In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)


What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves the fertilization of an egg by a sperm outside of the body.  This is a well-established treatment for infertility thanks to its efficiency and effectiveness in leading to a pregnancy.  


When to Consider In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)? 


IVF might be an option if you have any of the following situations:

  • Blocked or nonfunctional fallopian tubes
  • Decreased ovarian reserve 
  • Advanced reproductive age 
  • Genetic testing of embryos (PGT)
  • Male partner has a very low sperm count
  • Alternative treatments have failed

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Process

Ovarian Stimulation & Cycle Monitoring
This phase takes an average of 10 to 14 days and involves daily injectable medications comprised of hormones to grow, recruit and mature multiple follicles. Frequent blood work and ultrasound tests at the clinic are needed to monitor follicular growth and hormone levels. Once the follicles reach an adequate size, an injection is used to induce ovulation and the Egg Retrieval is scheduled.
Egg Retrieval
This is a procedure performed in the operating room by a physician, where the eggs are removed from the follicles within the ovaries. The patient is placed under conscious sedation to provide pain relief and comfort throughout the whole procedure.
Fertilization
Once the egg retrieval is done, the eggs are combined with the sperm sample in hopes of achieving fertilization. There are two different methods of fertilization for in vitro fertilization. Method #1 Conventional In-Vitro Fertilization - An optimal concentration of sperm is placed into a dish containing the eggs, and it is up to the sperm to penetrate the egg and fertilize naturally. Method #2 Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) - Lab techniques are used to select one sperm to inject directly into the egg. This guarantees that the sperm will penetrate the egg, but it does not guarantee that it will fertilize.
Embryo culture
The embryos are stored in incubators and monitored for fertilization after 24H, then again 3 days and 5 days later for progression. Once they have reached a blastocyst stage, the embryos can be transferred or frozen. 
PRe-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Prior to an embryo freezing, patients have the option to genetically test their embryos. PGT can screen for chromosomal abnormalities (i.e. Down Syndrome), structural rearrangements (i.e. balanced translocations) and single-gene genetic disorders (i.e. Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia). Transferring a chromosomally normal embryo increases your chances of pregnancy and greatly decreases the risk of miscarriage. 
Embryo Transfer
A fresh, untested embryo transfer can occur 3 or 5 days post egg retrieval. If the conditions are not optimal for embryo transfer or if a patient chooses to pursue genetic testing, the embryos are frozen and stored for a future transfer date. The embryo transfer is a procedure done by a physician with ultrasound guidance. The embryo is placed in a thin, flexible catheter, inserted through the cervix, and released near the top of the uterus. The transfer procedure is painless and takes around 10-15 minutes to complete. 

Natural IVF


Natural cycle IVF is ideal for patients who want a more natural approach and prefer to avoid medications or for women with delicate ovaries.  Click here for more information. 


How to get started


Fill out our form and we will be in touch to schedule an appointment for you with one of our Tripod Fertility physicians.  


BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION