Treatment FAQ's
How long should I use Clomid before I
switch to Injectables/IUI?
Most pregnancies resulting from the use of
Clomid occur within 4-5 months of treatment. Some studies indicate that most of
these are within the first 3 months of treatment. Most Reproductive
Endocrinologists will recommend switching to injectable medications after 3-4
Clomid cycles, or a maximum of 6 cycles for patients who are
anovulatory.
For anovulatory patients, treatment starts once an
ovulatory dose of Clomid is established. If ovulation does not occur using a
maximum dose of 200 mg/day, switching to injectable medications should be
considered.
How many times should I try IUI before moving on to
IVF?
After 3-4 cycles of injectable medications with IUI, the chance of
a successful IUI cycle is reduced significantly. IVF treatment would be the next
consideration.
If I have PCOS, can I get pregnant?
Yes,
patients with PCOS can get pregnant, but usually require our assistance.
Patients with PCOS need a full hormonal evaluation to determine which
medication(s) may be most appropriate for treatment. For most patients,
Clomiphene
Citrate (Clomid) is first line treatment to grow and ovulate an egg.
If this medication does not work, other strategies can then be used. Of note,
patients with PCOS have a higher incidence of miscarriages.
I produce
many eggs with IVF stimulation, is this unsafe?
Patients with PCOS have
a tendency to produce many follicles (egg sacs), when undergoing IVF
stimulation. When undergoing stimulation, we try to obtain 10-20 follicles, but
not so many that the patient is at high risk of severe hyperstimulation
syndrome (OHSS). Hyperstimulation syndrome occurs in almost all patients
undergoing IVF, in a mild to moderate form. Severe hyperstimulation occurs in
1-2% of IVF patients. We can manage most symptoms of hyperstimulation by
performing office procedures (fluid hydration, pain medications, removing fluid
from belly). Very rarely does a patient have to be admitted to the
hospital.
I have a "hydrosalpinx", will that affect my IVF chances?
We now know that a hydrosalpinx (dilated
and blocked fallopian tube) will decrease pregnancy chances. Most studies
indicate a 50% decrease in pregnancy chance. However, if the hydrosalpinx
is/are removed, or if the proximal portion of the tube is clipped (like a tubal
ligation), then pregnancy chances are restored. This surgery can usually be
done laparoscopically; most general gynecologists can do this surgery. |  | Fertility Specialists of
Dallas
Phone: 214.750.5500
Presbyterian Hospital of
Dallas
8230 Walnut Hill Lane Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75231
Click here for
Directions
Presbyterian Hospital of Plano
6300 W.
Parker Rd
Bldg II, Suite 424
Plano, TX 75093
Click here for
Directions
Texarkana Satellite
1002 Texas Blvd Suite 401
Texarkana, TX 75503
903.793.5500
Click here for Directions |
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