GWU Fertility Center

[Anonymous]

PGD is genetic testing for abnormalities.

[Anonymous]

GWU gets pretty good reviews, and if I decide to do IVF, which will be a mini-IVF, I will go to GWU. Their mini-IVF is $4800.

I'm with Shady Grove now and love them but IVF with them is unaffordable.

Had I done more thorough research before starting this process (I was in a rush due to my age) I may well have started at GW and stayed with them. Instead, I had a disastrous first cycle with CFA (IUI with donor sperm, single mom here) and a good one with SG but still a BFN. This month, moving on to medication.

[Anonymous]

what is a mini IVF?

[Anonymous]

Other single ttc'er here. I happen to love CFA. Began at CFA, went to GW to "see what else was out there," and preferred CFA so I am back where I started from. Yes, GW is good. My doctor (Frankfurter was good, professional, kind.) BUT what bothered me was that our of 2 IVF's, 1 IUI, and 1 HSG, other docs in the clinic did the procedures, not to mention many decisions on monitoring days. IMO, the bottom line is for every clinic there are patients who are fans, others who are not, and it is ok to "agree to disagree." Just wanted to let you know my experience, preferring CFA to GW, although GW is good- Just not for me.

[Anonymous]

excuse my above typos. Signed, PP

[Anonymous]

Reviving this thread because I'm considering switching to GW. I have shared help at Shady Grove (discount based on income), will GW match that?

[Anonymous]

I went throuh IVF with SG, but I never got to part two of the magic. My eggs will not fertilize. I tried 2 times and they said there was nothing else they could do and need to look at other options. I'm looking for a new RE. Did anyone have luck with GW?

[Anonymous]

I knew people with pretty dismal outcomes and they had luck with GW.

There is a pretty universally known thing that not all clinics use because it doesn't seem to show that it works in research, but it won't hurt and that's the use of steroids during stims. It is supposed to help egg quality. It may not be the right answer for you, but you do need a clinic that will think outside the box to find out the "why" part of the eggs not fertilizing. Is it the egg or sperm?

I love SG as they got us pregnant but, I do think they have a very strict regimen they follow. And steroids isn't part of it. That's why I medicated myself with them without the doctor knowing and now i'm pregnant. No one can convince me I did the wrong thing - ever.

Try GW. They are much more flexible from what I hear.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply. The eggs are the problem and the doctor feels its because I had an embolization procedure done that destroyed my uterus and egg quality. I'm 33 and I had 4 mature eggs this time and the doctor said they should have fertilized this time with ICIS. I know my chances are low, but I don't think I should give up after 2 tries. All my other options with SG are not feasible. I mean don't get me wrong the nurses and doctors are very nice, but I think you are right they have strict protcols. I didn't know about steroids...I wonder if that would help. I figure GW is a teaching hospital and I don't think I could go wrong. Hopeful they will give me another chance.

[Anonymous]

I cycled 3 times at GW. They weren't able to get me pregnant, but I always got good care from them. I especially liked Dr. Dayal. She is willing to work with you and tweak your protocol to accommodate your concerns and wishes.

[Anonymous]

14:44 again. Op - also what I forgot to mention is that these clinics all fiercely protect their stats. You know they have to report their pregnancy stats to the CDC right? Well, a lot of clinics "weed out" people who are problem cases or start to steer people to other issues.

If I were you I would make a consultation with SIRM. haveababy.com. I got that recommendation from some people here and I followed through with it. I didn't use them because we had prepaid some local cycles but they are amazing. They are outside-the-box thinkers. You can do monitoring locally and just go up there for the procedures. They are in NY and NJ. Actually they are all over the US but those are the closest.

GW is a research hospital and I don't think they are as psycho at watching their stats. That's really what you need - someone to give you a chance. If you were 40 I'd say to move on to donor eggs or something. But I don't know if this show is over for you you just yet. Of course I'm not a doctor, but try to get infront of someone who isn't thinking about how you will ruin their statistics.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I was wondering if SG had a cut off to protect their stats. My husband has always told me to be careful with stats. I do agree with SG that I do have a serious problem and my chances are low. I visited my primary doctor for a new referral and he agreed that I needed a second opinion. He said to go ahead and check out GW, but he suggested I try givf.com.

[Anonymous]

PP - it may depend on your doctor a SG. SG was the second clinic I went to, after having undergone 3 failed IVFs at GW. I had 2 failed IVFs at SG and my doctor is still willing to do more if I want to and can handle it. But I've decided to take a break.

[Anonymous]

GWU has been great! However, at times the nurses seem confused which puts me on edge. One nurse in particular seems like she could care less if your meds are correct, or if you get your meds at all. Also, when the nurses call you for your daily monitoring, they always seem to be in a rush to get you off the phone, as if your not going to ask questions. At that point, I had to be my own advocate. Otherwise, I loved all 3 of the docs there!

[Anonymous]

I got pregnant on a natural IVF Cycle at GW Fertility and IVF. I had been to several fertility clinics, in the DC area (Columbia Fertility, Dominion Fertility and Johns Hopkins) and consulted over the phone with Colorado. I only did treatment at GW, however, as they were the only ones that inspired me trust and I do not regret it, not only because I have been successful, but because of the incredible way in which I have felt treated and accompanied in this very long road that is reproductive assistance (not to mention the horror stories I have heard of other clinics).

Every one of the doctors knew me, and my case. Every one of the nurses, which are by the way great, warm professionals. All three doctors (Dayal, Frankfurter and Gindoff) extremely professional, focused, sincere in their care and commitment to their patients. GW is also not for profit, (keep this in mind when you are recommended extra procedures or extra whatever at other clinics). BY FAR AND LARGE, GW is the best fertility clinic out there and I feel really lucky to have been able to go there and scape the sometimes dark world of IVF clinics. I consider it an island of excellence and recommend it with my eyes closed.

At GW, Dr Gindoff was my doctor, and even now, at three months pregnant I still consider him "my doctor" and email him with updates, because HE TRULY CARED ABOUT US AND SUPPORTED US EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. Frankly, I am surprised when I read some of the comments in the forum. I know there are no questions as to his intelligence or knowledge, but rather, as to his "bedside manner". My experience is however that Dr Gindoff truly cares and is passionate about his profession. He is warm, and by far, the most approachable of all three (great) doctors. Try and look beyond what he might seem, I had a wonderful connection with him. I saw him for appointments whenever we needed to talk, before, during and after treatment, he was always available to us. He was a partner in this journey.

Good luck to all of you in this journey.