IVF PRIMER

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Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation 5

The single most important factor in improving the success rate of IVF in its early days was the transfer of more than one embryo (fertilized dividing egg). The reason is because a high percentage of early embryos do not implant. Furthermore, the maturity of each egg collected may not be ideal and only about 65% of eggs fertilize normally. While placing more than one embryo markedly increases the success rate, it also increases the chance of multiple pregnancy (The Dilemma of Twins). In our experience, one of every three pregnancies in women under the age of 40 years is multiple, with the majority being twins.

A. Gonadotropins, or injectable “fertility drugs”
(Follistim®, Gonal-F®, Bravelle®, Menopur®).
In order to stimulate development of multiple follicles, which are the fluid-filled sacs containing the oocytes (eggs), you receive gonadotropins, the active ingredient of which is the FSH hormone.  Menopur also contains the LH hormone or LH-like activity. LH is a hormone that may work with FSH to increase the production of estrogen and growth of the follicles.  Luveris®, recombinant LH, can also be given as a separate injection in addition to FSH or alternatively, low-dose hCG can be used.

These medications are given by subcutaneous injection.  Proper dosage of these drugs and the timing of egg recovery require monitoring of the ovarian response, usually by way of frequent blood tests and ultrasound exams.

Max

Max, YOB: 1994

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