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Yes, it is completely fine to continue having acupuncture during your treatment cycle.

We advise all patients on a stimulated cycle to abstain from intercourse after starting FSH injections up until 2 days after the egg collection. The reason is that a stray sperm and a stray egg left over from your egg pick-up could add up to an unplanned multiple pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy. If you are commencing a natural or frozen cycle we advise that you speak with your nurse coordinator regarding this matter. If you are having PGD (genetic testing of embryos to avoid a genetic disease) then intercourse is even more dangerous, as your baby could come from an untested embryo.

This is all a bit of a dilemma, because it’s still best for your partner to have an ejaculation or ejaculations around the time of your trigger to make sure the sperm is fresh for your egg retrieval (OPU).

We ask that you avoid strenuous exercise. It elevates your core body temperature and, especially following your OPU, it shakes up your ovaries and could lead to more swelling or bleeding than usual. Likewise avoid saunas and very hot baths.

We recommend that you have at least 1 month’s break following a stimulated IVF cycle, but you can go “back-to-back” if you’re doing a natural or frozen embryo transfer IVF cycle.

All injectable medications and the progesterone pessaries need to be kept refrigerated whenever possible during the course of your treatment. Any unused medications and used syringes must be returned at the completion of your cycle for safe disposal.

We appreciate that this is sometimes the toughest time of the IVF cycle. After a couple of weeks of daily attention you tend to be left alone. So we advise that you stay in touch with your nurse coordinator and remember that the counsellors are available to help if you are finding this time difficult.

Don’t forget to pamper yourself during this stage and try not to read too much into your symptoms. Everyone responds differently and there’s almost no symptom that unequivocally means it hasn’t worked.

Theoretically for ever, but our accreditation body, RTAC, states that the maximum period of time that embryos should normally be cryostored is 10 years.

This will depend on the type of treatment you are having and your individual response to the medication. On average it takes between 10–16 days of FSH injections before the egg collection procedure takes place. There’s then about 12–16 days before your period is expected.

It is not unusual to experience some spotting whilst using the pessaries. This can be as a result of some irritation to the cervix or vagina and is not indicative of a failed cycle. If you experience bleeding please do not stop taking any of your medications until you have spoken with your nurse coordinator.

It is safe to take paracetamol such as Panadol or Panadiene (or equivalent generic medications) at any stage through the cycle. Likewise, with any other pain or discomfort you take these first but if not relieved contact your nurse coordinator. All NSAIDs (eg. aspirin, iboprofen, Nurofen, Naprogesic) should be avoided throughout treatment.

Firstly, drink plenty of water or try prune juice. Stone fruits and high fibre cereals can help. Failing that, pharmacy products that are not absorbed, such as Metamucil and Nu-lax, are also fine.

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 are enough to concern you, please contact your nurse-coordinator.

Yes, it is very important that you keep taking Lucrin up until your trigger injection. Your nurse coordinator will instruct you when to stop any of the medications.  It is extremely important for you to folloow the schedule and dosage instructions throughout the IVF process.

• Smoking - has been shown to be toxic to eggs and can cause damage to the DNA of sperm. We strongly recommend that you stop smoking prior to commencing a treatment cycle.
• Chinese herbs – we recommend that you do not take herbal preparations whilst on a treatment cycle (if they are strong enough to have an effect then there’s a risk of harm).
• Medications – if you are taking any medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, please inform your nurse or doctor.
• Alcohol – can be taken in moderation, if you have any concerns please discuss with your doctor.

Your menstrual cycle is the number of days from day one of one menstrual period until day one of your next period, generally about a month. Likewise your treatment cycle will last about the same time, and we use the word whether you’re having medications (to stimulate the ovaries for an egg pick-up or to time an embryo transfer) or you’re relying on your own natural cycle.

Day one is calculated as the first full day of your period, with heavy bleeding that starts before midday; so for timing purposes, you can ignore spotting or light premenstrual bleeding.

The Consumer Medicines Information supplied with the Lucrin states the dose as being 20 units. This recommended dose is not relevant to IVF use and the usual dose our doctors at Genea prescribe is 10 units.

If you are unsure about your dosage, contact your nurse coordinator.