Frequently Asked Questions

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Understanding IVF:

1. What is Preimplantion Genetic Testing (PGD/PGS)?
2. What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)?
3. What is meant by the biological clock or ovarian reserve?
4. What is surrogacy?

Policies and Procedures at Zouves Fertility Center:

1. Are the procedures involved in IVF painful and am I awake during these procedures?
2. How do I manage stress, grief and loss during a cycle?
3. What is the attitude of ZFC to alternative treatments like acupuncture and Chinese herbs?
4. What is the policy of ZFC on storing embryos for patients?
5. What can be done with our frozen embryos if we choose not to do another cycle?

Success Rates and Age Factors:

1. How successful is IVF?
2. What is the success rate with frozen/thawed embryos?
3. What are the options for women over 40 years of age?
4. I am 32 years of age I have been told that my eggs are of poor quality. I produced more than 20 eggs in my last IVF cycle and was hospitalized with severe abdominal pain and swelling. Can so many eggs all be bad?
5. I have endometriosis, does this affect my fertility and can it affect the success with IVF?

Fertility Medications:

1. What are the side effects of IVF medications on babies?
2. What are the side effects of medications used in IVF on patients?

Getting started and Testing:

1. What information do I need to gather before setting up an appointment with ZFC?
2. What routine testing is required prior to IVF at ZFC?
3. What testing of the immunological system is performed and what are the possible treatments?
4. Which injectable fertility medications are used by Zouves Fertility Center?
5. How do out of state patients do IVF cycles at Zouves Fertility?

Special Circumstances:

1. I have done five cycles of IVF and on three occasions my pregnancy test was negative while two cycles showed a low positive that never progressed to a pregnancy. What is wrong?
2. Can fibroids interfere with IVF?
3. I am 34 years of age and have been told that I have premature ovarian failure. My periods stopped completely about two years ago and my FSH level is 55. Can you help?