After Acceptance into the Program

In Vitro Fertilization Program

1. Use the time of waiting for your IVF cycle to become as healthy as you can be. To prevent certain birth defects, all women who seek pregnancy are advised to take the B vitamin folic acid on a daily basis; the usual dose is 0.4 mg., commonly available in multiple vitamin tablets. Both partners are advised to avoid excessive alcohol intake, recreational and nonprescription drug use and smoking. Smoking reduces the number of eggs available and cuts your chance of success in half. This is the time to get serious about attaining ideal body weight. Optimal health may enhance the outcome of your IVF procedure and is desirable when preparing mentally and physically for possible pregnancy.
2. Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections are required daily in the late afternoon or evening during the treatment cycle. Injection teaching is available for patients, partners or other willing individuals at the beginning of a cycle. While most patients choose their partners to give injections, another option is to explore local health care resources that can provide injections late in the day seven days of the week. Patients have used local physician offices, walk-in clinics, emergency rooms, and visiting nurses.
3. Satellite care vs. Iowa City care: In certain locations many aspects of care can be done close to your home. The IVF team will work with you to coordinate local care when possible. In most cases couples are asked to at least initiate treatment cycles in Iowa City. This is the point when cycle medications are started, which involves injection teaching, pelvic ultrasound and possible male testing. Allow approximately two to three hours for the "cycle start" visit.
4. Cycle stimulations require frequent communication between the patient and clinic. It is essential that all patients obtain an answering machine or voice mail that can be checked by 4 p.m. each day.