I had no access or communication with the doctor [Dr. Minna Selub] except during ultrasounds and transfers, at which time, I was treated like my questions were an annoyance to the doctor. I needed to just trust her and do what she said always...doctor delegated most communication to her assistant
This [First IVF] clinic is much smaller and more affordable than my previous clinic. They made IVF treatment something I could realistically afford. You feel like less of a number there, however, it’s still challenging trying to get in communication with the doctor. The embryologist is wonderful and very knowledgeable. They are an experienced clinic and I felt like I was in good hands for the things that really mattered.
How was your experience with Minna Selub at First IVF?
There were a lot of miscommunications at this office and the doctor delegated most communication to her assistant who does not have the nicest bedside manner. They get irritated easily when faced with questions or the need for reassurance that their “way” is the best “way” for you as an individual patient.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Minna Selub at First IVF?
Always ask questions and advocate for yourself because no one else will. If you think you’re being difficult — Good! You have every right to be. There is so much at stake and you need to make the most informed decisions possible.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Minna Selub at First IVF?
I had no access or communication with the doctor except during ultrasounds and transfers, at which time, I was treated like my questions were an annoyance to the doctor. I needed to just trust her and do what she said always.
Describe the protocols Minna Selub used in your cycles at First IVF and their degree of success.
I responded the best to the mini stim protocol.
Describe your experience with your nurse at First IVF. (Assigned nurse: Debbie)
Easily irritated and condescending but with a good understanding of how IVF works. Usually able to answer questions.
Describe your experience with First IVF.
This clinic is much smaller and more affordable than my previous clinic. They made IVF treatment something I could realistically afford. You feel like less of a number there, however, it’s still challenging trying to get in communication with the doctor. The embryologist is wonderful and very knowledgeable. They are an experienced clinic and I felt like I was in good hands for the things that really mattered.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Minna Selub at First IVF.
Comparably, it cost less than the same procedures at other clinics.
Describe Minna Selub's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at First IVF.
She believed in multiple embryo transfers, mostly because I didn’t do genetic testing on embryos.
Dr. Selub recommended I take 5 pills of letrozole for 10 days. She said she had a good result with a previous patient who had low AMH and high FSH. During the ultrasounds prior to the egg retrieval there were many follicles that were developing well in one ovary...[she] goes by her "gut" with the treatment plans. She felt I was an excellent candidate for "natural" IVF - this cycle utilized oral medications and a trigger shot. The way she communicates about things is very insensitive
This [First IVF] clinic is the lowest cost. If you are new to IVF it may be a good place to start, you will learn a lot from the process...I think the cost paid to the doctor was $3,250. I paid about another $250 in medications including the cost of the trigger shot...I do suggest to take notes and pay close attention and get a clear treatment plan of what you expect to happen, when you should be taking which medications for example. They say you don't need someone to drive you for when you have the egg retrieval, but I do recommend it...
How was your experience with Minna Selub at First IVF?
I attended a free seminar hosted by FIRST IVF which provided me a free consultation with Dr. Selub. Dr. Selub and her nurse Debbie have a long relationship working together, over 20 years. I feel Dr. Selub goes by her "gut" with the treatment plans. She felt I was an excellent candidate for "natural" IVF - this cycle utilized oral medications and a trigger shot. The way she communicates about things is very insensitive. For example, when going for the egg retrieval, which I was nervous about, she came in saying "now it's the fun part" - really excited. I wasn't expecting to have the entire office present for this procedure. I wasn't expecting not to have my husband present for this procedure. The process was very painful for me. I will never go through that procedure again without anesthesia. When the egg retrieval didn't go as well as we were expecting, Dr. Selub immediately suggesting Donor Eggs, as I am recovering from the egg retrieval or comments trying the natural cycle 3 or 4 times which would be about the cost of a normal full stem cycle. Those comments and the rudimentariness of the clinic really is what changed my opinion and is when I questioned my concern of the provider I decided to go with after interviewing many doctors.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Minna Selub at First IVF?
Take notes when you are told things because the clinic is not organized and doesn't summarize a timeline of when or what you should be taking.
On my first consultation I brought all the supplements I had been taking for Dr. Selub's input. When I started treatment I brought in all of my medications to verify with the nurse. Some recommendations were missed, such as taking Asprin or when to start the steroid prior to the transfer.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Minna Selub at First IVF?
At the first consultation, I was attracted to the fact that it was a small clinic and had a meeting with the DR. I had previously attended a seminar the doctor hosted to obtain the follow up consultation.
When I started treatment, I learned that they group so many patients at a time and keep them all on a similar cycle. So, if there unexpected changes in your treatment plan - such as the time of egg retrieval it may be more difficult to schedule.
It felt a little being herded like cattle. Multiple patients waiting in the waiting room, one comes out next goes in for the next step of the procedure.
Describe the protocols Minna Selub used in your cycles at First IVF and their degree of success.
Dr. Selub recommended I take 5 pills of letrozole for 10 days. She said she had a good result with a previous patient who had low AMH and high FSH.
During the ultrasounds prior to the egg retrieval there were many follicles that were developing well in one ovary. Dr .Selub was optimistic of receiving 2 or 3 eggs. My uterine lining was thin, so Dr. Selub delayed my trigger shot 1 day with hopes of letting my uterine lining thicken.
When I came for the egg retrieval, the majority of the follicles were gone. She retrieved 1 immature egg.
The egg matured and fertilized in the lab. On day 3 it was an 8 cell embryo and was recommended to transfer as the embryo would have a better chance inside me instead of in the lab.
I had previous concerns about the letrozole as this drug is banned in many countries.
After the failed cycle, I questioned Dr. Selub of her recommendations for the next cycle and she suggested donor eggs. This is the second time that it has been suggested by her. She even offers to credit the entire cycle towards the cost of a donor egg cycle. I really was shocked considering that I am 31 years old and this is my first attempt at IVF, my AMH is 1.15 and normal FSH.
During the egg retrieval I was given laughing gas, I was supposed to have a period of oxygen after. The oxygen tank ran out. All the procedures occurred in the same room.
Describe your experience with your nurse at First IVF. (Assigned nurse: Debbie)
Debbie is very friendly, she really runs the show in the place. She has a lot to manage with the scheduling and communicating the medication regimen. I missed some details of when I should have taken some things, I wish it was given to me more as an outline with a clear treatment plan.
Describe your experience with First IVF.
This clinic is the lowest cost. If you are new to IVF it may be a good place to start, you will learn a lot from the process. I do suggest to take notes and pay close attention and get a clear treatment plan of what you expect to happen, when you should be taking which medications for example. They say you don't need someone to drive you for when you have the egg retrieval, but I do recommend it.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Minna Selub at First IVF.
I think the cost paid to the doctor was $3,250. I paid about another $250 in medications including the cost of the trigger shot.
Describe Minna Selub's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at First IVF.
Does not apply.
What specific things went wrong at First IVF?
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at First IVF.
As I was having an ultrasound completed, the doctor said "you taking baby asprin, right?" - no , I wasn't. I wish this was communicated at our first consultation or at a minimum when I started the cycle.
I also had a similar question asked during the transfer regarding a prescription steroid which I had but I didn't receive the instruction on when I should start it.
I started with one month of birth control and as soon as i finished i came in for my first ultrasound [with Dr. Selub]. I started injections a few days later but only for 10 days. I took 75IU twice a day for 10 days followed the trigger shot. 36 hours later I had the retrieval. I've done this 3 times now...every retrieval has resulted in less eggs each time I've done it...I speak more with her assistant who does not have a medical background...
One cycle didn't work [at First IVF] - from what I understood, although it wasn't explained to me...The clinic is small but cozy. It seems to be a very small staff and I get the impression that the one coordinator there could be overwhelmed. She seems to run the office in terms of operations, lab work and results, instructions, appointments and notes. I feel like that's a lot for one person to keep all together. She does seem to forget my specific case once in a while and she also has sent me to do unnecessary lab tests that are not covered by my insurance.
How was your experience with Minna Selub at First IVF?
She's soft spoken and I only had one sit down conversation with her at the beginning of this whole process. Ever since I don't really know what's going on. Her assistant communicates with me in terms of lab tests and instructions. I don't really know what questions to ask. They are both nice and seem to have a lot of experience but every retrieval has resulted in less eggs each time I've done it.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Minna Selub at First IVF?
Ask about having and IUD and what your blood tests mean.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Minna Selub at First IVF?
I speak more with her assistant who does not have a medical background, however she is pretty responsive and both are very nice.
Describe the protocols Minna Selub used in your cycles at First IVF and their degree of success.
I started with one month of birth control and as soon as i finished i came in for my first ultrasound. I started injections a few days later but only for 10 days. I took 75IU twice a day for 10 days followed the trigger shot. 36 hours later I had the retrieval. I've done this 3 times now.
Describe your experience with your nurse at First IVF. (Assigned nurse: Debbie Carmichael)
She's very responsive but sometimes I don't trust her answers since I don't think she has a medial background.
Describe your experience with First IVF.
Decent location to get to with decent parking. The clinic is small but cozy. It seems to be a very small staff and I get the impression that the one coordinator there could be overwhelmed. She seems to run the office in terms of operations, lab work and results, instructions, appointments and notes. I feel like that's a lot for one person to keep all together. She does seem to forget my specific case once in a while and she also has sent me to do unnecessary lab tests that are not covered by my insurance.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Minna Selub at First IVF.
Around $5000 for the first round and after around $4000
Describe Minna Selub's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at First IVF.
n/a
What specific things went wrong at First IVF?
Failed to order appropriate test
Describe the specific things that went wrong at First IVF.
One cycle didn't work - from what I understood, although it wasn't explained to me. On the day of retrieval, they took a urine sample and it came back "negative". I wasn't sure what it meant but I interpreted it as that the trigger shot didn't work. The coordinator mixed the powder for me in the clinic 26 hours before and she did it very quickly. When I mix my medication, I make sure that it's properly mixed and that I get every last drop. I injected the trigger shot exactly when I was told, yet something went wrong and i got no eggs that day. I know many things can go wrong but i thought it was strange that the one thing I didn't have control over seem to be the issue.
She [Dr. Minna Selub] is extremely understanding and relatable a real woman and also kind, has a sense of humor and is in short knowledgeable and wonderful....She doesn't try to sugar coat it. She tells you her opinion but if you want to do other therapies like acupuncture and vitamins and nutrition for fertility things that can't be backed up by science she wont discourage it but she doesn't give a lot of information about all that.
Debbie [a nurse at FIRST IVF] is great also very experienced. I had some trouble following directions and also a couple times she thought she had given me reminders or notes, but they weren't properly filled out. the good thing is you can always reach her incase things need clarification....I very much like the doctor and nurse. but I did not feel like they were tying to sell me something or set me up with unrealistic expectations.
How was your experience with Minna Selub at First IVF?
More then any other doctor I've seen I just really like her and feel a good connection. She seems a very confident and experienced doctor. She has been doing this for more then 20 years. She is extremely understanding and relatable a real woman and also kind, has a sense of humor and is in short knowledgeable and wonderful.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Minna Selub at First IVF?
She doesn't try to sugar coat it. She tells you her opinion but if you want to do other therapies like acupuncture and vitamins and nutrition for fertility things that can't be backed up by science she wont discourage it but she doesn't give a lot of information about all that.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Minna Selub at First IVF?
I like being treated by women and I defiantly felt like relatable human. I very much like the doctor and nurse. but I did not feel like they were tying to sell me something or set me up with unrealistic expectations.
Describe the protocols Minna Selub used in your cycles at First IVF and their degree of success.
I don't remember the medications I did but I had an allergic reaction to my first medication, injectable stimulation meds, So that was hard and I needed to get support on a weekend and we had to change the medications. but the retrieval went as planned I just didn't get any viable embryos.
Describe your experience with your nurse at First IVF. (Assigned nurse: Debbie)
Debbie is great also very experienced.
I had some trouble following directions and also a couple times she thought she had given me reminders or notes, but they weren't properly filled out. the good thing is you can always reach her incase things need clarification.
Describe your experience with First IVF.
It's great and a little less expensive than others in my area.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Minna Selub at First IVF.
it was 15k plus meds
Describe Minna Selub's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at First IVF.
I did not get that far.
What specific things went wrong at First IVF?
Failed to consider drug intolerance
Describe the specific things that went wrong at First IVF.
I had an allergic reaction to the first stimulation medication which was painful and scary I would have liked to know that that was possible and not serious before it happened but in the end it all worked out ok.
Dr. Selub did a wonderful job thoroughly explaining my situation and further treatment. She went into detail on what would occur every step of the way through the IVF process. I left her office feeling informed and confident that the treatment would be successful...very kind and compassionate...Even though I felt upset about the situation itself I also felt hopeful after speaking with Dr. Selub.
Debbie [nurse at First IVF] is a very kind lady. She always replied quickly to every email I sent and I was never left waiting for an answer, even on the weekends...Monitoring appointments were easy to schedule and I did not have to go out of my way to change my regular schedule...For the entire IVF process is was $12,000 (not including medication) The medication for my particular case was close to $3,000
How was your experience with Minna Selub at First IVF?
Dr. Selub is very kind and compassionate. She explained everything in detail and did not try and sugar coat the situation. Even though I felt upset about the situation itself I also felt hopeful after speaking with Dr. Selub.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Minna Selub at First IVF?
She will listen to your comments/information and she always has a detailed answer.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Minna Selub at First IVF?
Dr. Selub did a wonderful job thoroughly explaining my situation and further treatment. She went into detail on what would occur every step of the way through the IVF process. I left her office feeling informed and confident that the treatment would be successful.
Describe the protocols Minna Selub used in your cycles at First IVF and their degree of success.
I was given specific medication to take during treatment with an extensive schedule for my appointments.
Describe your experience with your nurse at First IVF. (Assigned nurse: Debbie)
Debbie is a very kind lady. She always replied quickly to every email I sent and I was never left waiting for an answer, even on the weekends.
Describe your experience with First IVF.
The staff at this clinic are awesome. They make you feel at ease even through this stressful process of infertility. The communication is quick and thorough. This is a definitely the fertility clinic to go to if you want to feel like a human and not just a number.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at First IVF.
Monitoring appointments were easy to schedule and I did not have to go out of my way to change my regular schedule.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Minna Selub at First IVF.
For the entire IVF process is was $12,000 (not including medication)
The medication for my particular case was close to $3,000
Describe Minna Selub's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at First IVF.
The doctor [Dr. Minna Selub] has a very caring and sincere presence. She takes her time with each patient during office visits and answers questions.... Be as informed as possible about your fertility needs to see if this doctor is a good match. If you are young and healthy with minimal fertility issues she will be an excellent doctor and you can save alot of money by using her practice. If you are older with health concerns or fertility issues, you should consider a practice that does more extensive testing or specializes in your particular issue.
This clinic [First IVF] is a small operation. It would benefit from more staff to support patients and another doctor or two so that patients with different conditions could hear more options for their treatment.... One person handles everything from billing to medication education to being a go between in all communication with doctor when patient is out of office. It is too much for one person.... Costs were reasonable but not always transparent.
How was your experience with Minna Selub at First IVF?
This is a great doctor if you do not have any significant fertility issues. Costs are fair and approach is caring. Testing and protocols are not innovative. Seems like more of a cookie cutter and batch approach.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Minna Selub at First IVF?
Be as informed as possible about your fertility needs to see if this doctor is a good match. If you are young and healthy with minimal fertility issues she will be an excellent doctor and you can save alot of money by using her practice. If you are older with health concerns or fertility issues, you should consider a practice that does more extensive testing or specializes in your particular issue.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Minna Selub at First IVF?
The doctor has a very caring and sincere presence. She takes her time with each patient during office visits and answers questions.
Describe the protocols Minna Selub used in your cycles at First IVF and their degree of success.
Only one strategy/protocol was used and result was failed IVF.
Describe your experience with your nurse at First IVF. (Assigned nurse: Debbie)
One person handles everything from billing to medication education to being a go between in all communication with doctor when patient is out of office. It is too much for one person.
Describe your experience with First IVF.
This clinic is a small operation. It would benefit from more staff to support patients and another doctor or two so that patients with different conditions could hear more options for their treatment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Minna Selub at First IVF.
Costs were reasonable but not always transparent.
Describe Minna Selub's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at First IVF.
Doctor was reasonable and seemed well informed in her approach to single versus multiple.
The office staff and doctor [Dr. Selub] made you feel very comfortable... She is a great doctor very companate very helpful. She make you feel like family . You can call her anytime of the day and she will pick up the phone to answer what every question you may have.her staff is so nice and the office is so clean I love going there .... I used clomid cycle 3 to 7 and trigger when ready.... When you go to the go to the appointment just ask as much of questions that you have
They [First IVF- Weston] are great I wouldn’t change a thing . When you go to the go to the appointment just ask as much of questions that you have . They never rush you out of the office they take there time with you . I love going here make me feel like family...I have spent almost 7000 for 2 iui and medication with donor sperm...The office staff and doctor made you feel very comfortable... Debbie is amazing! She is always available to talk or text ,...
How was your experience with Minna Selub at First IVF?
She is a great doctor very companate very helpful. She make you feel like family . You can call her anytime of the day and she will pick up the phone to answer what every question you may have.her staff is so nice and the office is so clean I love going there .
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Minna Selub at First IVF?
Ask questions
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Minna Selub at First IVF?
The office staff and doctor made you feel very comfortable
Describe the protocols Minna Selub used in your cycles at First IVF and their degree of success.
I used clomid cycle 3 to 7 and trigger when ready
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at First IVF.
Debbie is amazing! She is always available to talk or text ,
Describe your experience with First IVF.
They are great I wouldn’t change a thing . When you go to the go to the appointment just ask as much of questions that you have . They never rush you out of the office they take there time with you . I love going here make me feel like family
Describe the costs associated with your care under Minna Selub at First IVF.
I have spent almost 7000 for 2 iui and medication with donor sperm
Describe Minna Selub's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at First IVF.
We sat in her office and she [Dr. Minna Selub] explained everything in detail re: my treatment...She was straight forward about everything. She did push donating my eggs. I am currently on the list since I can’t afford IVF she said the money I get from the donation can help...My experience was a pleasant one although it was not successful. She took the time out to speak to me and text me with results and find underlying issues. I was discouraged a few times but she gave me hope. Every question I had she answered she wasn’t judgmental at all. I felt very comfortable.
Nursing staff [at Fertility & IVF Center of Miami] was great she [Dr. Selub] has a nurse named Debbie who does everything!! She’s great...The office strengths are great communication and efficient staff. The doctor runs on time and she has great bedside manner. The office weaknesses are not having in house lab of imaging. I wish they had in house financing...Lab tests were ordered for me as well as an HSG. I was given letrozole and was told to do timed intercourse.
How was your experience with Minna Selub at Fertility & IVF Center of Miami?
My experience was a pleasant one although it was not successful. She took the time out to speak to me and text me with results and find underlying issues. I was discouraged a few times but she gave me hope. Every question I had she answered she wasn’t judgmental at all. I felt very comfortable.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Minna Selub at Fertility & IVF Center of Miami?
Always be an advocate for yourself. Know your medical history. Be ready to be asked to donate your eggs.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Minna Selub at Fertility & IVF Center of Miami?
We sat in her office and she explained everything in detail re: my treatment. With all results she would get right back with me and have her nurse text me. She was straight forward about everything. She did push donating my eggs. I am currently on the list since I can’t afford IVF she said the money I get from the donation can help.
Describe the protocols Minna Selub used in your cycles at Fertility & IVF Center of Miami and their degree of success.
Lab tests were ordered for me as well as an HSG. I was given letrozole and was told to do timed intercourse.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Fertility & IVF Center of Miami.
Nursing staff was great she has a nurse named Debbie who does everything!! She’s great.
Describe your experience with Fertility & IVF Center of Miami.
The office strengths are great communication and efficient staff. The doctor runs on time and she has great bedside manner. The office weaknesses are not having in house lab of imaging. I wish they had in house financing.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Minna Selub at Fertility & IVF Center of Miami.
I had to pay a copay for my office visit and the copay was high for my blood work because of the type of testing.
