for some patients. Every case is different. We like to tailor treatment to your specific needs, and more often than not, pregnancy can be achieved with simple treatment options like fertility pills or IUI.

DO I NEED TO LIE DOWN AFTER SEX?

This is not needed. Sperm swim very quickly and a period of rest is not thought to be necessary. Elevation of the hips, legs, etc. is also not necessary.

If my frozen embryos are with another clinic, can I send them to ARM for my embryo transfer?

If you have frozen embryos at another facility, you can have them shipped to us to undergo a frozen-thawed embryo transfer. This is commonly done across the country and can be arranged through our IVF Laboratory staff.

Does excess weight affect fertility?

Weight certainly plays a role in fertility.  There are multiple studies showing a decline in pregnancy rates with increasing weight and obesity.  In addition, the miscarriage rates are higher.  Excess weight loss with lifestyle intervention through diet and exercise is typically recommended. Even losing 5% of your body weight can be helpful.

I’m already seeing a fertility doctor. Am I allowed to get a second opinion?

Considering a second opinion is a good idea if you’ve already undergone failed treatment cycles at another IVF program or have questions or concerns regarding your current fertility care. Call us for an appointment and bring your current medical records. We’ll be glad to review them and will provide a better understanding of your treatment options.

I AM OVER 40 YEARS OLD. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Fertility decreases as you get older and there is a higher rate of miscarriage and genetically abnormal embryos. Your ARM physician will do complete ovarian reserve testing early in your evaluation. This will include antral follicle count, as well as blood FSH and AMH tests that help determine if your ovarian reserve is adequate. You may or may not respond well to fertility drugs based on these tests. However, pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS or CCS) is available that will identify age-related chromosome abnormalities in embryos prior to transfer into the uterus. If chromosomally balanced embryos are available after testing, your chance of pregnancy is quite favorable!

WHAT DOES A BLASTOCYST EMBRYO TRANSFER MEAN?

Blastocyst embryo transfer means transferring the embryos to your uterus 5 days after fertilization. This means that if eggs are collected on Monday, the blastocyst transfer occurs on the following Saturday.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH EXTRA EMBRYOS from my IVF cycle?

The IVF Lab Team will give you a report on the quality and number of embryos produced from your IVF cycle. Any extra embryos above those transferred to your uterus can be frozen for use at a later time. These frozen embryos can be thawed at a future date to produce another baby without the need for an entire fresh IVF cycle. That saves money and often allows multiple attempts to conceive from a single IVF cycle.