IVF
In vitro fertilization typically includes medication and monitoring, egg retrieval when using a patient's own eggs, laboratory fertilization and embryo culture, then transfer planning or freezing.
Questions to ask
- Why IVF is being recommended in your case
- Which medications and monitoring are anticipated
- What the laboratory plan includes
- How transfer timing will be decided
ICSI
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is a laboratory fertilization technique in which a single sperm is injected into an egg. It may be discussed for specific clinical or laboratory reasons.
Questions to ask
- Why ICSI is being proposed
- Whether it is routine or based on a specific indication
- How it changes laboratory fees
Egg donation
Donor treatment adds clinical, screening, legal, matching and coordination questions beyond a standard IVF cycle.
Questions to ask
- How donors are screened and matched
- What records or information are available
- Which legal documents are used
- What happens if a cycle is delayed or cancelled
Embryo transfer
Transfer planning can involve fresh or frozen embryos, endometrial preparation and timing based on the treatment protocol.
Questions to ask
- Why fresh or frozen transfer is being recommended
- What monitoring is required
- What follow-up testing is expected
Fertility testing
Evaluation can involve both partners and may include blood work, imaging, semen analysis and review of prior treatment or pregnancy history.
Questions to ask
- Which tests are actually needed before treatment
- Which can be performed at home
- Which results must be recent or repeated
Fertility preservation
Egg, sperm or embryo freezing may be considered for future reproductive planning or before certain medical treatments.
Questions to ask
- What is being frozen and for what goal
- Storage terms and ongoing fees
- How materials can later be transferred or used