Here are some of the most common questions our patients have about their IVF cycle.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your primary nurse.
What can I take for headaches and other pain? ∙
Regular or Extra Strength Tylenol is ok to take before and during your cycle.
Avoid taking medications containing ibuprofen such as Motrin and Advil.
Do not take any herbal medicines unless approved by your doctor.
What can I take for a cold or allergies?
Increasing your amount of oral fluids will definitely help with those symptoms.
You can also take plain cough syrup, cough drops, Tylenol, Afrin Nasal Spray, Benadryl, and Sudafed. Claritin can be used sparingly.
You should try to limit antihistamines or allergy treatments as much as possible unless symptoms are severe.
Remember, being healthy far outweighs any theoretical risk a medication can have.
What can I take for nausea and vomiting or heartburn?
Small frequent meals will help with these symptoms. You can also try Tums, crackers, ginger ale, gingersnaps, ginger teas or candies, lemon drops, and peppermint.
Avoiding intense odors, spicy or greasy food will also help.
What can I take for constipation or diarrhea?
For constipation, increase fluids, fruits and fiber. Non-chemical stool softeners/laxatives like Colace and Metamucil may be taken if needed.
For diarrhea, remember to stay well hydrated and try the B.R.A.T. diet that consists of bananas, rice, apples, and toast. Kaopectate also will provide some relief.
Should I change my diet during a cycle?
Eating small, frequent meals and drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day along with taking prenatal vitamins daily is the suggested diet.
Caffeine is okay during a cycle but in moderation.
You should try to limit your caffeine intake to 1-2 cups a day; this includes coffee, teas, and sodas.
Are there any limits to exercise or activity during a cycle?
Starting around the 5th day of stimulation through pregnancy test, you should plan to limit your exercise to low impact activities.
Some examples of low impact activities are: leisurely walking, swimming, and biking.
Avoid heavy lifting of 20 lbs. or more, high impact activities, and hot tubs.
What are the time parameters on when we can have intercourse?
No intercourse after stimulation Day 5.
The sperm collection for the cycle and any analysis should be within 2 to 5 days from last ejaculation. On your IVF cycle calendar, day 8 is the day for your partner to have ejaculation and then abstain until the sperm collection at egg retrieval.
∙ Avoid intercourse if vaginal bleeding occurs during pregnancy.
Can I travel during a cycle?
∙ It is expected that you will be available any day of your cycle once stimulation medications begin. You should not plan any travel during your stimulation cycle.
∙ Once the embryo transfer occurs, travel is not restricted until late in pregnancy, i.e. after 32 weeks of gestation or otherwise indicated by your SRM physician in the first trimester or your regular obstetrician after 12 weeks of gestation.
Can I have a Flu shot during a cycle?
∙ Yes! Any theoretical risk or concern about the flu shot is far outweighed by getting the flu itself. I do recommend getting a flu shot after 12 weeks or before embryo transfer.
Miscellaneous
∙ Avoid handling cat feces, such as changing a litter box.
∙ Do not take any medication unless they are approved by your physician
Medication checklist:
Follistim with Pen: please make sure you have enough meds. Each box has about 350U meds, Generally you need 10-12 days meds. It is very hard to get meds during the weekend. So please make sure you have enough meds before your next office visit.
Gonal-F with or without pen: If your insurance require Gonal-F
Provera (Medroxyprogesterone)– for 12 days ( 24 pills)
Novera (or pregnyl) ——This is trigger medication, we will let you know when you are ready for the trigger.
Lupron (pre-load 2 dosage or 2 weeks kit)—–This is also trigger medication. Sometimes pharmacies do not ship this medication with the others. Please make sure you call the pharmacy to get this medication before your stimulation day 8.
Ondansetron: this is medication to prevent nausea and vomiting after egg retrieval, you do not need it at this time. Take it if you feel nausea after the procedure.
Lupron and Follistim need to be refrigerated, Please make sure there are ice packs in your box.
IVF AND FET checklist
INFECTIOUS DISEASE SCREENS (within 12 months)–Blood work
| Female | Note |
| ABO Group + Rh | |
| HIV | |
| Hepatitis C Ab | |
| Antibody Screen | |
| Hepatitis B Surface Ag | |
| Hepatitis B Core Ab | |
| RPR | |
| Varicella | |
| Rubella | |
| GC/Chalmydia | |
| Vit D level | |
| AMH | Optional |
| Genetics (Natera) | Optional |
| PAP smear | PCP* |
| Mammogram (within 2 years for 40+ women) | PCP* |
| Hysteroscopy | |
|
Partner |
Note |
| ABO Group + Rh | |
| HIV | |
| HTLV | |
| Hepatitis C Ab | |
| Hepatitis B Surface Ag | |
| Hepatitis B Core Ab | |
| RPR | |
| Genetics (Natera) | Optional |
PCP*: Primary Care Physician
Consent forms
| IVF consent | |
| PGT-A consent | If you choose PGT-A |
| Privacy considerations | |
| FET thaw plan | |
| FET consent |
Note:
Please contact the clinic asap if you are ready to start. 2 Weeks before you start the menstrual cycle is preferred for us and for you to prepare and make your journey smooth.