In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) FAQs

What is your age cut-off for doing IVF with your own eggs?
We do not offer IVF for patients older than 45. Your physician will recommend an appropriate fertility treatment for you depending on your medical history and FSH levels.

How long does it take to get started with IVF?
From the point of your initial consultation with GIVF, you may potentially start an IVF cycle within weeks. Your GIVF physician will determine the appropriate time frame for your fertility treatment.

At GIVF, we break down the IVF treatment into phases:

Phase One involves your initial consult and diagnostic evaluation. This can take days, but usually takes weeks or even a couple of months (depending on your menstrual cycle, logistical and financial details such as your travel schedule, availability, insurance requirements, etc.)

Phase Two is your cycle planning stage, which is heavy on logistical details such as obtaining IVF medications and learning how to mix and administer them. There is also blood work to be done, consent forms to be signed, payment to be made as well as other details to attend to during this phase.

Phase Two can last days, weeks or months, depending on your schedule, insurance, and availability.

Phase Three is the start of the cycle and usually lasts about two weeks. During this time you will be taking injectable medications and return to GIVF every couple of days for monitoring.

Phase Four is egg retrieval and embryo transfer. There are three to five days between the time when eggs are retrieved and embryos are put back into the uterus.

Phase Five is a pregnancy test and beyond.

When will I know if I’m pregnant?
Pregnancy test is done two weeks after the day of egg retrieval. It can take 2 or 3 months (or more) from the day of initial consultation to the day of pregnancy test.

What are my choices if my tubes have been tied?
Basically there are two choices, surgery to try and repair the tubes or IVF. There are pros and cons to each choice and often the best choice depends on your unique situation. Surgery offers the option of attempting pregnancy naturally indefinitely without repeated treatments, but carries the rare risks of surgery and in some cases is not successful depending on the type of tubal ligation or tubal damage done initially. IVF offers the chance for pregnancy without having to undergo an operation and maintaining contraception or birth control against future pregnancies after completion of your family.

What surgeries can be performed at GIVF?
The complete range of reproductive surgeries can be performed by reproductive endocrinologists (infertility specialists). Reproductive endocrinologists are subspecialty board certified in all aspects of infertility surgery including laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, myomectomies, tubal reconstruction or reanastomosis, polypectomies, and uterine reconstruction for congenital anomalies.

How much does IVF cost?
The cost of IVF depends on the treatment and options selected. For IVF pricing information, click here.

When will my egg retrieval be scheduled?
We won’t know the exact date of egg retrieval until two days prior to the procedure. We typically estimate it about 12-14 days from the start of your IVF cycle.

Can I exercise while I’m undergoing IVF treatment?
Yes, but you should refrain from high-impact exercise and opt for workouts such as walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling during IVF treatment.