Sasmira Lalwani

Ms Lalwani is a very understanding and compassionate person. But, since she is very busy, you have to communicate with her through a nurse, which was fine, as the nurse was very capable; but without a good nurse this system may have been a nightmare. It is also very hard to get an appointment from her as well. Ms Lalwani stayed away from more complicated treatments such as IVF with me although I am older. She was even against medicated cycle for the first two times, but I had to force her. The same was true fro use of progesterone. She prescribed progesterone only after 2 chemical pregnancies, which frankly I am not sure was due to low progesterone. But after 5 cycles with donor sperm and 4 of them medicated, I kinda wish she was more forceful. But I really appreciate her bedside manners.

Make your research and be proactive.

1- Natural cycle (negative) 2 - Clomid (Chemical) 3- Clomid (negative) 4- Femara 5 mg (chemical) 5- Femara 5 mg (cancelled due to poor response) 6-Femara 7.5 mg, prometrium after IUI

$150 for first, $75 for subsequent visits. 1100 IUI cycle.

Sometimes Dr Lalwani had difficulty explaining concepts, though she was patient and kind and answered questions. Some embryo transfers were tough, in that it took several times to place the catheter. It never hurt, but having to go to the bathroom and feeling like your doctor couldn’t get the catheter right was upsetting.

Make sure you read a lot about your procedures and ask questions at appointments, but know she will also take phone calls and answer you on the patient portal emails.

I used GonalF,225, menipur, 150, &cetrotide. I triggered with leuprolide. This seemed to work for me as I had 14 or 15 eggs retrieved each time. I used pills for estrogen and progesterone suppositories for preparing for transfers. My first 2cycles I had 1 & 2 5-day blasts, after PGS testing. I was able to do 2 FETs, because one blast didn’t survive the thaw. My other 2 transfers were fresh, because the doctors didn’t know why my FETs didn’t take, and thought with older eggs, maybe the embryos would do better in a fresh transfer.

You would sign in, wait in line for a blood draw, return to the seated waiting are for an ultrasound. There were two changing rooms for the one ultrasound machine, one patient would get undressed while the other was in the room. It actually ran very well and only a couple of times was it very crowded. Most of the time it was very busy but quick. Typically in and out in 30 minutes or less.

I believe each round with ICSI were $12000 plus PGS (plus meds, $6000) and the last two rounds were a package with ICSI of $17500, and the meds were still $6000/round)

For PGS tested embryos, they only do SET. They only tell you the sex once the lab chooses the best embryo. I was fine with that, I don’t know if they may have accommodated had I asked for a specific sex, but I think no. When the PGS tested rounds didn’t work, I had multiple embryos transferred at 2 & 3 days fresh. All rounds were negative. (Not even chemical)

Dr Lalwani is very friendly and easy to communicate with. At one of the consultation appointments, I brought my partner. She sensed that my partner and I were not on the same page regarding fertility treatments and gave us references for counselors. I appreciate that Dr Lalwani is a great listerner and she shows empathy for her patients. I wish Dr Lalwani could be more aggressive about treatments considering my age and condition.

Do your own research and be your own advocate. My impression is that the doctor cannot answer all your questions. Unfortunately, the area of infertility is full of unknowns.

100 mg clomid with IUI. outcome: no pregnancy.

Dr. Lalwani was very compassionate when I experienced a loss and was happy to answer my questions and consider suggestions regarding my treatment. I felt like my needs and preferences were factored into her decision making regarding my treatment.

Do you own research and ask lots of questions. Be an active participant in your treatment.

Estrogen priming protocol for IVF with pICSI. Still waiting for results.

I have $30,000 in ART coverage. I have not yet maxed out that coverage.

Dr. Lalwani and GWU in general have a strong preference for single embryo transfer. That is something we agreed with and did not question.

I never felt rushed at my appointments with Dr Lalwani. She always explained the reason for what she was recommending. She made a difficult infertility journey easier to go through .During the IVF process if I had any question, she was always available to talk to me over the phone.

Don't hesitate to ask questions, and ask for explanations if things are not clear to you. She does not mind answering questions.

First cycle: Birth control pills/ ICSI. First cycle no embryos frozen Second cycle: estrace prime/ICSI to get better quality embryos. Blastocyst frozen, and then transferred in a frozen embryo cycle. That resulted in a pregnancy

Dr Lalwani advocated SET

Dr Lalwani was very generous with her time and care. She was delicate with me but direct. She called often to check in when things didn’t go well. I appreciated her time but wish she was more aggressive.

Don’t hesitate to push and ask for more aggressive treatments

Cattle call in the morning but pretty well oiled machine. Rarely had to wait long especially if you got there first!

Probably 20K out of pocket.

I think GW requires single embryo transfer unless there have been multiple losses