In Vitro Fertilization

Many who have fertility problems have been able to conceive a child through the use of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). At The Center, the In Vitro Fertilization Program treats individuals and couples whose fertility has been impaired by conditions such as tubal problems, endometriosis, male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, and for those who have failed prior treatments.

The In Vitro Fertilization program at The Center provides comprehensive care to those requiring traditional IVF, as well as ancillary procedures such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted hatching and embryo cryopreservation.

Our IVF program, which began in 1985, has success rates that surpass the national average. Current figures are available upon request. We are an active member of the Society of Reproductive Technologies (SART) under the auspices of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Our Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Laboratory meet the standard requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA). Our laboratory is also accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

Traditional IVF

During traditional IVF, several medications are taken to develop multiple ovarian follicles that contain mature eggs capable of fertilization. We closely monitor this process using blood tests and vaginal ultrasounds. Mature eggs are retrieved through a simple procedure under ultrasound guidance. We then expose the retrieved eggs to sperm and transfer the resulting embryos back into the uterus.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI, or assisted fertilization, is a procedure that has dramatically improved the treatment of severe male factor infertility. A relatively common cause of infertility in couples is a low sperm count. With ICSI, a single sperm can be injected into the egg resulting in a significantly higher likelihood of fertilization. This process is used in conjunction with IVF.

Assisted Hatching

Assisted hatching is another laboratory procedure that enhances pregnancy rates in certain women undergoing IVF. In this procedure, a small opening is made in the shell surrounding the embryo just prior to transfer of the embryo into the uterus. This increases the likelihood that the embryo will implant into the wall of the uterus, thus resulting in a successful pregnancy.

Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation, or freezing of embryos, allows excess embryos to be stored for later use. During a traditional cycle of IVF, we usually transfer 2 to 4 embryos to the uterus to maximize the chance of conception while minimizing the likelihood of multiple births. If pregnancy does not occur during the stimulated cycle, the frozen embryos may be thawed and transferred to the uterus during a spontaneous menstrual cycle. If conception does result from the initial stimulated cycle, cryopreserved embryos can be used later in an attempt to achieve another pregnancy. For more information on cryopreservation, see our Cryopreservation of Embryos Fact Sheet.

To make an appointment or for more information about our In Vitro Fertilization Program and our full range of fertility services, please call The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services at (844) HOPEIVF.

For more information about IVF success rates at The Center, please click here.