Isela Robertshaw

When we first met Dr. Robertshaw we were entering our 5th year of TTC, and Bethesda was our third clinic. We'd been to a huge clinic where I described most of my visits as "cattle calls", and to a smaller clinic where I still felt as though the doctor never really heard or understood me or my questions. Within minutes of meeting Dr. Robertshaw we knew that things would be different -she listened carefully and responded thoughtfully. Throughout treatment (1 cycle IVF) she let us have our way where we felt strongly about things and helped us make decisions when we were unsure. She never *ever* rushed through an appointment, and will always take the extra few minutes to answer every last question or to celebrate with good news.

Sometimes (but not always, maybe 10-20% of the time) you may have to wait a bit. Because she never rushes patients through appointments, things can sometimes go over -since I've certainly been the one prolonging things, I was more than happy to wait patiently for my turn, and she never rushed through my appointments to get "back on track" like other doctors do.

We went through one cycle of IVF. I used GonalF for ovarian stimulation and had regular ultrasounds during the cycle to check progress, then something-that-starts-with-a-C to induce ovulation. Then the egg retrieval -we got something like 20 eggs, which was expected from the estimates with the ultrasounds. 19 were mature. Because of my dude's morphology, we used ICSI to fertilize, and 16 ended up fertilizing. The clinic was clear that typically only half of fertilized eggs make it to blastocyst, and that they only freeze high quality embryos, but we ended up with 14 embryos. They all were frozen because during retrieval Dr. Robertshaw identified an issue that required surgery. Immediately after surgery I started estrogen to begin a frozen embryo transfer procedure, then injectable progesterone. My husband and I insisted on 2 embryos, even though Dr. Robertshaw was very clear about the likelihood of twins. We had a positive blood test, then another to confirm, and we had two teeny heartbeats on ultrasound a couple weeks later. We've been discharged to an ob. So in conclusion, one round of IVF, one pregnancy with twins resulting, 12 embryos remaining in storage.

I've met my insurance out-of-pocket maximum, which is 5500, plus another 3000 or so in medication. This is for a round of IVF with one FET, and includes required diagnostic tests such as the SIS, as well as an MRI with contrast and an outpatient surgery.

Dr. Robertshaw was very clear that a single embryo would probably be successful given my age and no history of failure to implant, and said that she'd recommend one embryo. Nevertheless, she recognized that we were a-ok with the possibility of twins (it's been 5 years... we figured we'd have 2 by now, anyway) and let us go for it.

Dr. Robertshaw, is compassionate. She is not only educated, she listens to her patients. I never felt rushed when I was with her. I met with her several times before making a decision, she did not put any pressure on me, each time, as it was a lot of money and a big decision to do on my own. But I cannot say enough about the person she is and the doctor she is. I know God sent me her!

To ask as many questions as you want. She will answer all of them and calm your fears if you have any.

I went through two cycles. The drugs were based on the fact that I was doing this on my own and she had a lot of care for me in that sense. She always explained what they would do and why. The first cycle, we tried Estrace, but I wasn't ready, so she canceled it and the next go around, we tried Estrace and Viagra, and my uterus was ready to go!

The best part about Bethesda and Dr. Robertshaw and her staff is that they knew my situation. I did some appointments locally, but I had to relocate for a job so they worked with me and scheduling my monitoring appointments in North Carolina. They were fast with orders and results. It was quite the process for them, but it made such a difference for me to have them care so much and keep me as a patient.

I received statistics for the number of embryos that I transferred and we made a decision together. We changed it from one to two, and one ended up taking.

My experience with Dr. Robertshaw was very positive. She explained to me every step so that I could understand and was always upbeat and personable. She got back to me via phone call or email with any questions or concerns typically within a few hours. I had a great experience.

I would just listen to what she has to say and make sure you ask questions if you don't understand.

We ended up using 4 IUI's all together but her plan says, if you don't get pregnant after these times then you need to think of possibly doing IVF. The last time we did the clomid, shot and then had an U/S it showed I had 6 eggs available. She said, "if this doesn't work, I strongly suggest an IVF procedure". I would love to do IVF but with it not being 100% becoming pregnant then its hard to spend the money for IVF especially during hard times.

The IUI was $450, the shot was $100 the meds were $70 And then office visit was a couple hundred dollars or more. The whole procedure/appointment was roughly 900-1000 each time.

This was not discussed

Dr. Robershaw and Dr. Reynolds are both amazing, each one treated me as a doctor and helped me with the situation I was going threw, they never made me feel like I was stuck in anything and that the choice was ultimately mine.

feel comfortable enough to ask all questions that you have. no question is a dumb one in her eyes, she will take the time and be honest and speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have, and leave the choice ultimately up to you.

Dr. Robershaw pulled me in and let me know how soon I would have to start treatments based off of my situation, from there she was on hand for questions at anytime. Dr. Reynolds did my surgery, and changed my trigger shots and surgery date when it was discovered I was producing eggs and they were growing at a good rate. She really paid attention to my body and what it was doing and made a plan that was suited for me.

this is still pending, with my insurance.

Dr Robertshaw is a 10 out of 10 doctor. Infertility is a lonely time, it’s a difficult time, & she takes time to ask how you are doing and give support. She listens, is genuine, & truly cares. She shows her concern, is honest, & wants nothing but the best for her patients.

Just be honest and tell her your goals and she will listen and do her best to get you there.

Letrazole mostly, ovidrel, and either timed intercorse or iui (depending on if spouse was available to get to clinic). We did this off and on for over a year.. can’t remember outside of that.

I have no insurance coverage for infertility so paying out of pocket for procedures it is manageable. We have not done IVF only IUI.

Struggling with infertility is a scary feeling, and I felt very alone; but from the very first appointment meeting Dr. Robertshaw, I finally felt like someone understood my pain. She immediately jumped in and had blood work done and tests ran, and a plan to move forward. Any setback I had during all my rounds of treatment, she always showed warmth and compassion and I will forever be grateful to her. I’ve never experienced doctor care like hers and I don’t think I ever will again. Infertility is awful, but having her as my doctor made it so much easier.

Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you can think of, she will go into great detail with her answers and never make you feel like your questions or fears aren’t valid.

I can’t remember all of them but during a round of ivf we decided to do an era test (because of previous losses) which indicated I would need an extra day of progesterone, we also added recurrent loss blood work. (Through this I found I have the MTHFR gene mutation) Besides the gene mutation, nothing showed up on my blood work that would indicate a problem, such as a blood clotting disorder. She decided to try to keep me on blood thinners and do an immune protocol for my 4th Ivf transfer and it worked. I now have a very happy and healthy baby boy, who just turned a year old!

Each IUI was $350 and trigger shot was $100. We did 4 rounds of IUI. I can’t remember the cost of ivf, we were fortunate enough to have some of it covered under insurance.

She was very kind and understanding. She answered all my questions but when it came down to doing the things she said she was going to do, that just didn't happen. She told me to email her anytime but I never got responses.

Make sure you go into it knowing all the possible outcomes. I didn't know there was something called a guarentee program and I feel like I got screwed. I took out a personal loan to afford 1 round of IVF and now that that didn't work I have to figure out how to come up with a ton more money.

I started with taking birth control. Then had my baseline ultrasound. Things looked good so I started my injectable medications and did that for 9 days. I wasn't growing very many follicles about half way in so she upped my dosage and I started to respond better. I triggered on day 10 and then had my retrieval on day 12. Another doctor completed that procedure as Robertshaw was out of town. I was updated the day after retrieval, day 3 and day 5 as to how everything was progressing. I had a 5 day fresh transfer of 2 embryos. And then found out that none of my other embryos made it to freeze. I did not get pregnant and was left heartbroken and broke.

Each IUI was about $300. And the IVF all together was about $13,000. That's minus the meds for the IUI's and the donor sperm that I was using.

My dr wanted to just do 1 embryo because I was young and healthy but we ended up doing 2. First because it was a different doctor that did my transfer and secondly, because I only had 2 good looking embryos.

So far everything has been great. Questions are answered each step of the way by her. She also provides treatment options and doesn’t try to push straight to one set type of treatment. Her level of care is great too, shows confide in finding a solution. For us it’s 2ndary infertility, MFi, so trying to make the pieces of the puzzle fit again to be able to conceive.

Just Ask lots of questions

So far diagnostic work and timed intercourse with femara. Results: so far ovulated but no bro yet.

So far with all diagnostic work and one round of femara and trigger after insurance $1,000. I believe cost of ivf is between $10,000-20,000

We have not gotten to that point but did discuss the risks of both options.

Her bedside manner is a big strength of hers but I feel like she didn’t adjust enough after the 1st failed cycle. I feel like the second was rushed. I don’t think my meds were lowered enough. Each cycle I hyperstimulated. I believe the high number of eggs really effected the quality of them.

Make sure you speak up and voice any concerns or confusion. Also make sure you are clear on all instructions before heading into your trigger. Don’t feel bad for calling after hours even if they make it seem like you are a hassle.

First cycle- fresh transfer with ICSI - hyperstimulated with 50+eggs, two day 3 embryos transferred Second cycle- frozen transfer with ICSI, hyperstimulated 50+ eggs, two day 3 transferred

16,000 for once cycle

I pushed for multiple and I’m glad I did even though the outcome was negative. She is really into only transferring one.

She was amazing. I highly suggest seeing her. Polite and professional. She always knew every answer to every question. I would see her again if we decide to do it again. I have already suggested to a friend to go to Bethesda.

Be prepared for anything. Relax she knows what she is doing. Give her all your trust

First was cleaning fallopian tubes. Then ultrasound to see uterine thickness. Started hormones. Did iui per her suggestion. After 3 failed she suggested ivf. Started hormones for that. Did egg retrieval, with a fresh transfer. After positive pregnancy test, did ultrasounds of baby every week until released to ob

I was lucky to have great insurance that helped pay. Otherwise they had payment plans

She gave me the option

Dr Robertshaw is a great listener, seeks to understand any/all symptoms to help discuss treatment options. She takes the time to answer all questions and is candid in her responses and opinions. She took the burden of stressing about infertility off of my shoulders, and I truly trusted that I was in good hands with her recommended treatment.

IUI and IVF procedures, embryo freezing, monitoring ultrasounds, doctor visits, blood work.

She did not want to transfer more than 2 embryos, which is what we ended up doing. If PGS had been used, she prefers to transfer only 1 to minimize risk but is open to patient input.

Dr.Robertshaw is a great doctor and a great communicator. I felt that she always had my best interest in mind, she’d answer all the questions my husband and I had. Additionally, she helped me understand some other tests I had with my primary physician, whether they had any impact on my treatment. I really appreciate her!

Be open and ask questions

Before we started our IVF journey, Dr. Robertshaw took time to go over every detail of it. We had an in-person consultation, then a virtual appointment once we had watched all of the learning modules and read the consent forms. She discussed the science as well as the ethics with us, and went through various options for us to consider before starting. We really felt like any concern we had was taken seriously by her. One strength of Dr. Robertshaw (that I had been prepared for due to reading other reviews) is she takes her time with her patients. We never felt like she rushed through appointments with us, like most doctors do. She gave us information, asked if we had questions, took time to answer our questions fully, shared her personal experiences if they related to ours, and made just a little small talk. It felt easy to ask her questions, no matter how small or dumb they seemed. A small, but maybe related, con is that sometimes we had long wait times for appointments to start. This only happened 2-3 times, and never when we were there for something urgent. We just tried to plan accordingly for this possibility.

Ask every question you have. She is great in person and she (or a nurse) will reply to messages promptly if you think of questions or concerns at home.

My protocol started with 4 weeks of birth control as I wasn't having regular cycles, then I went back to the clinic for a baseline ultrasound and bloodwork. A few days later, I started Gonal F 300iu and Menopur every evening for 8 days. During that time, I returned to the clinic every 2-3 days for ultrasounds and bloodwork, to monitor my follicle growth and hormone levels. On day 7 of that week, I was started morning injections of Cetrotide which I continued for 3 days, and did my trigger shot in the evening of the third day. 36 hours later, I had my egg retrieval. That evening , I started taking Medrol (continued for 5 days) and the following day, I started 1 mL progesterone injections every morning. 9 mature eggs were retrieved, 8 fertilized (with ICSI), by day 3 only 1 embryo was growing on schedule with 2 more closely behind, and by day 5 it was determined that we only had 1 good embryo (4bb). Assisted hatching was not required. I returned to the clinic on day 6 after egg retrieval and had my transfer. I had bloodwork starting the next week (8 days, 10 days, and 13 days after transfer) to confirm the pregnancy. My progesterone dose was increased to 2 mL each morning, due to low numbers. The increased dose improved my levels. I then had a ultrasound the following week and confirmed formation of a gestational sac (week 6). Later that week, I had significant bleeding and cramps for ~1 hour before it slowed. Dr. Robertshaw had me come in for an ultrasound first thing the next morning, and she determined I had a subchorionic hematoma. I was given instructions to take it easy for a week and drink lots of fluids. I also received a rhogam shot as I have type A- blood. I had some spotting over the next few weeks, but the hematoma had already started to improve by the next ultrasound (week 7). I was discharged from the fertility center at that point and have been treated by my OBGYN since.

All of my treatment was covered by my insurance, and I had other unrelated medical expenses during that time, so I met my insurance maximum ($3k) while undergoing this treatment. Otherwise, I was quoted ~$12k for one round of egg retrieval/fertilization/transfer. I got all of my medications from Freedom Pharmacy and with my insurance policy, I was quoted a possible expense of ~$1.5k. However, I paid less than $200 total as I had met my insurance maximum.

For our situation, Dr. Robertshaw recommended a single embryo transfer. We didn't push for multiples and we only had one good embryo to transfer anyway.

Dr. Isela Robertshaw is literally a Godsend for my wife and me. When we visited her for the first time, we had already undergone 2 failed IUIs and 2 failed IVFs with another renowned fertility center in Cincinnati who were recommended to us by our OBGYN. Both our IVFs had been unsuccessful in yielding satisfactory number of eggs during retrieval, especially the second one in which my wife had been administered with growth hormone. Her AMH results were good for her age of 35 years when we started the treatment, and the clinic was unable to provide any satisfactory reason why the procedure failed. Both times we had only 1 fertilized embryo through ICSI and both times they transferred them on day 3. Unfortunately, neither resulted in successful pregnancy. When we met Dr. Robertshaw for the first time we were really low on confidence and it was like going through the motions, knowing that this was the last time we would try IVF. I cannot describe the pain my wife was undergoing. She went about her life normally but there were instances, especially when we came across happy families in shops and malls, when I could feel the pain in her. I had always been optimistic throughout this journey but after the failed 2nd round of IVF, I was devastated and was contemplating a life without children. The first thing that Dr. Robertshaw did was tell us a likely reason why the 2nd IVF failed. It gave us some confidence because now we had a doctor who could tell us a medical reason why we had a failed IVF cycle. Some may say that she guessed that based on reports she saw but well we wanted that transparency from our earlier doctors, not just a conclusion that it was unexplained infertility. She gave us confidence through every meeting we had that our journey would be successful. And the nursing team (Lynzie in particular) were wonderful in assisting us through the journey. She put my wife on a different treatment plan than the antagonistic cycle we had followed for earlier 2 cycles. As we went through the multiple USG sessions, our confidence grew as we found that the number of potential eggs were into double digits for the first time. And then the biggest relief came on the day of extraction when we could get almost the number of eggs we had seen in our USGs. After that we followed the ICSI and had a very successful return on the embryo count. We had decided earlier that we would do PGT on embryos to be able to have higher chances of implantation this time. That phase of our cycle also went through weel, with the final transfer of 1 embryo bringing us the much-awaited good news in August. Thereafter we met Dr. Robertshaw through till week 8 of my wife's pregnancy and she would explain again every time what she should do and should not. She would sit down beside my wife during the USG and explain in detail what we saw on the screen and allay any doubts and concerns we had on how the embryo was developing. In summary I really do not have words to describe Dr Robertshaw. The fact that she was successful in getting us our first pregnancy is definitely a feather to her cap but more than that we are indebted to her for the excellent counsellor she was in our journey the most difficult times of our journey as a family till date. I sincerely wish that many other couples like us who are struggling to get a medical answer to their pursuit of kids, get doctors like Dr. Robertshaw to help them in their journey.

Please feel free to ask questions. Be thorough to discuss them with Dr. Robertshaw. She never tires from answering all your questions, as many times as you ask them.

Dr. Robertshaw changed the antagonistic protocol that had been unsuccessful 2 times and put my wife on a Long Lupron cycle. She did not use any growth hormones unlike the 2nd cycle my wife had. Then she reduced the gap between the trigger shot and egg retrieval from 36 to 34 hours. She had guessed that my wife's 2nd IVF had been unsuccessful because the timing had been messed up that resulted in the eggs ovulating prematurely. We ended up getting 13 eggs, 7 of which survived through day 5 after ICSI. These 7 were frozen and sent for PGT. 5 of them came back as normal. One of them, the best in the lot of 5 was transferred. Dr. Robertshaw said that we should only try with 1. And it was successful.

Majority of the cost for the IVF cycle was covered through the insurance. However, I had to cover close to 200 USD for medication, 2000 USD for the PGT and close to another 1500 USD for the IVF process

Since we had selected to go with PGT, Dr. Robertshaw had told us that she would be transferring only the best embryo per the protocol of frozen cycle. If that failed only then she would consider transferring 2 in the next cycle

Dr. Robertshaw made my husband and I plan and explained every part to us. I loved how she would put into terms that we could actually understand. She made me feel comfortable at every appointment and made sure that all my questions and concerns were addressed. Dr. Robertshaw was an amazing doctor!!!

Don't be afraid to ask any question even if you feel like it is dumb.

My first plan was timed intercourse with monitored cycle. This cycle I was given 2 rounds of 7.5 letrozole and 1 10mg before my follicles would grow. I had many ultrasounds this cycle. I also did a trigger shot (ovidril). After this cycle we decided it wasn't going to work and went with IUI. The next 3 cycles I took 1 round of 10mg letrozole followed by ultrasound and did the trigger shot (ovidril). Came in 2 days after the trigger shot to do the IUI. The last cycle was a little different. It was postponed due to Covid 19. After things opened up we did another IUI. I took 10mg letrozole followed by ulrasound and trigger shot (ovidril). Then went 2 days later for IUI. She told me to take a baby apsrin the day after the IUI and to continue taking it. My 5th cycle i got pregnant.

For ultrasound and IUI i usually paid 230 and some change

Dr. Robertshaw was recommended to me by another physician, a friend who I confided in explaining the horrible bedside manner of a fertility doctor from whom I initially sought treatment. My first meeting with Dr. Robertshaw was appropriately lengthy because I had a ton of questions. She explained my suggested treatment protocol at length and the reasons for her suggestions. My journey with Dr. Robertshaw lasted over two years because I paused my treatment a few times to psychologically deal with the arduous fertility process. In that time, Dr. Robertshaw treated me with emotionally intelligent empathy and followed-up or allowed me space appropriately. You can't teach this type of genuine care and empathy. It felt like a blessing and I certainly appreciated it immensely.

I would advise a prospective patient to feel free to ask questions, even the ones that seem stupid. I would also advise prospective patients to disclose their concerns and fears so that Dr. Robertshaw can do her best to address them. Embrace her kindness and stick with it! She knows what she's doing!

Initially, I was diagnosed by another fertility doctor with fallopian tube blockage via a very painful HSG. I wanted a second opinion so Dr. Robertshaw and I decided that rather than having me endure another excrutiating HSG, I should under go a laproscopy. Following the laproscopy we learned that one tube is partially blocked and one tube fully blocked. I was not ready to undergo IVF so we started a brief treatment of Clomid. When that was unsuccessful, I took a break from fertility treatments. A year later, I returned. Dr. Robertshaw was on maternity leave so I saw Dr. Kasey. We began the full IVF protocol starting with birth control, followed by ovary stimulating hormones, I produced only 3-4 eggs so we cancelled the cycle. When I returned for the next try, Dr. Robertshaw had returned from maternity leave so I went back to her for treatment. We started birth control followed by stimulating hormones however I produced too few eggs again so we cancelled the cycle. My understanding is that because I pressed to have this cycle result in a December retrieval, I wasn't given the full stronger protocol. Finally, we started a new cycle with the stronger stimulating hormones and I produced 12 eggs. These resulted in 7 embryos. The embryos had to be frozen because my progesterone levels were too high. We waited one menstrual cycle and I was prescribed progestorone regulating medications for about two weeks when finally my embryo transfer was scheduled. Two embryos were transferred, resulting in my current singleton pregnancy.

In total greater that $20K

Dr. Robertshaw strongly advised against transferring more than two embryos. We transferred two embryos.

Dealing with infertility is already stressful and overwhelming and I personally needed someone who would walk with me in this journey that I could gain instant trust. Dr. Robertshaw made this so easy to do.

Trust her recommendations and be open to communicate to her your needs also she is here to help you start or continue your family

We went through 3 trials of IUI the first not medicated the second 2 medicated with clomid. After the 3rd failed IUI Dr.Robertshaw recommended moving to IVF to have a more structured plan, we now have to beautiful twin girls due to that shift in plan

20,000

We went with multiple embryo transfer, and transferred both embryos. I suggest just thinking about if this works are you ready for multiples.

She was candid with us from the beginning. She answered all our questions, was there at all ultrasound appointments and never discouraged us from asking even the silliest of questions. She was very kind, communicated everything perfectly well and we trusted her completely.

Ask a lot of questions without hesitation.

The costs were pretty much standard to any other fertility clinic. They really helped reduce costs of ultrasounds by charging insurance instead of having us pay directly. Also, during COVID they reduced their procedural costs to help patients which was extremely helpful.

She was very clear from the start about a single embryo transfer and advised against it, considering the reason for treatment and my age.

I would recommend Dr Robertshaw to every single person. She is incredibly kind, her bedside manner always made me feel comfortable. She was always always so positive and answered all my questions and made me feel better even when it was tough. She made me feel like I was her only patient every time we saw her.

I took Letrozole 2.5mgs and increased it to 5mgs I believe. We also did trigger shots. This was to help build up my eggs and then the shot helped with the release of the eggs. We also did a flush out of my fallopian tubes to ensure there were any blockages.

I have a fertility benefit through my employer

N.a