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Frequently Asked Questions

How is Your Program Different From Others?
Since 1984, our experienced staff has dedicated itself to being on the cutting edge of fertility care – applying the latest innovations and working to push our field forward with our own research. Our fellowship-trained physicians are nationally recognized experts, and leaders in reproductive medicine. Our true passion, however, comes from working with our patients to fulfill their goals. Our attention to detail and dedication to personalized care allows us to apply the most current and innovative approaches to each patient’s or couple’s individual circumstances, translating to the highest success rates in Upstate New York.
What Are My Chances of Getting Pregnant?
There are many factors that influence the success of fertility treatments, and this question is best answered when your personal circumstances are evaluated by an expert. Our specialists have many years of experience treating infertility. They will review your history and discuss the best plan of treatment for you and what your chances of pregnancy may be.
Can I Have Some Monitoring Done Locally?
Yes, in many cases. We have many out-of-town patients and can arrange to have some of the monitoring done closer to your home. We work with several labs outside of Rochester, which meet our quality control standards and provide results comparable to ours. We typically work with couples from Rochester, the Finger Lakes region, northern and central New York including Watertown and Syracuse, western New York, New York's Southern Tier, and northern Pennsylvania.
My Doctor Recommended IVF, How Quickly Can I Get Started?
A consultation with one of our doctors can be arranged by calling our office. During this visit, you and the doctor will review your past medical history and discuss your future treatment. A plan for treatment will be developed and one of our fertility nurse specialists will review all the necessary forms, consents, prescriptions, etc. that you will need to complete your cycle. We will teach you step-by-step what is involved in an IVF cycle. A financial representative will discuss insurance and billing issues with you. The male partner will be scheduled to provide a semen sample. Certain lab tests are also required and the results must be available before an IVF cycle can be started.
Fertility Treatments Can be Very Stressful. Is There Any Support for Couples Undergoing Fertility Treatments?
As part of our comprehensive care of women and their partners, we are pleased to offer individual, couples, and family counseling for those participating in fertility treatments at no additional charge. We recognize that going through fertility treatments is stressful. Besides counseling, we offer ongoing support groups at our center.
How Important is the Woman's Age?
A woman's age is a very important factor. The closer a woman is to 40, the less the chances are of getting pregnant. For women over 40, the chances are very low.
What Are the Risks of Multiple Births with Infertility Drugs?
Media and public fascination with multiples has unfortunately reinforced a misperception that multiple births of a high magnitude are a regular result of infertility treatment. However, less than 6% of births related to ART have involved the birth of three or more babies according to a study published by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Reproductive Medicine.
Can Anything be Done to Minimize the Risk of Multiple Births?
Yes. Careful monitoring of ovulation induction (to address excessive egg production) and transfer of appropriate numbers of fertilized eggs in ART procedures can minimize the risk of multiple births. Patients should be advised to seek care from qualified fertility specialists. Of course, patient education and understanding of treatment options and risks are also critical components of an effective multiple-birth minimization strategy.
Which Partner is More Likely to be Infertile?
Approximately 40% of infertility cases are attributable to male factors, and 40% to factors that affect women. In about 10% of cases, infertility is caused by combination of factors in both partners. Approximately 10% of couples are diagnosed with "unexplained infertility" because no specific cause can be identified. The most common cause of female infertility is anovulation, which is brought about by irregularities in the hormones needed to produce and release healthy eggs. Another common cause of female infertility is blocked fallopian tubes, a condition that can result from pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis. Studies have shown infertility rates increase in women older than 35.
Male infertility may be caused by a number of factors, including problems with sperm production, sperm delivery system, injury to the testicles, problems related to hormone production, anatomical problems, or the presence of varicose vein in the testicle (varicocele)—all of which may affect sperm quality and quantity. Past illnesses, infections, various diseases, and medications can also cause infertility.