In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common procedure performed by CARE Fertility, and we are one of the leading IVF facilities in the field.
This assisted reproductive technology (ART) can be a good option for couples struggling with a variety of infertility problems:
When the female partner’s fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, if she has endometriosis, or if she has difficulty with ovulation for any reason
When the male partner has a low sperm count or has issues with the quality of sperm
When the cause of infertility is unknown
Types of IVF
Stimulated or conventional IVF
The most common form of IVF, stimulated or conventional IVF uses fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The doctor uses light sedation to harvest the eggs from the ovaries. The eggs are then combined with sperm in the laboratory and incubated. The resulting embryos are transferred into a woman's uterus.
Reciprocal IVF
Reciprocal IVF is an option for same-sex female couples that allows both partners to be involved in the IVF process. Embryos are made from one partner’s eggs and donor sperm, and then transferred into the other partner who carries the pregnancy to delivery.
effortless IVF®
Using the INVOCELL device, effortless IVF® is a revolutionary assisted reproductive technology treatment that is a more natural and affordable form of IVF, with similar success rates.
Fertilizing the egg
There are two ways that an egg is fertilized by IVF: traditional and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Traditional
In traditional IVF fertilization, thousands of swimming sperm are placed next to the egg in a laboratory dish. Fertilization occurs when one of the sperm enters into the outer layer or cytoplasm of the egg. See Figure 6.1 Traditional Fertilization.
Figure 6.1 Traditional IVF fertilization.
ICSI
For a variety of reasons, sometimes the sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of the egg. The egg’s outer layer may be thick or hard to penetrate or the sperm may be unable to swim. In these cases, a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with IVF to help fertilize the egg. In the ICSI process, a tiny needle is used to inject a single sperm into the center of the egg. See Figure 6.2 ICSI.
CARE Fertility is a leader in ICSI. Our clinic had the first baby born from ICSI in North Texas. We also had the first local use of ICSI for the treatment of male factor infertility.
Figure 6.2 ICSI.
Frozen embryo transfer (FET)
With IVF, embryos are created and then frozen for future use. A frozen embryo transfer is the process of transferring those embryos into the woman’s uterus once her body is recovered and ready to receive them.
The IVF process, step-by-step
To begin, both partners are carefully evaluated to ensure they’re good candidates for IVF.
Figure 6.3 IVF process.
In the IVF process, an egg is fertilized with a sperm solution and implanted back in the uterus through the cervix. The process follows a carefully regulated schedule, and takes about three weeks after testing and preparation. See Figure 6.3 IVF process.
Ovarian stimulation:
The woman uses fertility injections to increase the number of eggs that are produced.
Egg retrieval:
Egg retrieval is performed using ultrasound guidance in the safety of our onsite accredited surgical center with board certified anesthesiologists.
IVF laboratory:
The sperm and egg are combined in the IVF laboratory. If ICSI is indicated, it is performed at this time. Once fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg, now an embryo, grows in a laboratory for 1 to 5 days before it is transferred to the woman’s uterus.
Embryo transfer:
Once an embryo forms, it is placed back inside the mother’s body through her cervix.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
PGT is a technique used to identify genetic or chromosomal defects in embryos created through IVF.
Genetic disorders can affect the baby and the chance of a successful pregnancy. Using PGT, we can identify the healthiest embryos to transfer. CARE Fertility offers PGT as part of the IVF process.
IVF success rates
There is no reliable way to predict with complete accuracy whether or not any one individual will become pregnant using IVF. Usually, more than one IVF procedure is needed before pregnancy occurs. Although there are published statistics on success rates, it's important to realize that many factors play into successful implantation and pregnancy and birth from IVF.
Wondering if IVF is right for you?
A telehealth consultation is the first step. After meeting you and learning about your history, your doctor will order diagnostic testing to determine your customized treatment plan.
