What should I know before starting an IVF cycle?
It is important to be fully informed about the process. This can be done by
- Interview with the gynaecologist specialising in Reproduction, who will explain the medication regimen, the days on which rest is advised or the possible risks, which are described below.
- Interview with the biologists who will inform the couple about how the laboratory phase will be carried out and the techniques that will be used specifically in their case, as well as the legal information regarding IVF.
- Interview with the psychologist specialised in assisted reproduction techniques. Psychological preparation is important in order to deal with the emotional changes that arise during the treatment and to ensure that whatever the result is, it is a positive experience for the patients.
- Administrative information on the cost of the technique.
Our patients can find all the information prior to the start of the treatment here.
What should I do if I have any questions or problems during the treatment?
You should contact the medical team. At the Marqués Institute we provide patients with a telephone number where they can reach us every day at any time and speak to one of the reproduction specialists.
What tests are necessary before IVF?
Doctors and biologists need to know some information about the patients. The main ones are:
- Ultrasound to confirm that the uterus and ovaries are fit to start treatment.
- Hormone analysis and tests for viral diseases.
- Catheter test. A thin cannula, the embryo transfer catheter, is inserted through the cervix. The gynaecologist needs to know which catheter is the most suitable for the patient, as well as the measurements and the way it should be placed. The distal end is checked by ultrasound to ensure that it is 1 cm from the uterine fundus.
- Semen control.
Do I have to sign a consent form?
Yes. it is a legal requirement for the couple to sign a specific consent form for the assisted reproduction technique they are going to undergo.
They sign that they have been properly informed of the medical, biological, psychological, legal, ethical and economic aspects, and that they understand and accept them.
What are the risks of IVF?
The main risks are:
- Multiple pregnancy. At Institut Marquès the rate of twin pregnancies with IVF is 8%.
- Ectopic pregnancy. Its incidence is 1-3% after IVF. The embryo can exceptionally move from inside the uterus to a fallopian tube and implant in it. In these cases it is not possible for the pregnancy to continue.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Excessive ovarian enlargement occurs after ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval, and the abdomen fills with fluid from the aspirated follicles. Patients with polycystic ovarian morphology are most at risk.
