Cynthia Sites

Dr. Sites was pleasant and knowledgeable. She reviewed all of our previous tests results with us and explained why she was ordering more or re-doing some. She was understanding and gave me a few moments to compose myself after I had been told IVF was the best option (I had gone in thinking IUI). My only complaint is that I felt like she wasn’t the best communicator, specifically towards the end of appointments. It seemed like my husband and I were always left hanging a bit only being given a “call the nurses this day.” But we never really knew what was coming next. It felt a bit awkward because it seemed like that was her way of saying goodbye. Other than that, my experience with her was fine. I felt very lucky that she was the one to do my egg retrieval and embryo transfer, although it really seems to be up to chance there.

When telling patients to call the IVF nurses on a certain day, explain to them what to expect from the conversation. Ex: Call the nurses this day, tell them it’s this cycle day and they will set up your calendar and send you an information packet. (Because I had no clue when I’d be getting medication information and instructions and I like to be prepared.)

I was put on the microdose lupron flare protocol, as I was expected to be a poor responder due to DOR. I started with 10 units of microdose lupron twice per day for two days. Then added 225 units of gonal-f twice per day while continuing the lupron. I was on gonal-f for 10 days (lupron for 12) before triggering with ovidrel. 11 eggs were retrieved, 6 fertilized, 1 perfect embryo was transferred on day 5 and 1 embryo was frozen on day 6. I was put on vaginal progesterone 3x daily and estrogen patches from the day after retrieval to 6w3d (first scan-saw the heartbeat).

My IVF cycle was covered by insurance so I only had to pay my deductible. The medications were also covered so I only had to pay a co-pay on each. However, the binder I was given did list the out-of-pocket price as $9,000 for monitoring, egg retrieval, and transfer. ICSI, genetic testing, and embryo freezing and storage were all additional fees.

My insurance only covered single embryo transfers, so that’s what we went for. That being said, Dr. Sites said she also recommended a single transfer for us given my age (27) and history (no previous pregnancies, no losses).

Dr. Sites is very thorough and I found it refreshing that she could "give us a number" on our odds of success. When I asked specific questions, she gave easy to understand answers. She has good bedside manner in that she clearly cares but she's not overtly warm. She was generous with me when I miscarried.

Ask questions because she has good answers.

Dr. Sites told us at our consult that she expected IVF with ICSI to work the first time and if not the first, then the second. We had a successful singleton pregnancy after the third frozen transfer. Our diagnosis was male factor infertility; I was prescribed the luteal lupron protocol for the retrieval. After the retrieval, I was scheduled for a fresh transfer but I experienced moderate OHSS symptoms and was encouraged by the nurses to do a frozen transfer instead after they saw me in the office. The first frozen transfer resulted in a miscarriage at seven weeks. The embryo was tested after the miscarriage and it was genetically normal. After I completed recovery from the miscarriage and before the second frozen transfer, my uterus was biopsied and I was told I had an infection; it was treated with oral antibiotics. I asked why my uterus was not biopsied prior to the transfer and Dr. Sites said that is not done when they're expecting everything to go right. For the second frozen transfer, I switched to intramuscular shots of progesterone rather than the vaginal suppositories. Dr. Sites explained that the intramuscular shots are considered by some REs to be the "gold standard" but that she considered the suppositories to have similar results to the shots. After the second frozen transfer resulted in a chemical pregnancy, Dr. Sites recommended implanting two embryos; I am told this is standard operating procedure after 2 failed transfers. After this second failure, we reached out to another RE (Dr. Howe) for a second opinion. Dr. Howe encouraged us to stay at our clinic because we had frozen embryos already and each lab has their own procedures for how they're frozen/unfrozen and it's best to stick with that lab. My husband and I decided to another transfer at Baystate and only transfer 1 embryo; that third time was successful.

Because I went at the earliest possible time, I rarely had to wait longer than 10 minutes.

Because the Commonwealth requires insurance companies to cover IVF, we just had to meet our deductible which I believe was $2,000 at the time. We continue to pay for embryo storage at Baystate $52/month.

We first met with a resident, which I had not been expecting. The resident was kind and asked us additional questions about some of our health history before all of us met with Dr. Sites. Dr. Sites was warm, friendly and matter of fact. She presented a course of treatment, explained the process and the steps that would need to happen prior to starting the process. She was patient, and did not seem to be in any rush. She did not present any aspect of her course of treatment in terms of options, in that we could do any aspect one way, or another way--she only presented a standard plan. When we asked about another option, she was slightly dismissive and stated that it would likely not be necessary in our case. She was thorough in her explanation of why we would not need to pursue this (we had asked about PGS). This was the only time she was slightly curt with us. She laid out next steps clearly and offered us resources to pursue as we waited to be able to take those next steps. She also laid out a standard pricing structure for a cycle, not including medications.

We are very early on in the process, but I did have the sense that you might need to advocate for yourselves. I am not sure how willing she would be to deviate from standard protocols. Again, in our case there does not seem to be a reason, but when I asked about fresh vs frozen transfer and PGS/PGD (the clinic almost always does fresh, and rarely does screening without strong evidence to support the need), she did not give the impression that she was open to either.

We were quoted around 9,000 for one cycle of IVF including ICSI, which did not include medications (additional 2-4k), any diagnostic testing/imaging that would need to be done prior, or any procedure (maybe another 1k) my husband would need to get a sperm sample (1.5-3k quoted estimate)

I believe this clinic generally only performs single transfers, but we did not go over this, and after the appointment we regretted not asking/hearing about this, because we wanted to pursue the possibility of implanting two.

She explains everything clearly, answers any and all questions, and has a very kind and calm demeanor which is appreciated during what can be a stressful process. I’ve never felt rushed during any of my appointments with her, and she shows real concern for the comfort of myself and I’m sure other patients.

Don’t worry or stress because you will be well taken care of!

I am using clomid and a trigger to provide some control over timing as my cycles aren’t totally regular. And I am using IUI because based on age and tests there is no reason to suspect any fertility issues at this point. My first attempt was not successful, and I am in the midst of a second attempt, currently taking clomid.

Much has been covered by insurance, but I’ve been responsible for copays (prescriptions), the sperm, and all sperm-related fees (thaw, storage, etc.)

N/A

Very nice, straight forward, and answered questions. Not the most personable doctor you will meet. Sometimes felt like I had to ask more questions to get all the information I wanted rather than her explaining everything.

Ask questions.

I can’t remember. The protocol before the egg retrieval. Dr Sites was on top of my condition which requires surgery before egg retrieval and one before the frozen transfer to optimize success.

Well oiled machine. Wait times weee not long for ultrasounds that occurred 8-10 every morning.

I don’t remember.

I agree with her that single embryo transfer is the way to go unlessnover the age of 35. If you are over that age you have the option for a multiple embryo transfer. She will also base it on your history. It is great that she is open minded for others based on age and history.

I was able to get my labs done prior to visiting, and had an ultrasound at the clinic. After that we met with Dr. Sites and she gave us the Diagnosis of LOR. she suggested a test to check my tubes (one of which turned out to be blocked). She then said our first course of action would be IUI (due to our insurance requirements). She explained everything well and we were satisfied. But that was i believe the only time we saw her. After that it was only nurses and US techs.

Be your own advocate. She can be a bit old school. If you think you want Progesterone for your cycle. Ask for it!

Clomid for the first round. trigger shot and IUI after 36 hours. This one failed. Switched to Letrozol, did not trigger since this was on our blocked side. Letrozol again, triggered and IUI after 36 hours. Failed. After this we requested her office send a letter asking for us to start IVF.

Our insurance covered most of our treatments about 20% was left up to us.

Knowledgable, gentle mannered, accessible, covered all important information, answered my questions, accepting of diversity. I have recommended her to others. I did not like her discussion of terminating multiples.

Do your homework and come prepared with questions.

Medicated IUI cycles to better predict ovulation. Femera instead of clomid to reduce chamce of multiples

$4,000 for three cycles

Not applicable.

I think she is a great doctor who really cares about her patients she answers all questions truthfully and honestly. She doesn't rush appointments and is easy to understand. She cares for her patients and doubles check you understand before leaving.

To be hopeful

It is first come first serve 7:30am to 9am

She leaned towards doing one verses two because of my age but was open to doing 2