Your questions answered
Here we've answered some of your most commonly asked questions but if there is anything else you want to ask, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- How can we determine if we have a fertility problem?
- How long should we try before we see a doctor?
- What treatments are available?
- What is a cycle?
- Is there anything I need to avoid during my treatment?
- I have a headache what can I take?
- Can I still exercise during my treatment cycle?
- Can I have intercourse during my treatment cycle?
- Can I have acupuncture while on a treatment cycle?
- Do I need to keep the medication refrigerated?
- Is it normal to have cramps after the egg collection?
- Do I need to have a break between cycles?
- How long can embryos be frozen for?
Q. How can we determine if we have a fertility problem?
If you have been trying to conceive for over six months, you may have a fertility problem.
Q. How long should we try before we see a doctor?
A. In most cases you should see a doctor if you have been trying to conceive for at least one year. If you have been trying ovulation predictor kits and other methods, you should see a doctor if you have not conceived within 3-6 months.
Q. What treatments are available?
A. There are a wide range of treatments available, depending on the cause or causes of infertility. These include medication, surgery and treatments such as IVF and IUI.
Q. What is a cycle?
A. Your menstrual cycle is the number of days from day one of one your menstrual period until day one of your next period. This is generally about a month. Treatment cycles will normally last about the same time.
Q. Is there anything I need to avoid during my treatment?
A. Smoking - has been shown to be toxic to eggs and can cause damage to the DNA of sperm.
Chinese herbs – if they are strong enough to have an effect, then there’s a risk of harm.
Medication – if you are taking any medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, please inform your nurse or doctor.
Alcohol – can be taken in moderation.
Q. I have a headache what can I take?
A. It is safe to take Panadol or Panadiene at any stage through the cycle. Likewise, with any other pain or discomfort you can take these first but, if the pain is not relieved, contact our Fertility Nurse Co-ordinator. All NSAIDs (e.g. aspirin, Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Naprogesic) should be avoided throughout treatment.
Q. Can I still exercise during my treatment cycle?
A. We ask that you avoid strenuous exercise. This elevates your core body temperature and, especially following your egg collection, shakes up your ovaries and could lead to more swelling or bleeding than usual. Likewise, avoid saunas and very hot baths.
Q. Can I have intercourse during my treatment cycle?
A. We advise all patients on a stimulated cycle to abstain from intercourse after starting FSH injections for two days after egg collection. The reason is that a stray sperm and a stray egg left over from your egg collection could lead to a multiple or ectopic pregnancy. If you are commencing a natural or frozen cycle we advise that you speak with our Fertility Nurse Co-ordinator about this. If you are having genetic screening then intercourse is even more dangerous, as pregnancy could result from an untested embryo. However, it’s still best for your partner to have an ejaculation(s) around the time of your trigger to make sure the sperm is fresh for your egg collection.
Q. Can I have acupuncture while on a treatment cycle?
A. Yes, you can continue to have acupuncture during your treatment cycle.
Q. Do I need to keep the medication refrigerated?
A. All injectable medications and the progesterone pessaries need to be kept refrigerated whenever possible. Any unused medications and used syringes must be returned at the completion of your cycle for safe disposal.
Q. Is it normal to have cramps after the egg collection?
A. Yes, this can vary from mild discomfort to ‘period like’ cramps. It is also common to have bloating and tenderness in the breasts. If these symptoms concern you, please contact our Fertility Nurse Co-ordinator.
Q. Do I need to have a break between cycles?
A. We recommend that you have at least one month’s break following a stimulated cycle, but you can go “back-to-back” if you’re doing a natural or frozen embryo transfer cycle.
Q. How long can embryos be frozen for?
A. Guidelines state that the maximum period of time that embryos should normally be stored is ten years.
If there is anything else you want to ask, please do not hesitate to contact us on
020 8936 1288 or email us.
Contact us
For further information or to arrange an appointment, please contact us on 020 8936 1288.
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