TREATMENT AND SERVICES: In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

More than 250,000 babies have been born in the United States since the first time IVF was successfully used in 1981. In-vitro fertilization is a technique involving the fertilization of eggs by sperm outside the body.

This treatment is typically recommended if a couple has been unable to: (a) conceive on their own after twelve months, (b) other infertility treatments did not result in conception, (c) the male has a low sperm count, (d) the woman has been diagnosed with severe endometriosis or (e) damaged or blocked tubes.

The IVF cycle consists of several procedures listed below:

• Down regulation:  The woman is prescribed a medication taken by an injection, which suppresses the release of the hormones responsible for the development of ovarian follicles. This is necessary in order to establish a baseline from which to start ovarian stimulation and to prevent spontaneous ovulation before egg collection can take place.
• Ovarian stimulation:  Once a baseline has been established, the woman commences ovarian stimulation which takes the form of a daily subcutaneous injection. The ovaries are stimulated and usually produce several eggs to ensure that there are enough suitable eggs for fertilization.

• Monitoring:  Regular monitoring of the effects of the medications on the ovaries is done utilizing transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests.
• Final injection:  When the ultrasound and blood tests indicate the follicles are mature (the sacs in which the eggs grow), a final injection is administered to ensure the ripening of the eggs in preparation for the egg collection.
• Egg collection:  Eggs are collected from the ovaries via the vagina using a fine needle to aspirate the eggs from the follicles. This is performed in a procedure room at The Institute under intravenous (IV) sedation and ultrasound guidance.
• Sperm production and preparation:  On the day of the egg collection, the male partner is required to produce a semen sample at the center. Situations may arise where the semen sample may be collected at home or a frozen semen sample is used; however, a fresh sample is optimal. The sample is then prepared in the laboratory to isolate the highest quality sperm.
• Embryology:  When all the eggs have been collected, they are placed in a dish with the prepared sperm and incubated in the laboratory. The embryos will be monitored and the couple will receive daily updates on the embryos’ progress.
• Embryo transfer:  The embryos are transferred directly into the uterus three to five days after the egg collection. The embryos are transferred via the vagina and cervix using a fine catheter. Other than an occasional uterine cramping, this procedure is pain free.
• Progesterone check:  One week after the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to evaluate the patient’s progesterone level.
• Pregnancy test:  Fourteen days after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is done. When the pregnancy test is positive, two subsequent pregnancy tests are preformed to evaluate the continuing rise of the pregnancy hormone, HCG. A transvaginal ultrasound is performed at approximately five and a half weeks and seven and a half weeks of pregnancy. The patient is then discharged to their obstetrician’s care.

If you are ready to schedule an appointment, please complete the online form or contact us at 610-981-6000.