Prerequisites for IVF, Soft-IVF™, Gender Selection, and Genetic PGD

We require few prerequisites for In Vitro Fertilization, Soft-IVF™, Gender Selection, and Genetic PGD. All prerequisites can be completed within a very short period of time. Please see In Vitro Fertilization Fee, Soft-IVF Fee, Gender Selection Fee, and Genetic PGD Fee for the cost of required prerequisites.

• Since pregnancy complications increase significantly with age and could compromise the mother's and baby's health, you must be 49 or younger at the time your treatment begins. Patients over the age of 43 should strongly consider Egg Donation as the most meaningful treatment to achieve a successful pregnancy.

   

  If you are between the ages of 45 and 49, we will need a letter from your OB/GYN, internist, or your family physician stating that it is medically safe for you to become pregnant.

   

• For your safety during the egg retrieval procedure, your weight (female partner) must be no greater than the following maximum:

   

  Maximum Weight

  Height	4ft 10in	4ft 11in	5ft 0in	5ft 1in	5ft 2in	5ft 3in	5ft 4in	5ft 5in	5ft 6in	5ft 7in	5ft 8in	5ft 9in	5ft 10in	5ft 11in	6ft 0in	6ft 1in	6ft 2in
  Max. Weight	143	148	153	158	164	169	174	180	186	191	197	203	209	215	221	227	233

   

• Regular Menstrual Periods (Soft-IVF only)

   

  You must have regular menstrual cycles between 21 and 35 days without needing to take any hormonal medications including birth control pills to regulate your cycles.

   

• Pathogen Testing

   

  This testing is required by the State of California. You and your partner must be tested for Hepatitis B-Surface Antigen, Hepatitis C-Antibody, HIV I&II, HTLV I&II, and Syphilis. If you have had any of these tests done within the last 12 months, they do not need to be repeated.

   

• Ovarian Reserve Assay

   

  The treatment should not be started during a time when there is no probability of a successful pregnancy or when the probability is low. Ovarian Reserve Assay (ORA) can assess the likelihood that normal quality eggs will be produced.

   

  This test involves two blood draws and a small subcutaneous injection of Lupron under the skin. To schedule the test, please call Bay IVF Center at 650-322-0500 on the first day of your menstrual period in the cycle that you want your treatment to begin.

   

  Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and estrogen blood levels are measured during the ORA. FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. If the ovaries cannot produce normal quality eggs, the FSH level is increased. Estrogen (E2) production by the ovaries influences FSH secretion and is also related to the quality of the eggs. The estrogen level must increase sufficiently after the Lupron injection.

   

  Interpretation of results:

   

  In the following table, the acceptable values are shown in green. The required minimum overnight increase of estrogen (30 or 125 units) is listed.

   

  Ovarian Reserve Assay

  	FSH 8.9 or lower	FSH 9.0-12.9	FSH 13.0 or greater
  E2 54 or lower	30	30
  E2 74 or lower	30	125
  E2 Any	125	125

   

  The treatment can start this cycle if:

   

  1. Your FSH level is 8.9 or lower and your estrogen level is 74 or lower and after the Lupron injection, your estrogen level increases by a minimum of 30.

      

  2. Your FSH level is 9.0 to 12.9 and your estrogen level is 54 or lower and after the Lupron injection, your estrogen level increases by a minimum of 30.

      

  3. Your FSH level is 12.9 or lower and after the Lupron injection, your estrogen level increases by a minimum of 125.

   

  Most women will have normal Ovarian Reserve Assay results. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean that you cannot get pregnant with your own eggs. We typically recommend repeating the test up to three times.

   

• Measurement of the Uterus

   

  It is important to place embryo(s) at the top of the endometrial cavity. To measure the length of the endometrial cavity, a thin embryo transfer catheter is passed through the cervical canal to the top of the uterus. This test is typically done at your initial visit.

   

• Sonohysterogram

   

  We perform a Sonohysterogram (saline ultrasound) to assess the endometrial cavity of your uterus. A thin, soft catheter is passed through the cervix inside the uterus and a small amount of sterile saline solution is instilled. A transvaginal ultrasound is used to visualize contours of the endometrial cavity.

   

  The presence of polyps, fibroids or scaring inside the uterus can significantly reduce the probability of implantation. If any polyps, fibroids or scaring are found, their removal would require a simple outpatient procedure by your OB/GYN or a specialist. The Sonohysterogram test is typically done during your initial visit.

   

• Semen Evaluation

   

  The male partner will have a semen test done at Bay IVF Center to determine the best laboratory method for fertilization. This test must be scheduled no later than the beginning of ovarian stimulation.

   

  Please call us at least one day in advance to schedule the time for the preliminary semen specimen to be dropped off or collected at Bay IVF Center.  Patients should abstain from sexual activity for approximately 48-72 hours prior to collection.  The specimen must be obtained by masturbation.

   

  If you plan to collect outside of Bay IVF Center, the specimen must be delivered to Bay IVF Center Laboratory within one hour of collection.  Please make sure you have a Bay IVF Center Laboratory sterile semen container.

   

  The semen test can be done at your initial Bay IVF Center visit.

   

• Genetic Testing (Optional)

   

  All future parents should consider genetic screening (video) for over 100 most common genetic diseases. Please let us know at the time of your initial appointment at Bay IVF Center if you wish to have your blood sample sent for genetic screening.

   

• Instruction Class

   

  During this class we will review with you the treatment instructions, your medications and their potential side effects.  You will learn how to mix and administer the various medications.  You will receive your treatment schedule, consent forms and prescriptions.

If you have any questions regarding these prerequisites or to request an appointment, please contact us by phone at 650-322-0500, via email at care@BayIVF.com, or use the Contact Bay IVF Center form on this page.