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Cycle Monitoring

Cycle monitoring occurs during the first half of a menstrual cycle to monitor the development of the eggs and follicles and measure hormone levels. It can be done on a natural cycle or while using fertility medication to stimulate the ovaries.

Cycle monitoring visits do not need to be scheduled. Please arrive during our walk-in hours for routine cycle monitoring visits and follow the patient instructions found here. A list of medications that you may be prescribed during cycle monitoring can be found here.

Cycle Monitoring for in-vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Cycle monitoring for IVF occurs between Day 2 and Day 12 of your menstrual cycle. During this time, you will be taking medication to help your follicles grow, and you will visit the clinic between 4 to 6 times to monitor the growth. Each cycle monitoring visit will consist of blood work, ultrasound and a meeting with a nurse and doctor.

Visit 1

For IVF, your first cycle monitoring visit will be on Day 2 or Day 3 of your menstrual cycle. The purpose of this visit is to determine your baseline hormone levels and follicle size. During this visit, you will be given a package containing procedure consents, information about fees and medication instructions. Blood work and an ultrasound will be performed and you will meet with your doctor to review your treatment plan. A nurse will train you on how to administer medication and answer any questions you may have. Your medication injections will start at this visit. For instructional videos on how to administer medication, visit our medication administration page.

Visits 2-5

Between Days 3 and 12 of your menstrual cycle, as you continue your medication, you will visit the clinic approximately every other day, with increasing frequency as you approach the egg retrieval day. The purpose of these visits is to track the growth of your eggs until they are ready for retrieval. When the doctor feels you are ready for egg retrieval, your procedure will be performed approximately 48 hours later.

Egg Retrieval

Your egg retrieval day will be approximately 48 hours after your last cycle monitoring visit. For this procedure, you will need to arrive 1 hour prior to your scheduled procedure. You will need the full day off work and someone will need to accompany you home.

Cycle Monitoring for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Intercourse, and Therapeutic donor insemination (TDI)

Cycle monitoring for IUI, Intercourse or TDI typically occurs between Day 2 of your cycle, and ovulation. Each cycle monitoring visit will consist of blood work, ultrasound and a meeting with a doctor or nurse- if needed.

Visit 1

Your first cycle monitoring visit will be on Day 2 or Day 3 of your menstrual cycle. During this visit you will have a blood test and ultrasound. Your doctor will also meet with you during this visit to review your treatment plan. You may also meet with a nurse if needed.

Visits 2-5

The number of additional cycle monitoring visits will depend on your specific treatment plan. Your nurse or doctor will inform you about the frequency of visits you will need and when to arrive for monitoring. You will be monitored until ovulation.

Ovulation

When the doctor determines you have ovulated, you will be instructed to have intercourse or will be booked for an insemination.

Common Side Effects

There are several medications that you will be taking during the cycle monitoring phase of your IVF or IUI cycle. The common side effects of these medications include the following:

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Mood changes

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