Carolyn Alexander

Dr. Alexander is a very kind and insightful doctor who I have been seeing for much longer than either of us thought (not her fault). I have done 2 IUIs that ended in mc and 2 that have failed and I'm currently on my 5th. I ended up taking a 6 month break after my 2nd mc due to waiting for blood test results that needed time in between for accurate diagnosis. Luckily Dr. Alexander allowed me to do these tests after only 2 MCs (instead 3 which is typical RPL). Thank God she let me because turns out I have MTHFR Gene mutation and a blood clotting disorder which means I need to do blood thinning injections once I'm pregnant. I wouldn't have known any of this if Dr. Alexander didn't take the time to speak with me and let me know my options prior to potentially going through another miscarriage! Sometimes you need to ask her as many questions as you can or she won't really give you the information right up front so I've learned to ask exactly what I want to know from her and then she'll tell me. Also at the clinic there are many other doctors and she is the only one I ever see walking though the halls and she always stops by her patients just to ask how they are doing and how they are feeling. Overall I'm glad I have her as my doctor going into my second year of fertility treatment.

Always ask her your specific questions if you are confused or didnt get all the info you wanted. Sometimes she can be very vague but once you ask she'll answer & clarify.

She calls sometimes with results after scans but she is also very busy so can't always spend a lot of time talking or answering questions. When she does speak to me about tough news she does actually spend time talking to me and she seems to really care even though you know she has to deliver bad news to people quite often in this field.

She had me do 5 days of letrozole and none of my follicles grew. So she had me wait a couple days and then start gonal f injections. I quickly had a big follicle after only 3 days so then I did trigger shot and IUI a day later. It got me pregnant (ended in mc) so the next cycle she had me mimic it and I got pregnant again (mc) then I took a break. The last 2 IUIs I did we're the same exact protocol but they didn't work. This one I wanted to do higher dose of gonal f but she's worried I'll produce too many mature follicles. So we'll see what this one's outcome is. When you go in for scans there is a tech who does it and then she or the nurses will call you after with instructions of what to do next. They also email so it's a pretty easy streamlined process.

There are 2 nurses on Dr. Alexander's staff and they were very very nice and always got right back to me via email or call whenever I had questions. When I had the MCs they were extremely nice compassionate and kind and knew exactly what to say to me to make me feel as comforted as I could without being too abrasive or anything. They got 2 new nurses since I started treatment again after my break and they are just as sweet.

It's a well organized office that has a streamlined process that seems to work. It can get really busy there because there are many doctors. In terms of getting an appointment with the doctor I can usually get one same week and it's really easy, even my first consultation ever!

I have fertility insurance through my husband's work so they bill insurance but cost out of pocket seems to be pretty general.

As I previously stated, the one on one attention from Dr. Alexander is wonderful. She is extremely busy but never made me feel as though I wasn't important. She made time to call me from her family vacation after a negative pregnancy test just to see how I was. Her positive attitude is contagious and so necessary when going through IUI and IVF.

As with any doctor, come prepared with ALL the questions. She will take her time to answer everything and put your mind at ease.

Dr. Alexander sat down with me prior to beginning treatment and wanted to learn about us, not just about our fertility issues but who we were as people. She is accessible at all hours, even called me late on a Friday night (and multiple times over the weekend) from her personal cell to give me embryo updates. When I started to spiral (as one does during infertility) she talked me of the proverbial ledge and helped guide me in the right direction.

IUI 3 (1st Alexander Cycle): Letrozole, 1 IUI donor vial IUI 4 (2nd Alexander Cycle): Letrozole, Gonal F, and a steroid that I cannot remember, 2 IUI donor vials IUI 5 (3rd Alexander Cycle): Letrozole and Gonal F, 2 IUI vials IUI 6 (4th Alexander Cycle): Gonal F, 2 IUI Vials IVF 1: Menopur, Gonal F, Omnitrop, Cabergoline, Dexamethasone, Ganirelix, Novarel, Doxycycline, Lupron

90% of the time Dr Alexander's staff is on it, responding to calls and emails quickly and always in a friendly manner. Nathalie was my main point of contact and she was wonderful. She was thorough and friendly, always responded to me quickly even when my requests were annoying. Natasha was my main nurse the week before my egg retrieval and her insight was so valuable. She sat with me at each visit and laid out everything to expect and how to prepare for the side effects after the retrieval was over.

Weakness: The clinic is gorgeous but it is always busy which I am sure can make many people feel overwhelmed. It never bothered me, the clinic has many doctors so of course the lobby would be full, but I am sure many people would find it daunting. Strengths: The front desk staff is wonderful, they learn your name quickly and remember you at future visits. Both Phlebotomists are friendly and patient which each person, especially when you have to get multiple vials drawn. The guys in the lab/IUI are the best, always happy to help and wishing you luck. All of the ultra sound technicians take their time to make sure they put you at ease and they all do a thorough job without taking forever. Each visit is usually really easy, in and out. They understand that most of the women and men have careers that they can't be away from for long so they make sure to not keep you waiting, and they'll customize all communication as to what works best for you (in person, email, phone, etc).

The IVF can cost upwards of $30,000 if you get all of the bells and whistles (concierge, embryoscope, etc). For just the egg retrieval cycle it was over $16,000 not including medications, the FET cycle is about $4000, not including medications.

We have not gotten to the FET cycle yet, but per our earlier conversations I believe we will do an ERA cycle followed by a multi embryo transfer.

We started doing IVF for male factor (1 % morphology) after I had two chemical pregnancies. Dr. Alexander was extremely compassionate and thorough with testing before we started a cycle. She was confident I would get pregnant as everything on my side looked amazing. Our egg retrieval went great, with 4 PGS normal embryos. Our first transfer was delayed because she found polyps and I was scheduled for a hysteroscopy to remove them. While under she found a uterine septum and removed that as well. Then I tested slightly positive for irregular uterine cells and did a course of antibiotics. We finally started our transfer cycle only to be cancelled because my lining wasn't responding to the meds properly. We started again with a different type of estrogen priming and went ahead with our first transfer which resulted in a pregnancy. Dr. Alexander was more excited than me, as I was cautiously optimistic because I knew one beta test is not the whole picture. Our second beta came back lower than they would have liked and we did a third one which was normal. After this we waited to do an ultrasound at which point things did not look good. I was told this news during the ultrasound which was very upsetting. We had to go back several times to keep watching and I eventually started to miscarry and took drugs to help it along. Transfer 2 failed, which was shocking to everyone. We met with Dr. Alexander and she suggested an ERA and seeing a hematologist, which didn't make total sense to me. I said, why don't we do one more transfer before we do all that and she suggested another hysteroscopy before a transfer and the plan was to do a third transfer before she left for the holidays. We did the hysteroscopy where she removed a small piece of tissue but everything else looked great. We then found out that we wouldn't have time to do the transfer we talked about doing so I suggested doing the ERA while we were waiting for her to get back. We started a mock cycle on their "standard protocol" which did not work at all for me on any level. It was the same hormone protocol as the first cancelled transfer... I expressed concerns about this not working and was told it would be fine. When my lining didn't respond and this cycle was cancelled, I felt like Dr. Alexander started to lose confidence. She said the ERA was no longer necessary as she "didn't want to be chasing her tail around trying to get a good lining." It was disconcerting being told we needed a test and then a week later we didn't. She suggested trying a natural cycle which I started and when she discovered fluid in my uterus (which I believe was there from the cancelled cycle before) we were brought into her office and mid-cycle suggested surrogacy in a very odd way. Asking if I knew anyone who I would want to be my surrogate and saying she wished she could be mine. My husband and I were no where near ready for that conversation and it was very strange to have it brought up in the middle of an FET cycle. The fluid was aspirated, I had a second HSG with her associate (who called me a conundrum during that procedure) and she recommended going ahead with the third transfer. That one failed and we decided to get a second opinion at that point.

Be ready to be in the driver's seat of your fertility journey whether it's following up for results, getting medications called in and doing your research. Dr. Alexander is smart but there were things that were missed along the way and I wish we were given a more realistic idea of what to expect with the entire process.

Dr. Alexander was compassionate and caring to a fault. This was just what we needed in the beginning but as things went wrong this actually made the process more difficult because she had strong feelings which were sometimes hard to deal with. The nurses were compassionate when I saw them and always knew my name and had a positive and caring attitude no matter what was happening.

Egg retrieval was pretty typical. FET changed from estrogen pills to many patches and Viagra, lovenox, steroids and lots of natural supplements and PIO and endometrin when it was time. Final FET was natural (waiting for me to ovulate) with a little patch support and endometrin/PIO shots, lovenox and steroids.

The nurses were great in person. All of them were warm and knowledgable. They were sometimes hard to get a hold of and I would have to follow up on medications because occasionally something slipped between the cracks.

It's like a factory. The waiting room is bustling sometimes beyond what's tolerable. There are t.v.s to watch in the waiting room. It's almost impossible to get anyone to answer the phone or call you back. The financial department is not helpful and was absent the entire time (there were mistakes.) . The lab techs are very nice and on it.

I think a retrieval cycle was listed as a little over $20k but once you add tests and meds its more like $30k. We spent close to $7k for everything for each transfer.

She went back and forth about whether or not to transfer one or two but ultimately agreed with our decision to transfer one at a time... she felt strongly about me not carrying twins for health reasons.

I came to SCRC not knowing what to expect. I have theee children and I assumed having a fourth was a no brainer. 9 months later still nothing. My regular OB recommended Dr. Alexander and my rheumatologist recommended another. I'm so glad I got to meet Dr. Alexander. The first visit was to go over my health status and what tests needed to be done to eval my fertility status. She also used a power point to explain all options available and also to help me figure out what course of treatment should happen next. After my consult I had a chemical pregnancy that did not want to clear my body and she checked on me weekly. She offered encouragement and also let me know that she was ready to jump in as soon as I was ready and my cycle had returned. She always finishes her phone calls or emails with "Best wishes" or "be well" and I think she might actually mean it. :) I have not conceived with her yet but I feel she will support me for as long as I continue to see her.

Come ready with questions and information about your fertility to save time.

Dr. Alexander is extremely caring. She has made me feel like she genuinely cares about how Im doing and how things are going without coddling or intruding. I have never had another doctor like her.

Metformin- I have had surgery for dermoids multiple times so I think she put me in a pcos category. This drug helps with egg quality. Estrace- my lining and periods have been light either due to age or bc I have had a d and c and also retained placenta removal in the past. Coq10- help with egg quality Letrazole- I have Some cycles without ovulation Hcg injection- trigger ovulation Dexamethasone- bc i have autoimmune issues Aspirin- to build lining Folgard- not sure but I think bc a lot of people have some clotting or antibody gene or mosaic of the gene Prometrium- support potential pregnancy Prenatal vitamin

They respond promptly and never disregard a concern or question.

Very busy- strength and weakness bc you can get in and or quickly but it also has the feeling of a fertility mill.

Co pay of $30 each visit. $250 for a consult but they waved it bc I she had to cance last minute.

She is a brilliant doctor, incredibly smart. She is warm and kind. She is not always the best communicator because her mind is working at a mile a minute, but I appreciate very much her expertise. She also frequently sought the opinions of other colleagues, both in the clinic and outside. It wasn't about ego for her it was about doing the best possible thing.

Make sure you ask questions and you do your own research too. And know that she is thinking about you.

Dr. Alexander gave me her personal cell phone number and always immediately responded to any texts or questions I had, and would call me personally with the results of milestone tests. She seemed to really care.

Dr. Alexander also successfully removed, or significantly reduced a large uterine septum I have. The first operation I had with another doctor had failed. Dr. Alexander did an excellent job.

The main problem with the nursing staff is turnover, and so you don't have a consistent or ongoing relationship with one person. They often change, and also you get who you get, depending on who answers the phone or emails. But they are nice and helpful.

It is a very busy clinic, always full. That said, I never felt like a number, just that I was in a very busy office! The main thing is having to be on top of your own treatment and following up yourself when necessary.

I am so grateful to Dr. Alexander for her incredible work with us. Her positive outlook allowed us to get through one of the most difficult times in our lives. She is extremely knowledgeable and patient focused. Her approach is tailor made to each patient. When she treats you, you feel like the sole focus of her office. She will always make time for you as a patient and will do everything to ensure a successful outcome. She is extremely sensitive to a patient's needs.

She is an amazing provider. I would recommend following all of her advice with regard to a retrieval. She is extremely responsive to a patient's need/ concerns so make sure to take an active role in your treatment process.

Dr. Alexander worked very hard to provide us with individualized service. She always remembered all of the facts about our case and would work with us to establish treatment plans.When things were not successful she made sure to call us to comfort us. She always made sure we were comfortable with all of our treatments plans.

My first FET and retrieval were pretty standard. My second and third FET involved the use of lovenox. This was used after it was discovered that I tested positive for lupus anticoagulant. My third FET also involved the use of prednisone (a steroid) due to a discovered history of familial autoimmune conditions.

The clinic is excellent. However, the separation between themselves and the embryology laboratory can make things complicated with regards to billing.

Our doctor allowed us to transfer two embryos during each FET. This was our preference and she remained supportive of our choice. She left the decision of transferring one or two up to us (due to our diagnosis). However, she was very clear that she would not transfer more than two (a pretty standard practice based on our young age)

She was truly amazing. I was so defeated when I met her and she gave me such hope. She worked around my phobias and everything she said made sense. She brought me a rose on one of my IUI dates. I felt like I could contact her anytime and she always had time for me.

Be honest with your needs; she is a great listener.

She was amazing. Although our treatments didn't work, she was both a doctor and a friend and a mother to me. I felt safe and loved. I have a severe needle phobia and she did everything I needed.

She adjusted me to letrozole with dexamethasone. I had never done a trigger shot before due to my needle phobia. She said I could use a smaller needle and that it could be in my butt instead of stomach. She and her nurses did the shots for me; one nurse even came to my house at 10pm!

That was my dream team. The ultrasound tech was a friend from church who prayed for me. The one who took my blood worked around my needle phobia and became a lifelong friend. The coordinator spent countless hours on the phone with me. They were all amazing.

Many of the personnel there have changed, so I can't comment accurately on the clinic now. When I was there, I loved the team. The environment was more like a spa setting which I loved. It would be good to meet each of the doctors and the nurses there to get a feel for them.

It's been a long time, but I believe each IUI was roughly $1,000. I was just on oral meds and the trigger shot, which was about $100.

She is very experienced, warm and friendly. Very knowledgable and aggressive (in a good way.) You do have to pull information out of her though in order to understand completely what she wants you to do but once you get to know her you trust her completely.

Ask a lot of questions.

Dr. Alexander followed my lead and was aggressive about my treatments. We first tried letrazole which I had negative reactions to. Dr. Alexander found a polyp in my uterus which I had surgically removed. Around the same time after doing a semen analysis for my husband she referred us to a Male Fertility Specialist who discovered that he had varicocele and needed surgery. We are now 6 months later and have done an additional 2 clomid cycles and are now doing IUI. While I am not pregnant I've been extremely happy under Dr Alexanders care.

They are all very knowledgable and helpful.

It is a high end Beverly Hills clinic that is very well maintained. Everything is state of the art yet they take insurance which makes it affordable!

Bloodwork is $110, Ultrasound is $220, IUI is $350.