In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilization is a highly effective and safe way to treat infertility. Translating to “in glass”, In vitro fertilization provides a safer environment in which sperm may fertilize an egg (oocyte) in a laboratory setting. Currently, IVF is the most recognized treatment for assisted reproduction. Since the first procedures in the late 70′s there have been millions of successful births worldwide and IVF accounts for nearly 50,000 births in the United States annually. Although infertility can be a struggle, IVF makes it possible and gives hope to women and men alike who may be struggling with a range of medical issues that complicate conception through sexual intercourse. The Lexington Fertility Center provides cutting edge treatments in a caring environment that results in success. Learn more about our IVF procedures, what to expect, and some helpful resources below.
Before Your Journey Begins
No two women are exactly alike, so it is important to note that your treatment and experience will be individual to you! It can be a nerve racking time and we expect questions, concerns, and a lot of excitement. There is a lot of information available on the internet, the good, the bad, and the ugly, so please feel free to direct all questions our way. Prior to anything else, we will review your medical and fertility history and make sure that IVF is the best course of action. Be prepared to answer questions, and be honest with the Doctor about what you have been going through with your infertility struggle. The journey of infertility and IVF is a commitment, so it is important to keep the communication channels open between your Doctor and your partner, so that everyone is on the same page.
The IVF Procedure
Ovulation Stimulation is performed through administering medication to the patient. These medications are commonly referred to as ‘fertility drugs’. These hormonal therapies are used to stimulate egg development and ovulation. The end goal of ovulation stimulation is to increase and produce healthy eggs. Some of the more widely used fertility drugs used for ovulation stimulation are Clomiphene Citrate, Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG), and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).
Transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR) is typically performed 36 hours after ovarian hyperstimulation. This procedure is performed under light general anesthetic and last from 20-6o minutes. Your provider will be using a transvaginal ultrasound to guide a needle through the back wall of the vagina, and into the ovaries. The needle will then be used to aspirate the follicular fluid and oocytes. Typical results average from 8-20 oocytes retrieved for examination.
Once oocytes have been identified, our embryologist will evaluate them. Fertilization of the oocyte will then occur within 12-24 hours of your retrieval procedure. Around 10,000 sperm can be placed in one dish with an oocyte, that in turn is placed inside of a incubator for about 24 hours. Our embryologist will then inspect the oocyte for signs of fertilization.
Embryo transfer will occur three to five days after the initial oocyte retrieval. This procedure is performed with a small tube that will passed through your cervix, The embryos will then be transferred through the tube with a small amount of fluid. After the transfer, patients must remain lying down for several hours. After the elapsed time period, patients are free to go about their day as normal.