How Can I Tell if I am Infertile?

Approximately 85% of healthy young heterosexual couples are able to conceive after a year of trying. Similarly, around 93% are normally successful beyond the second year. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse.

This assumption has since been altered to now take age into consideration. Apparently, women over 35 may be considered infertile if they fail to conceive after attempting for a period of 6 months. Thee are some experts that reduce that figure by 50% for three months where women are aged 40 and above.

How Can I tell The Difference Between Infertility and Sterility?

Individuals who are considered infertile, is not able to conceive children. Usually a diagnosis is provided through examination, which will conclude that there is no sperm production therefore, ovulation cannot occur.

If the couple is diagnosed as infertile, the specialist will perform additional tests to determine the cause. Today, there are various technological advances, which make possible for infertile couples to conceive children.

Would it Be Best to Seek Professional Treatment For Infertility?

Most individuals and couple that undergo IVF treatments, usually do so after failing to conceive for over 12 months. Some others with known risk factors commonly seek treatment a lot sooner. Some reasons include:

• The female partner or spouse is over 35 years old
• Either partner has previous injuries or has been diagnoses with infertility issues
• A family history of genetic disorders
• No assistance has been received through inducing ovulation or infertility treatments
• The female has previously experienced various unsuccessful pregnancy attempts

So, I Have Received Diagnosis as Infertile, Will I Need IVF Treatment?

Not necessarily. Many couples find that conception can be achieved with the aide of medications and or fertility drugs. A smaller percentage of infertile couples require advanced treatments like IVF, GIFT (gamate intrafallopian transfer), ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and egg donation.

What are the Tests I Need To Have Performed Prior To Treatment?

Before an IVF recipient can be matched with an egg donor, there are some tests, which must be carried out:

FEMALE                                                                             MALE

CMV                                                                                     Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B                                                                         Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C                                                                         HIV
HIV                                                                                       Semen Analysis
Syphillis                                                                              Blood Type
Rubella
Blood Type
Baseline scan or HSG

NOTE: These tests must be 12 months old or less at the time of treatment

Who are The Egg Donors?

The egg donors are women aged between 18 – 30 years of age. Many of them are between 21 – 28 years old and are often either graduates or students. Their body weight will be normal, and medical and genetic history would be healthy. Will be tested negative for all the infectious disease screening performed. There is a rule that donors are not allowed to donate more than three times.

How Will The Egg Donor Be Selected?

You are required to complete a donor characteristic application, which is will be documented as the characteristics you would prefer the donor to have. This information will be used to supply you with a list of donors that match your preferred criteria as well as blood groups.

You will then be able to select your first choice and also a reserve donor. This will allow a little flexibility, while avoiding delays in case your first donor choice doesn’t produce enough eggs or for any other reason, decides to withdraw from the program.

How Can I Be Sure The Donation Will Be Safe?

All donor eggs will be screened prior to being accepted. Baseline blood work and ultrasounds are carried out to determine the hormone levels, absence of drug or substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and also her physical eligibility to undergo follicle stimulation and egg retrieval. When indicated, genetic screening, to determine whether the donor carries a genetically transmitted disease.

The Criteria For Egg Donor Selection Includes:

· Less than 30 years old
· Donor has two ovaries
· FSH level no more than 8IU/L
· Donors BMI not more than 25
· No indication of previous ovarian surgery
· No previous family history of genetic illnesses
· No indicated history of infertility

In Addition, All Egg Donors are screened and MUST Be Clear of Any of The Following:

· Hepatitis B or C
· Chlamydia
· CMV
· Kidney Function
· Cystic Fibrosis Gene
· HIV
· Liver function
· Normal Chromosome Analysis
· Syphilis
· Total Blood Count

Will the Egg Donation Be Anonymous?

Yes. The clinics maintain a strict policy for anonymity with the best interests of all concerned or involved. Absolutely no identifying information or details will be provided to you about the egg donor. Similarly, the egg donor will never receive any details or information about you.

What Sort of Information is Permitted About the Egg Donor?

You can receive information about the donor such as:

· Age
· Hair color
· Body build
· Weight
· Height
· Education
· Eye Color
· Amount of children they have (if applicable)
· Country of origin (ethnicity)

Are There Any Side Effects From the Medication Used During My IVF Treatment Cycle?

During your down regulation, you might experience hot flashes, headaches, or even mood swings. However, when you begin your course of stimulating injections these side effects should subside, but you could experience “twinges” in your ovaries and feel a little bloated.

Can I Have a Pregnancy Test Earlier Than 2 Weeks Following Embryo Transfer?

It is advisable to that you perform a pregnancy test at least 2 weeks after the transfer of embryo in order to avoid false results. It is also recommended that you test using an early morning urine sample.

Can I Drink Alcohol Beverages During Treatment?

There is evidence that alcoholic beverages can reduce fertility in women and men. It’s advisable to stay away from alcohol or keep the intake to a minimum.

Would it Be Okay To Dye My Hair or Use Spray Tans During Treatment?

Your hairdresser may be your best source for questions about using certain hair products during early stages of pregnancy. A reputable establishment should be able to offer you good advice.

I Have Received Antibiotics From My Doctor Would it Be Okay To Take Them During My Treatment?

If your doctor is aware that you are receiving IVF treatments, he/she will most likely prescribe medications, which are safe to consume during pregnancy. However, if your doctor isn’t aware, you need to inform him/her that you might be pregnant.

Will it Be Okay To Get My Flu Jab During Treatment?

No. It’s not advisable to have a flu shot during the course of your treatment.

Can I Use Therapies, Which are Complementary During Treatment?

According to the clinics, there is no evidence to say it is harmful, however it is suggested that you consult with your therapist to advise that you might be pregnant as the use of certain aromatherapy oils is NOT advisable during pregnancy.

Will I Need To Take Time off Work During Treatment?

No. It will not be necessary to take time off work during your treatment.

What is the Success Rate For Treatment Clinics in Your Network?

The IVF clinics in our network, regularly achieve high pregnancy rates due to the combination of high quality oocytes and the expertise of the highly experienced specialists, nurses, embryologists and other laboratory staff. The treatment programs usually achieve excellent results and currently expected pregnancy rates are above 71%.