Dr. Philip Chenette
Fertility Medicine
San Francisco, CA
40 years experience male
Locations
Pacific Fertility Center
San Francisco, CA
About
Bio
Dr. Chenette is a Medical Director at Pacific Fertility Center in San Francisco. Dr. Chenette is rated as one of the “Best Doctors in America” by his peers and is a recognized "Top Doctor" in the national Consumers’ Checkbook “Guide to Top Doctors” and “America’s Guide to Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists”. Dr. Chenette is a past recipient of the American Fertility Association’s (AFA) prestigious Family Building Award.
The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) appointed Dr. Chenette to Assistant Clinical Professor with the Volunteer Clinical Faculty (VCF) in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Dr. Chenette’s compassion and experienced approach to treating complex infertility conditions places him among the very best fertility doctors in the nation.
A native of the Chicago area, Dr. Chenette is an internationally recognized Board Certified specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility that trained under the pioneers of oocyte donation. His work on ovarian stimulation techniques and preparation of the uterus for oocyte donation has been internationally quoted. He obtained his MD degree from Indiana University Medical School in 1983 and was selected to participate in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Scholars Program. After completing residency training at Magee-Women’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh in 1987, Dr. Chenette completed fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Southern California (USC) in 1989. After fellowship, he was appointed to the teaching faculty at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Dr. Philip Chenette has spent the last twenty years specializing in the treatment of patients with complex infertility diagnoses, especially in women with decreased ovarian reserve, and women over 40. Throughout his career, Dr. Chenette has dedicated himself to the pursuit of excellence in medicine.
In his free time, Dr. Chenette enjoys photography and videography, playing the piano, oboe, and guitar, piloting a plane, bicycling, and skiing with his three daughters and lovely wife. Look for him at Shirley Lake!
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Fertility Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
304 Answers
33 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Yes: There is a gene that increases the chance of fraternal twins. This is not the most common reason for twins, though, so for most women twins is a rand... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
2-5 days: If using Progesterone after ovulation, menstrual cycles will return after stopping the Progesterone in 2-5 days. That is, if there is not a pregnancy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Not very: Withdrawal is not very effective for birth control pill. It is essential to use a barrier method if true birth control is required.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Egg Retrieval: Stimulation, using fertility drugs, then retrieval, using an ultrasound guided needle. Sedation is used to ease the process.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
No periods: Amenorrhea (no menstrual period) is the most common effect. Long-term absence of menstrual period can cause bone loss and may influence the future ri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Right away: Usually no restriction, but check with your doctor for guidance, as opinions vary.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Yes!: Fitness is highly recommended in women attempting to conceive. Exercise on your most fertile days is fine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
1-5: 1-5 follicles in a healthy young woman on Clomiphene is common.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Look for Spinn!: Cervical mucous becomes thin, stretchy, and voluminous just before ovulation. This is called spinnbarkeit (german for stretchy and elastic). To see ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Depends on eggs: Most women feel fine the next day, but there is some variability in this. Returning to normal depends on the stimulation. High egg yields can lead t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
It depends: The otc tests are a decent screening test for fertility problems, but predicting pregnancy rates off a test result is not yet possible. If you suspec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Yes: Depends on the drug. Recreational drug use certainly can create fertility problems, depending on duration and frequency, and the nature of the drug. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Early treatment best: Chlamydia is an infection that can damage the fallopian tubes. Fortunately, if caught early, there are few ill effects. Infections that are not trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
It's a process: Warm loving care is essential to good fertility. Take time to appreciate your partner, exercise, stay fit, eat a good diet, minimize alcohol.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that is outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Ovulation: Gonadotropins induce follicle development in the ovary. This is used to prepare for insemination or ivf.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
It is possible: Depends on the drug. Medications like chemotherapy agents can have strong effects on fertility long after they are used. Otc medications like tyleno... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Yes: Trich causes inflammation in the cervix, which blocks the cervix and reduces sperm available to the egg. Trich is commonly associated with other gyne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Yes: Mild effects on sperm count, motility, and morphology, and effects on sperm dna fragmentation have been identified with mj use. Interest in sex is di... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Probably not: Drugs have short-term effects on male fertility through suppression of sperm production. Long-term effects would reflect injury to the testes, the spe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Rare problems: If one kidney is working well, it won't influence the outcome of pregnancy. It's worth having some basic kidney function tests before conception, and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
0-50 percent: Success at ivf can be predicted.
Age is the best predictor of ivf success, but it is not the only factor. The endometrial lining has some impact, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Get a checkup: Could be normal, but very much worth a checkup to look for infection, retained placental fragment, fibroid, or other problems.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Mildly elevated risk: Iud use elevates the risk of ectopic pregnancy slightly. This is one diagnosis that one cannot afford to miss. Get checked out, today.
Evaluation b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Pain after transfer: Pelvic pain after transfer is much like any ovulation cycle. A persistent corpus luteum is the most common cause. Enlarged ovaries after stimulation i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
No: Signs of ovulation are not sufficient to provide contraception. The signs of ovulation, like cervical or vaginal fluid, or ovarian pain, are not alwa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Optimize Fertility: Optimizing fertility is always the same, regardless of 1 or 2 ovaries. Stress reduction, a well-balanced diet, more complex carbs, reduced simple car... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
No: Some medications do have an effect, typically those that act on the pituitary gland or the ovary. If the medication interferes with menstrual cycles ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
CMV and Fertility: While CMV can increase the risk for birth defects, it does not affect the ability to conceive.
Cmv positive blood tests are quite common.
Take t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Manageable: Discomfort after an egg retrieval is minimized with careful management of stimulation and retrieval. Talk with your doctor about your concerns.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Record of menses: An ovulation calendar is a record of the days of the menstrual cycle with symptoms. For most women, cervical mucous appears d 12-13 of a natural cycle... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Testing: Test for health of sperm and egg, a way for them to find each other, and a healthy uterus for the embryo. This includes evaluation of the menstrual c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Lazy pituitary: A lazy pituitary is the most common reason. Stress, weight loss, low body fat levels, excessive exercise, medications, and ovarian failure are other ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
No benefits: Studies have not shown any benefit to Progesterone cream over other Progesterone sources.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Testing: This is a good time to see a specialist in reproductive endocrinology.
The risks of cancer vary by the illness and treatment. Assessment of the ute... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
About 1%: Fraternal twins are from ovulation of two eggs, and identical twins less commonly from an embryo split. There is a gene for multiple ovulation, so tw... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Infection: Infection or damage to the fallopian tubes are the precursors to a hydrosalpinx, fluid in the fallopian tube. Common sources are chlamydia, gonorrhea,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Yes: Yes. It's simple. An egg retrieval involves placing a needle into the ovary. No cervix or uterus needed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
28 days: The typical ovulation cycle is the menstrual flow d1-5, follicle development d5-13, ovulation d14, and the luteal phase d15-28. The cycle then restar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Multiple methods: Ovulation, the release of the egg, is best demonstrated by conception. You can get clues from a cycle timing, basal body temperature charts, an ovula... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Same time: The exact time of day does not matter, but taking the medication at the same time every day is helpful.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Yes: Yes, but food sources of Progesterone are very weak.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Varies: Natural conception is difficult over age 40, and rare after age 43. Reproductive aging affects eggs, since older women have more abnormal eggs with ch... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
No: Not really. Guaifenesin syrup can loosen cervical mucous, but poor cervical mucous is usually from an ovulation problem or injury. Best choice is to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Healthy eggs: The biggest reason is a problem with egg health, such as aneuploidy. Most eggs do not have the capacity to produce a pregnancy. Some have missing pa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Varies: More than two cups a day seem to affect the way an egg is picked up by the fallopian tube. If you are trying to conceive, best to stick to 1-2 cups p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
No: There is not a lot of difference in conception rates by time of day.
Nighttime is theoretically better, since there is more time at night for sperm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Day 3-7: Clomid (clomiphene) is usually taken for five days starting on the third day of the menstrual cycle. Starting dose is 50-100 mg daily.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
No: That is true, but not the only reason the morning after pill works. There are effects on the uterus and the fallopian tubes, as well as sperm.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Suppresses prolactin: Bromocriptine is used in women with high prolactin levels to restore normal menstrual cycles. It improves pituitary production of FSH and allows norm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
714
Thank you notes
Nov 1, 2012
Dr. Chenette appears very knowledgeable and I like his answers. He's spot on with his comments, very easy to agree with.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Chenette is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Chenette is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Dr. Philip I'm in my lated 40's and I missed my period last month but got it this month. Been experiencing pregnancy symptoms like crazy. The nausea, tender brests, freq...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you doctor, I feel I may need a hysteroscopy next just to rule out endometriosis ect. As the embryos seem high quality??
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! This happened b4 got BFP to but mnth conceived I didnt get any dark discharge. Wonder low progestesterone?
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Indiana University School of Medicine, IN
Graduated 1983MD
Residency
MAGEE WOMENS HOSPITAL OF UPMC HEALTH SYSTEM
Awards
Family Building Award (AFA)
Fertility Doctor of the Month (Fertility Authority)
Top Doctor in Consumers' Checkbook Guide to Top Doctors
Affiliations
Pacific Fertility Center
California Pacific Medical Center
University of California San Francisco
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