In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilization is probably the best known assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure. |
| It can be a good option for couples if treatments such as fertility drugs, sperm injection, and surgery have not been successful. Good candidates also include couples in which: the woman has endometriosis or fallopian tube problems; the man has a low sperm count, sperm motility problems, or an autoimmune response that destroys sperm; or when the cause of infertility is unknown. |
 In Vitro Fertilization
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We begin the IVF procedure by administering fertility drugs to the woman. The drugs enable her to produce multiple eggs at once instead of only one. We use ultrasound technology and hormone testing to determine when the eggs are ready to be harvested. At that time, we remove them in a process known as follicular aspiration. This is usually accomplished with only local anesthesia. The eggs are then placed with the man's sperm in the laboratory, where fertilization occurs. We then place several pre-embryos back inside the woman's uterus through her cervix. We should know whether or not she is pregnant within two weeks. Women who undergo IVF have about the same chance for pregnancy as a fertile couple would have in the same month.
For additional information about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) - select a title below |
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