FAQs
The following are questions that we have been asked many times. We hope you may find the answers of help:
Q. Are there any side effects of the medication used during my IVF treatment cycle?
A. During down-regulation you may experience headaches, hot flushes or mood swings.
When you start your stimulating injections these side effects should subside, but you may experience ‘twinges’ in your ovaries and feel bloated.
Q. Can I stop my down-regulation eg Buserelin, when I start my stimulating injections eg Menopur, Gonal F?
A. You must continue using your Buserelin throughout your cycle of IVF treatment. A member of the medical/nursing staff will advise you when to stop.
Q. Can I mix the Buserelin and my stimulating injection together?
A. You cannot mix your Buserelin and stimulating injection together in the same syringe. They need to be given as separate injections but can be given at the same time of day in different sites.
Q. Can I mix my Menopur/Gonal F the night before use and store in the fridge?
A. No. Your Menopur/Gonal F must be injected immediately after you have mixed it.
Q. Will the drugs make me put on weight?
A. You will not increase in weight, but once you commence your stimulating injection ie Menopur,Gonal F, you may feel a little bloated and experience lower abdominal swelling.
Q. What can I take for my period pains during down-regulation?
A. You may use Paracetamol for period pains.
Q. Do I have to have my stimulating injections at the same time each day?
A. It is advisable to administer your Menopur/Gonal F at approximately the same time each day. As you may need to attend your treatment unit for a scan, do not have your stimulating injection before the scan as your injection dose may be changed.
Q. Why can’t I book a cycle of treatment immediately following my clinic appointment?
A. Once the unit has received all your investigation results and your consent forms are completed and returned to the unit, a member of the nursing staff will advise you when you can arrange a cycle of treatment.
Q. Can I still have intercourse whilst on my drugs?
A. Intercourse is unrestricted until day nine of your stimulating injections.
Q. Why do I have to use a barrier form of contraception once I have commenced treatment?
A. If you should become pregnant naturally, the down-regulation drugs may increase the chances of miscarriage.
Q. Can I go abroad while having treatment?
A. No, it is not advisable.
Q. Can I book a holiday abroad straight after my treatment?
A. It is advisable not to travel abroad until your pregnancy is well established.
Q. Following embryo transfer do you recommend I use my cyclogest pessaries rectally or vaginally?
A. It is your personal choice whether you administer your pessaries rectally or vaginally. When using the pessaries vaginally you may experience a white discharge.
Q. Can I do a pregnancy test earlier than two weeks following embryo transfer?
A. It is advisable to perform a pregnancy test two weeks after embryo transfer to avoid false results. We also recommend you test using an early morning sample of urine.
Q. I am due to have a dental filling, can I have this done during treatment?
A. Yes, but it is advisable to inform your dentist of the possibility of your being pregnant. He will then decide whether dental treatment needs to be postponed or cancelled.
Q. Can I drink alcohol during treatment?
A. Excessive alcohol reduces fertility in both men and women. It is advisable to keep alcohol intake to below the recommended limits.
Q. Can I dye my hair/ use spray tans while having treatment?
A. Ask your hairdressers advice about using certain hair products in early pregnancy. A reputable tanning establishment should also be able to advise you
Q. My doctor has given me antibiotics, can I take them during treatment?
A. If your G.P is aware you are having IVF treatment he/she will prescribe antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy. If your doctor is not aware you are having IVF treatment inform him/her that you may be pregnant.
Q. Can I have my flu jab during treatment?
A. No, it is not advisable to have a flu vaccination during treatment.
Q. Can I go swimming during/after treatment?
A. During treatment it is a good way to keep fit. After treatment we would advise you not to go swimming for at least a week following your egg collection, to prevent the chance of infection occurring.
Q. Can I use complementary therapies during treatment?
A. We have no evidence to say it is harmful, but we would advise you to tell your therapist that you may be pregnant as the use of certain aromatherapy oils is not advisable during pregnancy.
Q. A family member is diagnosed with chicken pox while I am having treatment, what should I do?
A. You should telephone your treatment unit for medical advice.
Q. Do I need to take time off work during treatment?
A. You will be required to take time off work for the day of egg collection and you should not drive a car for 24 hours following intravenous sedation. The rest of treatment is performed on an Outpatient type basis.