2013, Unsuccessful
[Dr. Sperrazza] was very kind. I met with him first and tried Femara with ovulation kits and eventually moved on to Ovidrel and IUI cycles. When those were not successful, we asked to meet with him to discuss next steps. We moved on to injectable medications coupled with Ovidrel and IUI. We did a few cycles of that and when that wasn't successful we discussed surgery to see if there was a cause of our infertility. A diagnostic laparoscopy showed Stage IV silent endometriosis.
The nurses at [Buffalo Infertility and IVF Associates] were amazing. Judy G., Judy L. Gail, and Nancy were my favorite nurses. They were always so kind to us and hopeful for us. They were always willing to answer my questions. (Even when I called from Jamaica once because I took my Femara early.) Judy L. was the nurse who suggested that I move onto IVF. I am forever grateful for her advice.
How was your experience with Ralph Sperrazza at Buffalo Infertility & IVF Associates?
Dr. Sperazza was very kind. I met with him first and tried Femara with ovulation kits and eventually moved on to Ovidrel and IUI cycles. When those were not successful, we asked to meet with him to discuss next steps. We moved on to injectable medications coupled with Ovidrel and IUI. We did a few cycles of that and when that wasn't successful we discussed surgery to see if there was a cause of our infertility. A diagnostic laparoscopy showed Stage IV silent endometriosis. We attempted one more injectable cycle without success. At that point, I was incredibly frustrated and one of the nurses in our center suggested that I would be a good IVF candidate. Dr. Sperazza called me later that week and said he agreed and advised that I meet with Dr. Crickard who then took over my care and helped me through IVF. I met with both Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Griffin during my IVF treatment cycle. Dr. Crickard did my retrieval and Dr. Griffin my transfer. We were pregnant after our first IVF cycle with twins! All of the Doctors here have a wonderful bedside manner, but Dr. Griffin truly is the kindest, most warm and approachable physician I have ever met. Dr. Crickard and Sperazza have now retired, but I owe my two beautiful babies to them, Dr. Griffin and Buffalo IVF. My only concern with Dr. Sperazza was that we (my husband and I) were always the one to ask what the next step was, when we were unsuccessful after so many treatments. There was not any follow ups scheduled unless we requested it.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Ralph Sperrazza at Buffalo Infertility & IVF Associates?
Be an advocate for yourself. This is a busy practice, but we always felt welcomed and not like a number. Don't be afraid to call if you have questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Ralph Sperrazza at Buffalo Infertility & IVF Associates?
When I first met Dr. Sperazza (now retired) he told me that he was going to help me have a family. It resonated.
Describe the protocols Ralph Sperrazza used in your cycles at Buffalo Infertility & IVF Associates and their degree of success.
Femara/LH Kits/IUI
Femara/Ovidrel/IUI
HMG/Ovidrel/IUI
IVF/Ovidrel/OOR/Transfer
I do not remember dosages of medications besides the Femara which was 5mg.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Buffalo Infertility & IVF Associates.
The nurses at the office were amazing. Judy G., Judy L. Gail, and Nancy were my favorite nurses. They were always so kind to us and hopeful for us. They were always willing to answer my questions. (Even when I called from Jamaica once because I took my Femara early.) Judy L. was the nurse who suggested that I move onto IVF. I am forever grateful for her advice.
Describe your experience with Buffalo Infertility & IVF Associates.
This is an excellent clinic and you would be in fabulous hands with any of the providers that are here. They are all so kind and compassionate and have a real passion for what they do. This is a busy office though, so be an advocate for yourself and ask questions and if you don't receive a phone call by the end of the day- call the office. Sometimes the messages or labs don't come through. I will always continue to advise friends and others who are having difficulty growing their family to come to Buffalo IVF. They are also the only Center of Excellence in the Buffalo area. They are exceptionally good at what they do and they are always striving to help patients achieve their goals.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Ralph Sperrazza at Buffalo Infertility & IVF Associates.
I do not remember exact numbers, but our insurance covered most of the treatments we used (minus copays). Our insurance at the time also covered all but $1300 of our IVF.
Describe Ralph Sperrazza's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Buffalo Infertility & IVF Associates.
We were educated fully on the risk of having multiples should we opt to transfer two embryos. At the time, ASRM recommended 1-2 embryos for my age group as well as a D3 transfer.