The fertility treatment of many causes of infertility revolves around a concept to increase cycle fecundity. Cycle fecundity is the likelihood of a pregnancy resulting in any given menstrual cycle. Treatments that increase cycle fecundity can be applied to a multitude of pathologic conditions. These treatments accelerate the "fertility curve" and may improve the otherwise protracted curve of patients with unexplained infertility. Take a look at the various treatment guides at San Diego Fertility Center.

• About SDFC
• Fertility Library
• Treatment Guides
• Patient Care
• SDFC Community
• Contact Us
• Site Center

Treatment Guides

Diagnosis

IVF

Egg Donation

Surrogacy

Tubal Reversal

IUI

Out-of-Town Patients

Video Collection

 

SDFC IVF Example Calendar Infertility Treatment Guides

Please note: Each case is different, but we hope to will give you an idea about the timeline of the program.

Download your Own Copy of the Calendar (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

• IVF Example Calendar

IVF Treatment Preparation

Initial Consult with Dr. Hummel or Dr. Kettel (phone or in person)
Discussion of patient's history and establishment of treatment plan

Financial
Consult to review costs and financial plans available

Pre-Cycle Lab Work
Blood tests, semen analysis, uterine assessment, additional lab work if necessary (this may take one month to complete).

Starting IVF Treatment

Starting IVF Treatment
Week 1
Day 1 on menstrual cycle Call office to set up IVF consult with nurse	Day 2 on menstrual cycle	Day 3 on menstrual cycle	Day 4 on menstrual cycle Start oral contraceptives (OCP)	Day 5 on menstrual cycle OCP	Day 6 on menstrual cycle OCP	Day 7 on menstrual cycle OCP
Week 2
OCP Be on the pill anywhere from 10 days to 5 wks depending on patient's schedule.
Week 3
OCP You will be told when to stop pills at IVF Consult IVF Consult anywhere from week 2 to week 4. Injection class scheduled.
Week 1 of Injections
OCP	OCP				Blood test, ultrasound & start FSH	FSH
Week 2 of Injections
FSH	FSH	FSH	FSH Blood test & ultrasound	FSH	FSH Blood test & ultrasound	FSH
Week 3 of Injections
FSH Blood test & ultrasound	Hcg Injections	No injections	TVA Start Progesterone		Day 2-5 Transfer then bedrest	72 hours of bedrest after transfer
Week 4 and after
Pregnancy test 2 weeks after transfer OB Ultrasound 2 weeks after pregnancy test Stop all medication at 5 or 8 weeks (we will instruct you).

Note: The calendar shown above is an example of how an IVF cycle may evolve. It is possible that the ovarian stimulation process is shorter or longer than above depending on your response. A Day3 or Day5 (blastocyst) transfer will be based on the embryo development. A pregnancy test is performed 14 days past transfer.

Key to Calendar

Blood and ultrasound = blood test for hormone levels and transvaginal ultrasound to measure follicle development in ovaries.

Lupron = subcutaneous injection of a medication called Lupron. Taken once daily.

FSH = subcutaneous injection of a medication containing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and lutenizing hormone (LH), which causes growth and egg development in women. Plan 10-14 days of FSH/LH injections.

Ovidrel/HCG injection = intramuscular injection of a medication called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, final maturation of oocytes (eggs) prior to retrieval.

Progesterone = intramuscular injection of progesterone oil, which helps to prepare a receptive uterine lining for embryo implantation. Supports a pregnancy.

Ganirelex Acetate/Antagon - Cetrotide = prevents ovulation and is started 5-8 days after FSH start.

Last updated: January 4, 2006
Authors: Dr. William Hummel, Dr. Michael Kettel & Kelly Dei