FAQ - Clinical

How do I know which is Cycle Day 3?

The first day of real bleeding, not spotting, is considered cycle day 1; cycle day 3 is 2 days later.

Why is it OK to collect semen at home if you live within about 30 minutes of your office?

After ejaculation a semen sample must liquefy for about 30 minutes prior to lab processing. Delaying lab processing excessively after this interval will give poorer results. Specimens should be transported as close to body temperature as possible.

Can I have intercourse if I am pregnant?

There is no evidence that intercourse has any adverse effects on the pregnancy, but some patients prefer to err on the side of caution, and to refrain from having intercourse. The best advice is: if you’re concerned that intercourse may make you uncomfortable or cause bleeding, then it’s best to avoid it.

How long should I pursue a certain treatment plan prior to moving on to a different treatment?

The greatest chance for success with any plan is about 3–4 cycles. You should schedule a revisit every 4 months in advance to avoid delays in having a consultation.

Do fertility drugs cause cancer?

There’s no data to support the statement that fertility drugs cause cancer.

I don’t understand how to do my injections; what should I do?

We have designed our website to address these issues and have instructional videos/DVDs in our office to help you. We strongly recommend that you review this information before your cycle to help identify your questions and feel more comfortable. We often use mail order pharmacies for their convenience, and they often have a nurse on staff 24 hours a day to answer your medication questions.

Do I have to have an IUI?

Even if IUI is recommended for you, some patients aren’t comfortable with it for ethical or other reasons. Monthly pregnancy rates are higher with IUI compared with intercourse. If you don’t wish to have IUI, you’ll be asked to have intercourse during ovulation. For some patients, including couples having difficulty with intercourse, cervical mucous, and poor sperm count or motility, IUI will be a stronger part of our overall treatment plan, and we will encourage you to have this treatment.

Do most couples have an IUI?

Yes. Because IUI is a basic part of advanced reproductive treatments, most couples are advised to have this procedure.

How do I schedule my monitoring clinic appointment?

For your convenience, AlbanyIVF offers an open clinic with monitoring appointments all day, Monday-Friday in our Albany office.

On the first day of your menses, you must call the clinic scheduling line (518)434-9759, ext.401) to leave a message indicating the date for which you are scheduling clinic (cycle day 2,3 or 4). Your message should include a requested appointment time. A member of our staff will contact you only if this time is unavailable. Return calls are made between 9am-5pm, seven days a week.

Do I have to fast when I come in for bloodwork?

Generally, you don’t need to fast except when we’re drawing blood for certain hormones. You’ll be advised to fast if you need to do so.