AboutEdward Joseph Ramirez, MD, FACOG Expertise I am a specialist in infertility and advanced gynecological care. I can answer questions about infertility, gynecology related ills, menopause...virtually anything that affects women's health. PLEASE tell me where you are writing from as I am always interested.
Experience I have been practicing as an Ob/Gyn and Infertility Specialist for over 23 years. Gynecology, advanced laparoscopic surgery, basic infertility, IUI's, IVF, reproductive surgery, and ovulation induction are all areas of my expertise. I am Board Certified. I have been doing In Vitro Fertilization in my clinic for 15 years.
Organizations American College of OB/GYN, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists,Resolve-National Chapter, Open Path - Northern California, Board of Directors Monterey Medical Society
Publications American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education/Credentials Medical Degree from Stanford University, Residency at Tripler Army Medical Center, Reproductive Training at Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco
Question I'm injecting my wife with 75 units of Gonal-F using the Gonal-F pen. After I inject it and count to 5, I remove the needle, and I see a few drips come out. Is this normal?
Also, how long does it typically take for the Gonal-F pen to cause ovulation?
Lastly, how long is it safe for a male to take 25mg Clomid/day?
Answer Dear Russ,
Thank you for your question. Where are you writing from.
Obviously, your clinic is not talking with you well enough. They need to do better. Your questions are very common, and my patients are usually counseled to expect them.
It is okay for some of the Gonal-f to drip out. What's better is that you may want to inject at a slight angle (45 degrees) so that the exit track is not so straight. Then put some pressure on the injection site immediately after. This will also help with bruising.
The Gonal-f will not cause ovulation. You need HCG to do that. Gonal-f will only cause the follicles to grow. It takes most patients 10-14 days for the follicle to reach the appropriate size for ovulation.
In terms of the Clomid, there is not a time limit as long as it is working. You can stop once you've achieved pregnancy or you should have your semen analysis checked after three months of taking the medication. If there has been no change, then I would not continue it, because it is not working.
I hope this answers your questions.
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D.
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
