Conceptions & Misconceptions (frequently asked questions)

1. What is In Vitro Fertilization?
   Please see IVF in our services section.
   
   
2. What is ICSI?
   ICSI is an acronym to describe intracytoplasmic Sperm injection. Please see our services section.
   
   
3. What does CReATe stand for?
   CReATe represents Canadian Reproductive Assisted Technology.
   
   
4. How much does it cost to do an IVF cycle?
   The cost can vary regarding what type of treatment is required. Please see our cost section.
   
   
5. What information do I need prior to setting up an appointment at CReATe?
   You will need a referral letter from your physician along with any documents relating to your infertility that you or your physician have. i.e. Operative reports, semen analysis, hysterosalpingogram reports, previous IVF cycles cycles. It would also be helpful to include address and phone numbers (home and work) so we can contact you with an appointment.
   
   
6. Are the Procedures for IVF painful? Will I be awake during the procedure?
   Our desire is to make your IVF procedure as comfortable as possible. We use adequate pain relief and also have the nitrous oxide (laughing gas) available should you require or request it. You will be awake for the procedure but will be in a "twilight sedated state".
   
   
7. I am a single woman. Am I able to access services at your Clinic?
   Yes. We are a full service clinic and offer services to all. We have access to various sperm banks and will help you make the right decision for you.
   
   
8. I am involved in a same-sex relationship. Am I able to access services at your clinic?
   Yes. We have full services available and several sperm banks for you to choose a suitable donor. You will also be able to use in vitro fertilization procedures if they are indicated.
   
   
9. Can fibroids affect my chances at IVF?
   The physician will evaluate your fibroids and recommend whether surgical intervention is required prior to your IVF cycle. The physician may also do a sonohysterogram to determine if the fibroid is distorting your uterus lining. If the fibroid extends into the uterus lining, it is generally thought that your success in IVF will be lessened if it is not removed.
   
   
10. I have been told that My FSH is elevated. What does this mean and what can I do?
    This is a blood test that generally is done on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle. It will give an indication of how well your ovaries are functioning for fertility purposes. If your FSH is elevated, you may not respond well to fertility drugs and therefore you may not be a candidate for IVF. Your physician will advise you regarding the steps to take regarding treatment. You may be advised to consider the donor egg program if your FSH remains consistently elevated.
    
    
11. I am over 40 years old. What are my options?
    The physician will do complete hormonal blood work to determine if your ovaries are still working for fertility purposes. You may or may not respond to the fertility drugs. Fertility decreases as you get older and there is a high rate of miscarriage and genetically abnormal babies. However pre-natal testing is available to detect these abnormalities prior to births.
    
    
12. What does CReATe do with extra embryos if I develop too many for transfer?
    You will be given a report on the quality and number of embryos which will be discussed with you on the day of your transfer. You are the most important member of the CReATe team. You will decide with your physician how many embryos you want to be transferred to your uterus. Any extra embryos can be frozen for use at a later time. If you get pregnant or don't get pregnant, these embryos can be thawed at a future date either for another child or to try again without the need for doing the entire process of IVF.
    
    
13. What are the side effects of medication? What drugs will I be taking?
    The fertility drugs will stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple follicles (egg sacs). You may feel bloated as these follicles grow and even somewhat nauseous towards the end of the cycle.
    The physician will custom order your medications depending on you age, diagnosis and treatment plan. Generally for IVF, you will be required to take daily injections of the drugs. We can teach you how to self inject these medications or we can teach your partner. You may also have them done at our clinic or a walk-in clinic.
    
    
14. Will my drug plan pay for the drugs?
    Each drug plan has their own specific rules so it is wise to check with your drug plan BEFORE starting treating. Some plans will cover up to a certain number of cycles, or up to a certain dollar value per cycle or lifetime, while other drug plans do not cover fertility drugs at all. We are happy to provide you with the DIN's (drug identification numbers) to submit to your plan to pre-authorize your drugs.
    
    
15. What does a blastocyst embryo transfer mean?
    Blastocyst embryo transfer means transferring the embryos to your uterus 5 days after fertilization. Please see services.
    
    
16. Does CReATe do Gestational Carrier?
    Yes, CReATe will help when a gestational carrier is needed. We do not provide the gestational carrier but can put you in touch with an organization that can help you locate a carrier or you may find a carrier of your own (sister, cousin, friend, etc.) We can co-ordinate the necessary steps for preparing the gestational carrier's uterine lining to match the timing of your retrieval.
    
    
17. My husband has been told he has extremely low sperm count. Can you still help me?
    A careful evaluation of your partner will be done including bloodwork and semen analysis. We also work closely with several urologists who may be able to suggest various options. At times, it is necessary to do testicular biopsies or sperm aspirations. These would be synchronized to the timing of an IVF cycle and ICSI would be performed.
    
    
18. How long does a IVF cycle take? How many days of work will I need to take off?
    Generally an IVF cycle takes about 2-3 weeks. You are only required to come to the clinic on some of these days. If you live far from the clinic we may be able to arrange some of the monitoring to be done near where you live but you would need to be here near the end of your cycle. It would be necessary to be off from work on the day of the retrieval.
    If you are from out of town or out of the country, we can suggest reasonably priced accommodations close to the clinic.
    
    
19. I want to be an egg donor. Does your clinic need my services? How old do I need to be?
    Yes. Please call or write to us and we can provide you with all the information needed. You need to be healthy, between 20 and 30 years old and know your complete family medical history. Being an egg donor is a special gift to people who are unable to use their own eggs for various reasons. We are always happy to discuss the process with you if you are interested.
    
    

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