Ovulation Induction. I understand that the IVF process involves four phases, only two of which, ovulation induction and egg retrieval, involve my direct participation. I also understand that it cannot be guaranteed that a successful result will be achieved in either of these phases; and that it cannot be guaranteed that the IVF process will result in a pregnancy for the Recipient. I am aware that, if good results are not obtained in either phase, it may be recommended that my participation in the IVF process be terminated and that the IVF cycle be cancelled. It has been explained to me that the ovulation induction phase of the IVF process is intended to control the timing of the release of my eggs and to increase the chance that more than one egg will be produced during the IVF cycle. I have been told that this is accomplished through the use of medications which will first suppress my ovaries and, later, stimulate my ovaries. I have been informed that I will begin taking the medication called Leuprolide Acetate (also called Lupron) starting in the second half of my menstrual cycle to suppress my ovaries. Once Leuprolide Acetate is started, I will be taking this medication as a daily injection for at least two weeks. An ultrasound (a kind of x-ray which uses sound waves instead of radiation) will be taken of my reproductive organs and a blood test will be performed after I have been on Leuprolide Acetate two weeks to make sure that the Leuprolide Acetate has adequately suppressed my ovaries. If the results of the ultrasound and blood test indicate that my ovaries are suppressed, I will be told when to start to take certain active medications which will stimulate the ovaries. These medications include Bravelle, Gonal-F, Follistim, and Repronex. During the stimulation phase, I understand that I will usually be taking one injection each evening of the active medications, along with a single morning injection of Leuprolide Acetate. Occasionally, instead of Leuprolide Acetate, I may be asked to take a medication to help prevent my follicles (the structures which contain my eggs) from releasing an egg before egg retrieval. The medicine, called Antagon or Cetrotide, is started on approximately the fourth to seventh day of my treatment cycle. Additional ultrasound and blood work monitoring will start a few days after the start of the active medications to monitor the development of my follicles, to monitor my hormone levels, and, with this information, to make appropriate adjustments ...
