Question: What is IVF?
Join Dr. Aimee for The IVF ClassQuestion: What is a person’s success rate for IVF?
- How many cycles is it going to take to get the family size they want at the age of starting IVF.
Question: Will I need to be on Birth Control Pills before IVF?
Question: Do You Foresee Any Problems that Could Arise while going through IVF?
Yes, there are things that you can learn throughout the cycle.
For Example: Say you show up for your baseline ultrasound and find out there’s a cyst or that your estrogen is high. This would be a reason to pause and “not take off from that landing pad”. That’s okay! When your body gives you signs that it may not be the best cycle for IVF it’s best to listen! This is helpful information that we’re collecting and learning from to adjust your treatment as needed.
Another example is that at the time of the egg retrieval, you may not get as many eggs as you had wanted. You may also learn that the fertilization rate may not be as high, the embryo progression rate what you expected, or that the number of blastocysts was either not what you expected or absent. Finally, you may learn that you do not have any genetically normal embryos. Talking through these scenarios is so important. At the same time, sometimes the cycles that look the worst are the best because it just takes one egg and embryo that goes into a successful conception.
Question: Do you prefer day 3 or day 5 transfer?
Question: Do you do a mock transfer?
Question: Do you test the uterine wall to make sure it’s receptive? Can you also do a uterine scratch test?
Question: Intralipid therapy
Question: What sort of medication for IVF would you prescribe?
Question: Which pharmacies specifically do you work with?
Question: Which protocols do you prefer?
Question: Do I need to lose weight before my transfer?
Question: Do you ever transfer more than one embryo at a time?
Question: Do you recommend acupuncture during the cycle?
Question: How long will the IVF cycle take from day 1 to transfer?
Question: Does age matter in how soon you can repeat IVF after delivering?
Question: How soon after delivering can you do another round of IVF (if you have no embryos left)?
I tell patients to get their AMH checked, see what’s going on and maybe do another cycle as soon as 3 months after delivery. It’s a very good question as sometimes patients wait too late and as the biological clock ticks, the quality and quantity of eggs may decrease.
Question: Are there any supplements you’d suggest I take during this time leading up to the transfer, after as well as into the pregnancy?
I highly recommend a prenatal vitamin, fish oil, and making sure your vitamin D levels are normal. You may also want to take probiotics before and during pregnancy.
Question: Can you offer some insight into what empty follicle syndrome is?
Empty follicle syndrome is an extremely rare genetic issue. But the most common reason behind not having eggs retrieved isn’t because the follicles were “empty” but rather from one of the four scenarios below:
- The woman has ovulated
- The trigger shot failed
- The eggs were super immature
- It was a cyst and not a follicle
Talking to your doctors about these possibilities is very important.
Question: What are your thoughts on genetic testing of embryos? I’m not convinced the chances or results are any different than naturally conceived pregnancies.
Great question. The choice to do genetic testing is a personal decision. It’s based on your age and your diagnosis. For example, if you had multiple miscarriages and you know they were genetically abnormal then genetic testing probably makes sense to do.
However, if you’re 29 years old and your egg quality looks good then you may not need or want to do genetic testing. The good news is that if you work with me you can test embryos that have been previously frozen whenever you determine the need to. Not all labs have the ability to do that so be sure to talk to your doctor ahead of time.
Question: What do women with thyroid disorders need to know when considering IVF? Do you treat them?
The answer is yes — I do treat women who have existing thyroid disorders. Checking someone’s TSH level is part of routine fertility care. We look at hormones and thyroid is one of them. That’s what the “H” of tusHy method stands for.
Question: I’m starting IVF due to severe male factor infertility. What questions should I be asking at this appointment since this is new territory for us?
Question #1: What can I do to make the sperm even better?
Question #2: Why is the sperm quality the way it is?
- Is it lifestyle induced? Is it heat exposure? What is causing the sperm abnormalities? Make sure you’ve seen a male fertility specialist or a urologist who can diagnose the abnormalities. Are there drugs or supplements to consider that can improve the sperm quality?
Question #3: Is the sperm DNA fragmentation very high?
These are questions you want to ask in advance of your cycle.
Question: If I had a reaction to estrogen that caused anxiety bad enough to send me to the ER, should I wait to try to conceive?
Yes. Listen to your body. Some patients have a reaction to estrogen and above all else, it’s important to give your body time. Going through IVF is an emotional process so talk to your doctor if any hormones are bothering you. There are other options.
Question: Have you ever had a patient with a psychiatric disorder and how do you handle this?
Yes. Part of the process is emotional and moods can fluctuate. Make sure you have your team established to help you as you go through the process. It does not prohibit you from going through IVF or becoming a mother.
Question: What can I do to help my partner through the IVF process?
A simple question to your partner can go a long way, “How can I help?” “What do you need?” Just make sure your partner knows that you’re there for them.
Having a supportive partner that you are aligned with and that’s part of your fertility team is essential.


Hi Dr. Aimee
I’ve heard that you should increase your protein intake in the 3 months prior and while stimming. is this true? I’ve been using vegan protein powder with natural sweeteners to boost my daily intake, is this ok or are even natural sweeteners detrimental to egg quality. sorry if you’ve already answered this on your show I’ve just not heard it covered.
Thanks
Hello I am 49 year’s old and for the past 12 months I am having regular periods!
All my life my period was terribly irregular .
Wot does this mean
I have no menapausal symtoms