Treatment Basics

When patients are ready to move forward with the California Conceptions Donor Embryo Program, they will need to complete an evaluation process that is outlined in the Getting Started section. After the initial consultation with one of our infertility doctors, patients will be provided a checklist of items needed before treatment. Some items on this checklist will include sending us updated test results for infectious diseases and a current pap smear, meeting with a clinical psychologist, completing a saline contrast ultrasound (hydrosonogram) in our office, and signing your treatment agreement. Please note that all of these pre-treatment items will be explained in detail and there will be plenty of time to ask questions. After participants in our innovative donator embryo program have completed their initial evaluation and testing, they will be assigned a treatment coordinator. This treatment coordinator will guide the patient through the matching and transfer process. Patients will receive a schedule with appointment dates and the medication plan as they prepare to get pregnant with an embryo transfer.

Compared with Adoption & Donor Eggs,
Transferring Donated Embryos is a Quick and Easy Process

Before an embryo transfer, there are a few things patients can do at home to help increase the chances of success. Taking pre-natal or multi vitamins will help prepare the body for carrying a pregnancy. Gradually reducing strenuous exercise may help to make sure the body is well rested. Some patients lower their stress-levels by scheduling acupuncture appointments before and after treatment. Also, patients may receive information about Dr. Zeringue’s special “EZ Diet” and learn more about how insulin levels can affect fertility.

When the treatment process begins, patients will be given a detailed medication calendar. This calendar will also outline future ultrasound appointments, the payment deadline and estimated date of embryo transfer. The treatment typically involves an ultrasound before medications start (baseline ultrasound), and an ultrasound to evaluate the lining of the uterus (lining check). If everything looks good on the lining check ultrasound, the scheduled embryo transfer procedure is confirmed.

Medications

The treatment process involves the use of medications to prepare the lining of the uterus for pregnancy. The initial steps often involve starting oral contraceptive pills, or birth control pills. These pills are a combination of estrogen and progesterone and help with the scheduling of the embryo transfer. These pills are discontinued when we start the first injection medication that will prevent follicle development and ovulation that may interfere with the preparation of the uterine lining. Estrogen is then taken for approximately 14 days to prepare the lining for the donor embryo transfer. Once we confirm the lining of the uterus is ready, progesterone will begin to synchronize the lining of the uterus with the embryos and the embryo transfer date will be confirmed. The estrogen and progesterone will continue until 12 weeks of pregnancy unless the pregnancy tests are negative.

As patients begin taking medications, there may be some concern regarding the possible side-effects. All of the hormones used to prepare for an embryo transfer are natural hormones found in the body, but they are just used in higher amounts compared to a natural menstrual cycle. Even at these higher levels, it is not likely that these higher hormone levels will cause significant problems. Some of the possible (and temporary) side-effects may include headaches, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. More severe problems such as hypertension or blood clots may occur. It is important to provide your doctor with details of your medical history and to discuss any health concerns you may have before starting medications.

Embryo Transfer

On the day of embryo transfer, patients will need to arrive at our office with a full bladder. Doing this helps the with the actual embryo transfer because a full bladder helps to give the physician a better view of the uterus for placing the embryos. Being dehydrated or not having the bladder ready for transfer can result in a significant delay in the embryo transfer and can delay other patients’ appointments.

The actual procedure itself is very quick and most times patients are able to see the embryos being placed into the uterus by watching the ultrasound screen. Most patients do not experience any discomfort with this procedure other than the full bladder. Immediately following the transfer, patients are able to go to the restroom to relieve their full bladder. After the embryos are transferred, patients do not have to limit their activities, but may want to do so for their own peace of mind and potential sense of guilt if there is a negative outcome.

Patient Instructions for Day of Transfer

Patients need to arrive for the embryo transfer with a full bladder. We perform embryo transfers under abdominal ultrasound guidance, and your full bladder will allow us to see the uterine lining. The full bladder will also help us orient the uterus into a better position for the transfer.

Having a full bladder is important for the embryo transfer procedure. The following steps can help in preparing for the transfer.

Drink plenty of fluids the day before your transfer. You should be urinating every 1-2 hours.
On the day of the procedure, resume drinking fluids as soon as you wake up. You should drink enough fluids that you need to urinate every hour or less.
Arriving dehydrated or with a bladder that isn’t ready for the procedure could delay your transfer as the doctors will have other appointments.
Do Not wear perfumes, scented lotions, or styling products.
If applicable, both partners will need to consent to the transfer. Partners need to be present or reachable by telephone unless advanced arrangements have been made.

Pregnancy Tests

After the transfer, patients will need to continue estrogen and progesterone to support the pregnancy. The first pregnancy test is scheduled approximately 10 days after the embryo transfer, and if this test is positive, an additional test taken 2-3 days later. After a second positive pregnancy test, an OB ultrasound will be scheduled at around 7 weeks. While we would prefer to see our patients for their obstetrical ultrasound, out-of-town patients are welcome to schedule an ultrasound with their ob/gyn and forward the results to their treatment coordinator. Patients should continue their estrogen and progesterone to 12 weeks of pregnancy unless instructed otherwise by their doctor.

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