In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Questions and Answers

Question:

My husband had a vasectomy six years ago and we are now discussing having another child. Please don't think terrible of us, but we've been discussing sperm aspiration and genetic predetermination so we may have a boy. We have 2 daughters and he would like just one more child. Is this feasible or would it make more sense to reverse the vasectomy.

Answer:

If you want one more child, in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection with sperm recovered via precutaneous epididymal sperm aspirationi (PESA) would be my recommendation if everything is still normal with you. Sex selection with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (embryo biopsy) for family balancing is controversial but many centers, inclding mine, offer this service to patients. Reversing the vasectomy would be better if you wanted more than one child and did not care what the gender was. I hope that this helps. Daniel A. Potter, MD, FACOG Huntington Reproductive Center infertility.org

Daniel Potter, MD
Fullerton, CA

Question:

Are there any documented cases of women with Turners Syndrome 45X conceiving on their own?

Answer:

Yes, but this is very rare because the absence of the second sex chromosome causes premature degeneration of the egg cells and complete loss of all egg cells often happens before sexual maturity. Also, many of the egg cells are going to be chromosomally abnormal. Some women's with Turner's have a less severe form where only some of their cells are 45x (mosaic). These are the patients that have a chance at having a child naturally but it is very rare even in these cases. Most women with Turner's syndrome require in vitro fertilization with egg donation in order to have children.

Question:

what are the current ways of unblocking fallopian tubes

Answer:

Surgery is the only proven method but unblocking the fallopian tubes has been replaced for the most part by in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a process where the fuctions of the tube are essentially replicated in the laboratory. Good luck Daniel A Potter, MD http:\www.infertility.org

Question:

I can't find my Doctor online, but I'd like to know the basics about invitro-fertilization. The cost, my chances. I had a partial hystorectomy, but still have an ovary and a uterus! I'm 21.

Answer:

See www.infertility.org for info

Question:

My husband was tested for fertility and the doctor said his sperm doesn't travel, the just sit there like they don't know where to go. He said there wasn't much you can do about it. Is this true? What do you possibly think could be the problem? Please give your suggesitons. Thank you.

Answer:

Hi Allison, Your husband needs to see a Urologist who specializes in male fertility. I work with several, and can make a recommendation here in NJ (I know it's far) if you want. If he has already seen a qualified Urologist, and if the sperm won't get to where they need to go, you may need to undergo insemination or in vitro fertilization. I hope this helps! If you want to undergo further diagnosis and advanced therapy here, please let me know. Dr. Roseff, Director W.E. C.A.R.E. Visit us at www.reproendo.com

SCOTT ROSEFF, MD, FACOG, Director
West Orange, NJ

Question:

I HAD MY TUBES TIED IN 1992 AFTER MY 3 CHILD, NOW ME AND MY SECOND HUSBAND ARE EAGER TO HAVE A CHILD TOGETHER. I GOT A TRANSCRIPT OF MY TUBAL LIGATION. NOT SURE WHAT TYPE I HAD DONE SO HERE ARE SOME OF THE WORDING OF MY TUBAL, PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS MY BEST OPTION FOR BECOMING PREGNANT AGAIN. 1-1/2 CM OF TUBES WERE REMOVED BILATERALLY. CAUTERY WAS PERFORMED OF THE TUBAL LUMENS. COMPLETE HEMOSTASIS WAS ACHIEBED. POMEROY TECHNIQUE BILATERALLY.

Answer:

Hi, It sounds like you probably need in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF totally bypasses your tubes, and may be your best option for achieving a pregnancy. There are many qualified IVF centers in CA, so you should be able to find one nearby. Thanks for your inquiry! Scott Roseff, MD, FACOG - Director of W.E. C.A.R.E. Visit us on the web at: http://www.reproendo.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Since I may not know your entire medical history, and I may not have examined you, Dr. Roseff (W.E. C.A.R.E.) can't be held liable for any consequences of your actions taken (or not) as a result of the medical information conveyed in this message. This communication is for your general information, only, and should never be used as a substitute for the medical advice/care of your own physician. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SCOTT ROSEFF, MD, FACOG, Director
West Orange, NJ

Question:

I had a tubal ligation 13 yrs. ago after my son was born. I am 43 and my husband now is 24. We would like to have a baby of our own and would like to know what our options are, the approximate cost, and where we can find someone close by.

Answer:

In vitro fertilization with donor eggs would be your best option. www.asrm.org will give you names of fertility specialists in your area

Question:

My husband is being referred to a urologist as 2 sperm analysis tests have come back with no sperm present. What will the urologist be able to tell about this problem? My husband had an infection in his testicles when he was 14 he is now 36. Our doctor think this infection may have damaged his tubes that is why he is now to see a urologist. What are our chances of him producing sperm but not ejaculating it and if so will the option of taking sperm direct form his testes be an option?

Answer:

THe urologist will perform a physical exam and order hormonal tests. If the tests and physical exam indicate that the testicle is healthy, a testicular biopsy might be perfromed to see if sperm are being made. If sperm are beng made, these sperm can be injected into your eggs at the time of in vitro fertilization with the chances for success depending on the age of the female partner and how well her ovaries are functioning. Daniel A. Potter MD Huntington Reproductive Center HTTP://www.havingbabies.com

Question:

Hello! I need to find out if I need an infertility specialist or a reconstructive surgeon. I contracted chlamydia when I was in college from an unfaithful boyfriend. Since then, I have had 2 ectopic pregnancies & both of my fallopian tubes have been removed. When I read info on infertility it doesn't seem to fit me. I don't seem to fall into any of the categories being discussed on infertility issues. I guess I am fertile, but I don't have any tubes to get my husband's sperm where it needs to go. Would a reconstructive surgeon be able to replace my fallopian tubes? Sincerely, Desperately seeking a baby

Answer:

Sorry, no one can replace human (or otherwise) fallopian tubes yet. Without tubes, your only option for achieving a pregnancy is via in-vitro fertilization (IVF). I hope this is pretty clear to you. If I can be of further help to you, please let me know. Dr. Roseff Visit us at http://www.reproendo.com

SCOTT ROSEFF, MD, FACOG, Director
West Orange, NJ

Question:

Invitro fertilization can be expensive, right? Would you happen to have a figure amount? Also, would you know of a doctor in my area that would do this procedure? My husband and I do not have children, although I have two children from a previous marriage, and my husband has no children and had never been married before. So, if invitro is the best way for us to go then we'll go there but we'd like to know what we'll be getting into financially, the love is already there. Please reply A.S.A.P. Time is not on our side. Thank you, Janet and Jeff Bright.

Answer:

The cost of IVF varies from region to region. The total cost, including compensation paid to the donor, fees paid to donor agency, medications, etc approaches $15,000 in our area. To find a reproductive endocrinologist in your area that offers these services, contact either RESOLVE (Resolve.org) or American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM.org)

Question:

is there anything that can be done to undo a tubaligation? Is it recommended for a woman age 44, also there is a genetic disorder involved in my case. Would it be advisable for me to pursue a pregnancy now?

Answer:

Tubal ligation can be reversed sugically or bypassed with in vitro fertilization. It would be unwised to attempt either of these procedures in a 44 year old woman as success is unlikely. If you wish to have a child, in vitro fertilization using eggs from a donor would allow you to carry the child but have a much better chance for success. You would also avoid passing on any genetic problems that you may carry. Daniel A Potter MD Huntington Reproductive Center Fullerton/Laguna Hills CA www.havingbabies.com

Question:

i've had a tubal ligation for approx. 6 years and want to know what my options are for conceiving while leaving my tubes tied?

Answer:

In vitro fertilization is your only option aside from having your tubes surgically repaired. Daniel A. Potter, MD Huntington Reproductive Center www.havingbabies.com

Next Step

• Learn about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in the Articles Section
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