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Fertility Matters

IVF vs IUI

IVF vs IUI

If you are considering fertility treatment, you likely have a lot of questions. Which form of treatment is right for you? What can you expect during the process? How much will treatment cost? You can learn more about two of your options—IVF and IUI—in this breakdown.

With nearly four decades of experience providing successful fertility treatments, the specialists at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services are here to be your fertility partner.

IVF vs IUI: Understanding Your Fertility Options

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are two common fertility treatments that we recommend to our patients. Our board-certified fertility specialists work with women, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals to determine the best treatment plan based on individual medical history and family-building goals.

Both IVF and IUI can lead to a successful pregnancy; however, there are a few important distinctions between these procedures: 

What is IVF?

IVF involves a series of advanced procedures to collect, fertilize, and successfully develop an embryo. During the IVF procedure, mature eggs are collected and fertilized with sperm in our state-of-the-art IVF lab. Once fertilization has occurred, we’ll transfer the best embryo into the uterus, with the goal that it will successfully implant into the uterine lining and develop into a fetus.

This form of assisted reproduction is a great option for couples or individuals who experience conditions that cause infertility—such as endometriosis—or who are unable to conceive naturally. It can be done using your and your partner’s egg and sperm, or you can use a donor. We’ll perform routine testing and monitoring through every step for the best chances of a successful outcome.

What is IUI?

IUI is a quick procedure that increases the likelihood of pregnancy by inserting sperm directly into the uterus. Once a sperm sample is provided, our fertility specialists will concentrate moving, or motile, sperm and remove any non-motile sperm. Using a speculum and a syringe, the concentrated sperm is guided through the cervix and deposited into the uterus.

This procedure can be performed in one of our offices, and it only takes a few minutes to complete. Our fertility specialists will work with you to time the procedure with your menstrual cycle. We may also recommend certain fertility medications to increase ovulation and the chance of a successful pregnancy.

IVF vs IUI: Financing Your Fertility Treatment

Before undergoing IVF or IUI, it’s important to understand what to expect in terms of timeline and costs. Because IVF involves more steps, monitoring, and testing, this treatment may be more costly than IUI. However, IVF can be an effective fertility treatment for individuals with a low probability of success following multiple IUI attempts.

At The Center, we’re here to guide you through the financing process of your fertility treatments. Our Financial Service Representatives will meet with you to review cost expectations, insurance coverage, and financing options. Having a baby should be an attainable goal for everyone, and we’re here to help make that a possibility.

IVF vs IUI: Which is Right for Me?

If you need support growing your family, IVF and IUI are two effective fertility treatments available to you. You can start your fertility journey at The Center cby making a consultation with one of our fertility specialists.

Contact us to request an appointment today.

IVF near Middlebury CT

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a conception method that can help those who have fertility issues conceive a child. If you’re in Middlebury, Connecticut, and considering IVF to expand your family, The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services can help. We offer fertility care that begins with a fertility assessment and, depending on your needs and family-building goals, can include IVF services. 

Four Decades of IVF Success in Middlebury CT 

The Center has been providing fertility care for four decades. Our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists are experts in their field. They will provide you with the fertility and IVF care you need in a way that’s attentive to your needs and past experiences. Our nurses also have extensive experience and training in fertility care. Our team is here to help you on every step of your IVF journey. 

Fertility struggles and treatments can bring up a lot of emotions. Our fertility specialists provide care from a place of compassion. We help with the emotional aspects of infertility, as well as financing stresses such as insurance coverage. When in our care, you’ll have access to a psychologist who has over ten years of experience working with those dealing with the stresses of infertility. 

State-of-the-Art IVF Lab 

One of the most overlooked and yet critical components of helping our patients achieve a successful, healthy pregnancy can be attributed to the advanced technology and procedures practiced in the laboratory. That’s why The Center has a highly advanced IVF lab that does its best to simulate a natural uterine environment. Our IVF lab: 

  • Minimizes the impact of toxic environmental factors 
  • Employs high air quality filtration 
  • Uses highly advanced mini-incubators 

The successful outcomes of our patients can also be attributed to the skill and dedication of our highly experienced embryologists and lab team. In addition, our IVF lab has specialized equipment to monitor the progress of your embryo and perform procedures such as cryopreservation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), biopsies, and preimplantation genetic testing. 

All the equipment we use is hooked up to remote monitoring systems and backup generator systems to ensure that it functions 24/7. A cloud-based alarm lets our team know if there is anything to be concerned about so it can be handled immediately, prioritizing the safety and health of the embryos in our care. 

IVF Procedures The Center Offers 

Since The Center began offering IVF in 1985, we have kept our success rates above the national average. The Center offers IVF procedures, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and pre-implantation genetic testing. 

IVF procedures involve a sperm fertilizing an egg outside of the uterus in our IFV lab. The fertilized embryo is then cultured in our lab until it reaches the blastocyst stage; then, the healthiest embryo is transferred back to the uterus for implantation, hopefully resulting in a pregnancy.  

Assisted fertilization, also known as ICSI, is also an option that can be used in conjunction with IVF. This method improves the treatment of severe male factor infertility, like low sperm count. A single sperm is injected into an egg to improve the chance of fertilization. Then, the embryo is transferred back to the uterus for implantation. 

Assisted hatching can enhance pregnancy rates when used with certain IVF treatments. A small opening is made in the embryo’s shell right before implantation, making it more likely that the embryo will implant on the uterine wall. 

The right option for you will depend on you and your partner’s medical/fertility history. Your fertility specialist will help you review all your options and choose the right path. 

Learn More About Growing Your Family Through IVF 

If you’re interested in growing your family using IVF, schedule an appointment at The Center in Middlebury, CT, to learn more. Our fertility specialists will support you through the IVF process with compassion and dedicated care. Contact us to schedule an appointment today. 

Fertility Testing near Branford CT

Fertility testing is a common first step in someone’s fertility journey if they have concerns about their ability to conceive. It gives you important information to move forward in your journey to parenthood. The specialists who are part of The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services have been helping future parents learn more about their fertility and treatment options for over four decades. 

A Compassionate Approach to Fertility Care 

The fertility journey is described as an emotional rollercoaster by many people. Our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists understand the emotions that come with fertility treatment and will offer compassion when addressing your fertility concerns. 

Our fertility specialists will walk you through the fertility testing process so you know what to expect. Once your fertility testing is complete, we will review what we’ve discovered and help you determine how to move forward on your path to parenthood.  

Our specialists welcome any questions you may have about fertility testing and fertility treatments. These questions help us ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision and make you more comfortable with the process. 

When Should I Consider Fertility Testing? 

Fertility testing is not the first thing everyone does when planning to conceive a child. If you are under 35 years old, you should consider fertility testing after one year of trying without success. If you are over 35 years old, consider a fertility evaluation after trying for six months. Those over 40 should plan for fertility testing after three months. 

In addition to these age guidelines, you may want to consider fertility testing if: 

  • You have any diagnosed reproductive conditions, such as endometriosis or PCOS. 
  • You experience heavy, absent, or irregular menstruation cycles.  
  • You have experienced recurrent miscarriages.  
  • You have a family history of infertility.  
  • You have a partner who experiences male infertility. 

If you menstruate and have irregular cycles, this can indicate you may not be ovulating or could potentially have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility. Those with endometriosis may also benefit from fertility testing when trying to conceive. 

If you have a history of miscarriages, seeking out a fertility test can also determine and help treat any potential causes of your miscarriages.  

Fertility Testing for Men and Women 

Comprehensive fertility testing can be completed for both men and women. There are many causes of infertility, and your fertility specialist will work to uncover any underlying reasons why you have been unable to conceive. Infertility is a common issue that affects 1 in 6 couples. You are not alone. 

Fertility testing begins with reviewing your and your partner’s (if you have one) medical history. Your fertility specialist will request that you provide us with this information before your appointment in order to make your first visit with our fertility specialists as productive as possible. 

Your medical history, as well as any known family medical history, may inform your fertility specialist of potential reasons you are struggling to conceive. It’s also important to include information about your attempts to conceive before the appointment so we know what you’ve already tried. 

Fertility testing for females may include: 

  • Pelvic Exam and Transvaginal Ultrasound 
  • Ovarian Reserve Testing 
  • Ovulation Testing 
  • Blood testing to check hormone levels (AMH, FSH) 
  • Pre-conception health screening blood testing 
  • Diagnostic hysteroscopy 
  • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check Fallopian tubes 
  • Semen Analysis 
  • Male Hormone Testing 
  • A hysterosonogram 
  • A laparoscopy 

These tests allow your fertility specialist to learn more about your hormones, ovarian reserve, ovulation, and the structures of your reproductive system. Male fertility testing often involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, as well as a semen analysis or a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay (SDFA) to check the health and motility of the sperm. 

Schedule an Appointment for Fertility Testing Today 

If you’re struggling to conceive or want to learn more about your fertility before beginning your journey to parenthood, schedule an appointment at a CARS facility near Branford, CT. Our fertility specialists will help you manage any feelings you’re experiencing throughout the fertility testing process. 

Genetic Testing near Farmington CT

Genetic testing is an important step in the IVF process. Fertility specialists at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services use genetic testing to ensure that you have the best success with your pregnancy as possible. Our locations near Farmington, Connecticut, offer genetic testing, so you can come to the office that’s most convenient for you.  

Genetic Carrier Screening 

An important genetic testing option when family planning is genetic carrier screening. This form of genetic testing provides you with information about the risk that you may have a child with a genetic disorder.  

Comprehensive genetic carrier screenings let you know if you or you are a “carrier” of a genetic disorder. The screening tests cover over 100 genetic disorders, from spinal muscular atrophy to cystic fibrosis. Your fertility specialist will likely recommend these screening tests for both parents.  

Genetic carrier testing gives you and your fertility specialist more knowledge. If both parents are carriers of a genetic condition, your fertility specialist can discuss what this may mean for your child and your options moving forward. 

Preimplantation Genetic Testing 

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is commonly used to determine which embryo has the best chance of success during IVF. Our state-of-the-art facilities are capable of PGT testing and IVF, so you can complete your fertility and pregnancy journey with a fertility specialist you are familiar and comfortable with.  

There are a few types of PGT testing, such as: 

PGT-A (Aneuploidies) checks for the chromosomal abnormalities of an embryo. If an embryo is missing or has a few extra chromosomes, it can affect the ability of the embryo to implant correctly, often resulting in failed implantation or miscarriage. 

PGT-M (Monogenic/Single-Gene Disorders) is used when a patient has increased risks for specific genetic conditions controlled by a single gene, such as Huntington’s or sickle-cell disease. 

PGT-SR (Chromosomal Structural Rearrangements) is performed when one or both partners have a rearrangement of chromosomes. It also looks for these specific inherited abnormalities to determine if an embryo may develop them.  

Your fertility specialist will provide you with genetic counseling and provide you with the knowledge to understand your embryos’ genetic testing results and next steps.  

What Happens After Genetic Testing is Complete? 

Once genetic testing is complete, they will be analyzed. Your fertility specialist will contact you when your testing has been completed, and they have the results. We will review them with you so you understand all the information your genetic testing has provided. You are welcome to ask any questions you may have about your results.  

As our IVF lab completes the PGT testing for your embryos, they will grade the embryos to ensure the healthiest one is transferred into the uterus for implantation. This helps increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce potential health issues for you during your pregnancy and your baby.  

Schedule Genetic Testing near Farmington CT  

If you’re ready to begin the genetic testing process as part of growing your family, you can do so at The Center. Our team will walk you through the process so you know what to expect and ensure you have all the information to move forward and grow your family.   

Contact us to schedule a genetic testing appointment at our Farmington, CT, location today. 

LGBTQ+ Family-Building Services near New London CT

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services helps all types of families achieve their family-building goals, including couples and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re looking to have children, we can help you begin LGBTQ+ fertility services near New London, Connecticut.  

With the expertise of our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists, our state-of-the-art IVF laboratory, and our egg donor program, we can provide the fertility resources and services you need.  

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) 

Assisted reproduction allows same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals to have biological children. These advanced procedures can be performed using donor eggs, donor sperm, and/or a gestational carrier, each of which our fertility specialists can help you through the process to obtain.  

We may recommend fertility testing to help us identify and create the most personalized ART treatment plan for you. Some of your options include:  

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) 

IUI is a method of inserting sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix. Before inserting sperm through a catheter, we concentrate it to ensure that only motile (or moving) sperm is used. The process itself is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that our specialists can complete at our Hartford, Branford, or Farmington, CT, office locations. Lesbian couples or menstruating individuals can choose this method to become pregnant using donor sperm.  

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) 

IVF is a form of assisted reproduction that involves fertilizing a mature egg outside of the body. Through several different procedures, we can extract mature eggs, fertilize them with sperm in our IVF lab, and transfer them into the uterus. Same-sex male couples can use a gestational carrier to complete the IVF cycle.  

Same-sex female couples also have the option of reciprocal IVF. During this process, one partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, while the other partner carries the resulting embryo after it has been fertilized with sperm. Reciprocal IVF can be a great option for same-sex female couples who both desire to have an active role in the process and/or if one partner has an underlying condition preventing a healthy pregnancy. 

Finding a Donor  

An important part of helping our LGBTQ+ patients have children is ensuring that they have donor eggs or donor sperm. To support our patients, the CARS Egg Donor Center can provide viable eggs for couples or individuals undergoing IVF. Each of our egg donors is thoroughly vetted by our specialists based on their health, habits, family history, and age.  

Additionally, our specialists can help LGBTQ+ individuals undergoing any form of assisted reproduction find a trusted sperm donor. We are here to support you through every step of your fertility journey, including recommending trusted resources to help you obtain donor eggs and donor sperm.  

LGBTQ+ family building often involves legal processes and considerations, which our specialists are here to guide you through. We ensure you have the resources needed to meet your family goals.  

Fertility Preservation 

Along with helping LGBTQ+ individuals and couples have children, the Center can help you preserve your fertility through egg freezing. Anyone hoping to have children in their life can benefit from cryopreservation, including transgender individuals who are planning to undergo gender-affirming care and would like to have biological children.  

Oocytes (eggs) are frozen and stored through the process of cryopreservation. We keep these specimens consistently monitored and protected until you are ready to begin the process of IVF.  

Start Your Fertility Journey at the Center 

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services is proud to support all individuals on their path to parenthood. If you are ready to begin your fertility journey with us, you can contact us to schedule LGBTQ+ services near New London, CT, today. 

IVF in Connecticut

Starting a family is one of the biggest decisions that you’ll ever make. While the process of building a family can be both exciting and fulfilling, it can also be challenging for some people. Fortunately, couples and individuals who need assistance can consider in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (The Center) is proud to offer IVF in Connecticut. With offices all over the state, including Farmington, Hartford, New London, Branford, and Middlebury, CT, we’re proud to help aspiring parents from all over. 

The IVF Process 

The IVF process is an emotional process that’s often challenging, but ultimately worth it when you welcome your baby into the world. Generally, the process takes 6-8 weeks and follows these steps: 

  • Consultation – Getting to know new patients is the first step towards designing a treatment plan that works for you. During this time, our team will review your medical history and family-building goals, go over the IVF process, and answer any questions you may have. 
  • Fertility Testing – To help us understand your needs, you’ll go through some fertility tests. This can include bloodwork and physical exams. A minimally invasive procedure may also be necessary to look for any signs of structural causes of infertility. Once you’ve undergone some tests, our team can design a customized plan for you.  
  • Ovarian Stimulation – Next, our fertility specialists will prescribe you medication that increases the odds of creating viable eggs during ovulation. There are several treatment options for this step, which allows our team to choose the protocol that best suits you based on your fertility testing. Usually, this is done by injecting hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Additionally, these hormones can be safely and easily self-injected at home. Our team will then monitor your hormones and follicles via regular ultrasounds and bloodwork. Once they’ve fully developed, another injection called a “trigger-shot” will induce ovulation.  
  • Egg Retrieval – The second round of hormone injections, or “trigger shot,” kickstarts ovulation and releases mature eggs. This allows multiple eggs to be released during the same cycle. The mature eggs are then collected by your fertility doctor using a minimally invasive procedure known as aspiration. After an egg is harvested, it can be either fertilized or frozen for later use. The egg retrieval procedure will be performed in our surgery center and under anesthesia for your comfort.  
  • Sperm Collection – At this stage, a semen sample will need to be submitted. Once your partner or donor has supplied a semen sample, our embryologists will separate the sperm cells and examine the strongest specimen.  
  • Fertilization – After both the egg and sperm have been collected, they’re placed in a petri dish for 3-5 days for fertilization in our state-of-the-art lab. It features the latest technology and procedures for successful fertilization and embryo development. However, not all eggs are able to be fertilized, just as not every fertilized egg can grow into an embryo. This is why our team collects several samples.  
  • Embryo Transfer – If an egg is successfully fertilized and a viable embryo develops, it will be transferred into the uterus for pregnancy.  

Who is a Good Candidate for IVF? 

The IVF process is a viable option for adults from all sorts of backgrounds. The Center offers consultations and fertility treatments to prospective parents, including LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. That being said, IVF is a major process, which means you will need to determine whether or not it’s the right option for you. 

Some of the most common reasons why people seek fertility treatments like IVF include age, relationship status, and medical history. Some patients are single parents who wish to have a child, while others are in committed relationships but haven’t been able to get pregnant. Others are simply over the age of 35. 

Regardless of your circumstances, The Center features a compassionate team who are prepared to provide you with the proper care and treatment throughout your IVF journey. 

Learn More About IVF in Connecticut 

If you are considering IVF or having difficulty conceiving, contact The Center a consultation today. We pride ourselves on offering expert level care and compassion to aspiring parents looking for IVF in Connecticut. Contact us to get started today. 

Applications Now Open for 2024 Nest Egg Foundation IVF Grants

The Nest Egg Foundation Helps Families Start Their Fertility Journey With up to $20,000 in IVF Grants

Although many aspiring parents experience infertility, not all insurance providers cover the necessary treatments. That’s where the Nest Egg Foundation, Inc. comes in. Its IVF grant program is designed to help growing families bridge the gap between fertility coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.

Nest Egg Foundation: IVF Grants Explained

The Nest Egg Foundation was founded in 2015 to provide financial grants for IVF to those facing financial challenges. These grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 and can be used at partnering fertility centers, including The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services. The foundation also offers special grants specifically for egg donation and recurring pregnancy loss.

The Center is thrilled for the chance to work to help Nest Egg Foundation grant recipients realize their dreams of starting a family. If you’re struggling with fertility and need financial support, read on to see if you qualify for a Nest Egg Foundation grant. The application window for these grants runs from January 15th to February 15th, 2024.

Types of IVF Grants

The Nest Egg Foundation offers annual grants for infertility treatment ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Additionally, the foundation is proud to offer two special grants for 2024. These include:

The Ryder Grant: Specifically for couples and individuals who require an egg donor to become pregnant. The Willow Grant: Exclusively for aspiring parents who have experienced recurring pregnancy loss.

Who Qualifies for an IVF Grant?

Before you’re considered for a grant, you need to meet several requirements. First, you must be a full-time resident of either Connecticut or New York and be a U.S. citizen for at least four years. If you’re applying with your partner, these residency and citizenship requirements apply to both of you.

Additionally, single applicants need to have a household income of $125k or less. Applicants who are married or in a domestic partnership are required to have a dual income maximum of $200k.

There are also several medical and clinical criteria for receiving a grant. To qualify for a grant, applicants must be:

  • Between the ages of 25 and 44 years old
  • Have a BMI that’s less than or equal to 38
  • Have seen a Reproductive Endocrinologist within the past nine months
  • Received blood work and fertility testing within the past 12 months
  • Non-smokers (both partners)

Heterosexual couples should meet the ASRM definition of infertility. LGBTQ+ individuals, single parents by choice, and those using an egg donor are encouraged to apply. Same-sex female couples must complete three IUI cycles prior to applying, while same-sex male couples may apply after one failed embryo transfer.

How to Apply for IVF Grants

If you meet the requirements and qualify for an IVF grant, you can apply online to get started. Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed by the Nest Egg Foundation’s Evaluation Panel. This panel consists of experienced medical professionals, psychologists, and financial advisors. You will be notified directly if you’re chosen to receive a grant.

Nest Egg Grant FAQs

We know that you may have some questions about the Nest Egg Foundation grants. To provide you with more information, you can find answers to our most popular FAQs below:

How successful is the Nest Egg Foundation grant program?

The IVF grant program has been incredibly successful. Nearly two dozen families have received grants so far, and 13 babies have been born as of 2023. The most exciting part is that there are more on the way!

What parts of the IVF process are covered by the grant?

The foundation’s grants cover the IVF treatment cycle, medications, embryo testing, egg or embryo donation, surrogacy, and egg or sperm cryopreservation up to the maximum grant value.

Who can qualify for a Nest Egg grant?

The Nest Egg Foundation is open to anyone who meets the residential, financial, and medical requirements. The IVF grants are an option for all kinds of families, including singles, married couples, and LGBTQ+ patients.i

Is the grant available to those dealing with secondary infertility?

Currently, the Nest Egg Foundation is exclusively for those who have not previously given birth and are dealing with primary infertility.

Can the grant be used at any fertility clinic?

No. The Nest Egg Foundation grants can only be used at The Center and Illume Fertility.

How long does it take to find out if I’ve received a Nest Egg grant?

Reviewing and deciding whether or not an application is approved can take up to 12 weeks. However, this timetable may vary slightly. Once the Nest Egg Foundation’s Evaluation Panel has made its decision, you will be contacted directly.

 

 


I To review the terms and conditions and other application details, see https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/94661-Nest-Egg-Foundation?__hstc=89217348.ad6d9e6463aeb36eb03b9b254c3fd55d.1703101068527.1703101068527.1703101068527.1&__hssc=&__hsfp=&hsCtaTracking=6fbe8e3b-7191-4929-8593-a5daabae69ef%7C0a4463f3-8636-4f4d-97ca-c58edf0d6fac.

IVF near Farmington, CT

The path to parenthood looks different for everyone. For those struggling to conceive naturally or on their own, IVF near Farmington, Connecticut, may be beneficial.

The experienced fertility specialists at The Center offer comprehensive IVF services. As you grow your family, your health needs are important to us, and we’ll be here to provide support every step of the way.

What is the IVF Process?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproduction where eggs are fertilized with sperm outside of the body in our state-of-the-art IVF lab and then transferred back into the uterus. The process itself requires several steps to complete one cycle, and it can take up to two months or longer to complete one cycle. Sometimes, multiple cycles may be necessary before achieving a positive pregnancy.

Because the IVF process requires a significant commitment from patients, we work to help you understand what each phase of the process entails:

Fertility Consultation

Before starting IVF with us, you’ll need to schedule an initial fertility consultation. Our fertility specialists will meet with you to review the process in depth as well as your detailed medical history and future family-building goals.

Fertility Testing

At your next visit, we’ll perform diagnostic testing to determine any causes of infertility and create a personalized IVF plan specific to your health needs.

Ovarian Stimulation

During natural ovulation, a single egg is typically released from the ovaries. For patients undergoing IVF, ovarian stimulation is performed to produce multiple follicles or eggs. This is achieved through daily hormone injections and medications, which are self-administered to develop ovarian follicles. The ovarian stimulation step of an IVF cycle generally takes 10-14 days, depending on how quickly or slowly your follicles mature. We’ll closely monitor your and your body’s response to the medications using ultrasounds and hormone blood tests.

Egg Retrieval

Once your follicles are mature, you will be instructed to take a trigger shot to induce ovulation. After ovulation has been induced, our specialists will perform a short surgical procedure to retrieve the eggs. During this procedure, a vaginal ultrasound probe and needle are used to aspirate the eggs from the follicles via the vaginal wall. This procedure is performed in our surgery center in our Farmington office and under anesthesia for your comfort. Recovery time following this procedure is minimal; you can expect to return to work and daily activities within 48 hours.

Fertilization

After the mature eggs have been retrieved, our highly skilled embryologists begin the fertilization process by combining them with your partner’s sperm or donor sperm in our state-of-the-art IVF lab. If a low sperm count is contributing to infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used to insert a single sperm directly into an egg, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.

Embryo Transfer

After an egg has been successfully fertilized, it will be cultured in the lab for five days before being transferred back into the uterus for potential implantation. We use day-5 embryos to enhance the chances of pregnancy. Our specialists will work with you to ensure this process is as smooth and successful as possible.

Cryopreservation

As part of our comprehensive fertility services, we offer cryopreservation of eggs or embryos at sub-zero temperatures for later use. This effective form of fertility preservation allows our patients to successfully have a baby later in life or to return for a second or third child via IVF.

Ask Us About IVF Treatment near Farmington CT

If you’re considering IVF near Farmington, CT, The Center is here to assist you through every stage. Our fertility specialists have decades of experience and will happily address any questions or concerns you might have.

Schedule an appointment to learn more about your IVF journey with us!

Egg Freezing near Hartford CT

Growing your family is an extremely personal decision that should align with your individual life plans. If you are not ready to have a baby yet due to personal, professional, or medical reasons, but wish to conceive in the future, you can begin your fertility journey with us by freezing your eggs at our Hartford, CT, area location.

At the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (The Center), we help our patients make informed family-building decisions with advanced fertility services and preservation techniques.

The Egg Freezing Process

Cryopreservation is the process in which oocytes (eggs) are frozen and stored for later use. At The Center, we provide a continuum of care for our patients. When you’re ready to grow your family, we’ll be here to help thaw your frozen eggs, fertilize them with sperm, and transfer them back to your uterus.

The process of freezing eggs involves several steps, including:

Fertility Consultation

An initial fertility consultation is an important first step in the egg-freezing process. This gives you the opportunity to meet with our fertility specialists, who will review the process in depth as well as discuss your detailed medical history and future family-building goals.

Fertility Testing

During your next visit with us, we’ll perform diagnostic testing to determine your fertility and create a personalized treatment plan specific to your health needs. Fertility testing is an important part of egg freezing, as it will provide insights for your treatment plan to produce as many mature and healthy eggs as possible.

Ovarian Stimulation & Monitoring

To collect the maximum number of eggs, our fertility specialists will need to stimulate the ovaries using hormone injections. These can be self-administered, and our specialists will show you how. This process can take around 10 to 14 days. You and your body’s response to these medications will be closely monitored by your care team throughout this period.

Egg Retrieval

The egg retrieval process is a short surgical procedure, which our trained specialists perform in the surgery center at our Farmington office. Using a needle and ultrasound guidance, the fluid containing your eggs is collected for cryopreservation. This step is conducted under anesthesia for your comfort. You can expect to return to work and other daily activities within 48 hours after the procedure.

Egg Freezing

Once the eggs have been retrieved, our embryologists will verify and freeze the mature eggs. Frozen eggs can be stored for years, or even decades, and still be viable for future fertilization. When you are ready to have a baby, you will return to our clinic to complete the embryo transfer process. At that time, our embryologists will carefully thaw your eggs and fertilize them with either your partner’s sperm or donor sperm to create an embryo, which will be transferred back to your uterus or to a surrogate.

The Center Helps You Build Your Family on Your Timeline

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services is dedicated to protecting and preserving your fertility, so you have the ability to grow your family when you’re ready. If you’re interested in egg freezing near Hartford, CT, our fertility specialists are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Request a fertility consultation to get started today.

 

* https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2014/03/female-age-related-fertility-decline

Dr. Claudio Benadiva Announced as Kavoussi Family Outstanding Teacher Award Recipient

We are proud to announce Claudio Benadiva, MD, HCLD is the 2023 recipient of the Kavoussi Family Outstanding Teacher Award given by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
 
This award honors an ASRM member who is recognized as an outstanding educator in undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, professional or patient education in basic and/or clinical reproductive biology and medicine. Individuals are nominated for the awards by members of the society. 
“I am deeply honored to receive the Kavoussi Family Outstanding Teacher Award at ASRM,” remarked Dr. Benadiva. “I am grateful to my mentors, and I always have felt the obligation to pay it forward by training the next generation of reproductive endocrinologists. Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring and guiding future generations of physicians. This award is a testament to the power of education and the endless possibilities it holds for advancing the field of reproductive medicine. Let us continue illuminating minds and light the way for a brighter future in our pursuit of excellence.”
 
Academics and research have always been the cornerstone of CARS. We are incredibly proud of our commitment to research and continued developments within the field of fertility. And our commitment to training the next generation of physicians in the advanced science of reproductive medicine. Dr. Benadiva has mentored and presented over 170 abstracts, contributing significantly to tutoring and mentoring fellows and residents in the conduct of research, interpretation of data, and writing of manuscripts.
Dr. Claudio Benadiva is medical director at CARS, a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at UConn Health, a Fellow of the American College of Ob/Gyn, and is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Dr. Benadiva is among the very few physicians who are certified by the American Board of Bioanalysis as a high complexity laboratory director, making him uniquely suited to integrate both clinical and laboratory protocols in an IVF program. He has been awarded “Best Doctor in America” every year since 2001. Dr. Benadiva received the prestigious “Family Building Award” from the American Fertility Association and has regularly been selected by The Consumers’ Research Council in America to be included in their Guide to America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He has also received the ASRM 2012 Star Award, presented at the ASRM 68th Annual Meeting.
 
Dr. Benadiva graduated from the University of Buenos Aires in 1981 and completed his residency in Ob/Gyn at UConn Health. He completed fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Benadiva has done extensive research in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology since 1986. 
 
The award will be presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Scientific Congress Opening Ceremony to be held on October 16, 2023.

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