Patient: Dr. Gulati, starting IVF feels overwhelming. How important is it for me to really understand the basics of the treatment?
Dr. Gulati: It’s very important. You don’t need to be an expert, but knowing the fundamentals will help you ensure you’re getting quality care. It’s one of the few aspects of your IVF journey that you can control.
Patient: That makes sense. What parts of the process are beyond my control?
Dr. Gulati: There are quite a few factors you can’t influence, like how your ovaries respond or your partner’s sperm quality. For instance, you can’t change your age or fix certain sperm count issues if they’re medically diagnosed. But you can control the quality of care you receive from your clinic.
Patient: How do I know if my IVF clinic is providing good care?
Dr. Gulati: Look for two key things:
Transparency from the doctors. Your clinic should have doctors who are clear and open with you. If they make big promises but then get quiet when things don’t go as planned, that’s a bad sign. Consistent communication is crucial.
Embryo photos. Ask if your clinic provides routine photos of your embryos. Reputable clinics do this. It helps you feel confident in the process and also gives you documentation for second opinions or future treatments.
Patient: What if my clinic doesn’t give me embryo photos?
Dr. Gulati: That’s a red flag. Some clinics might give excuses—like problems with equipment or concerns about disturbing the embryos. But if top clinics offer photos as standard practice, so should yours. These excuses could be a sign of deeper issues.
Patient: What can I do to make sure I’m getting the best care possible?
Dr. Gulati: Do your research. Ask the right questions and don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if you’re unsure. You don’t need to know all the medical details—just asking straightforward questions can reveal a lot about your clinic.
Patient: Where can I find more information or get extra support?
Dr. Gulati: You can visit my website, drmalpani.com, where there’s a ton of patient-friendly information. It’s all explained in simple terms, so you can really understand what’s going on. I also offer free second opinions via email after reviewing your medical records. Just fill out the form at www.eggdonors4all.com.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Gulati. This really helps me feel more confident about my IVF journey.
Dr. Gulati: You’re welcome! Being informed is crucial for ensuring you get the best care and making smart decisions. Your proactive approach can really make a difference in your IVF success.
Egg donation is a process where a woman (the egg donor) provides one or several eggs (also known as oocytes) for purposes of assisted reproduction, with the eggs being fertilized in the laboratory. Once fertilized, the resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus to initiate a pregnancy, or they can be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.