Prerequisites for IVF, Embryo Banking, and Gender Selection

There are very few prerequisites before your treatment can start.

• Female partner's age

  The probability of a successful IVF treatment becomes exceedingly low by the age of 44. You must be 43 and 11 months or younger at the time your IVF treatment begins. Patients 44 and older should strongly consider Donor Egg IVF or Frozen Donor Egg IVF as the most meaningful treatment to achieve a successful pregnancy.

• Female partner's weight

  For an adequate ovarian response and your safety during the egg retrieval procedure, your weight must be no greater than the following limits by the time your ovarian stimulation begins:

   

 

If your weight is above the maximum, please follow the IVF Diet and Lifestyle recommendations as closely as possible. You will not only lose weight at an optimal rate, but you could also significantly improve your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.

• Pathogen testing

  This testing is required by the State of California. You and your partner (if applicable) must be tested for Hepatitis B-Surface Antigen, Hepatitis C-Antibody, HIV I&II, HTLV I&II, and RPR.

  If you have had any of these tests done within the last 12 months, they do not need to be repeated.

• Ovarian Reserve Assay (ORA)

  ORA assesses the likelihood that normal quality eggs can be produced. It consists of the measurement of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen, E2), and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) blood levels.

  These test results reflect the quality of eggs and are used to optimize your ovarian stimulation.

• Uterine measurement and saline ultrasound (not required for Embryo Banking)

  Knowing the uterine length is necessary for accurate embryo placement; saline ultrasound is used to rule out intrauterine polyps and fibroids.

• Semen evaluation

  The male partner's semen will be evaluated at Bay IVF to determine the best laboratory method for IVF semen preparation.

• Parents' genetic testing (optional)

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

• IVF diet and lifestyle

  Environmental factors have a significant impact on reproductive health. Please review IVF Diet and Lifestyle page and Reproductive Health Check-off Form for a complete list of environmental reproductive health requirements and a source for dietary supplements.