WHAT IS IVF

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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves hormone treatments increasing egg production from one egg a month to several. If tests and ultrasounds determine that eggs are ready for fertilization, egg retrieval will be performed with a hollow needle, choosing only the best eggs. Once retrieved, the eggs will be combined with your partner’s best sperm specimen. The specimens will be kept in a culture dish, where measures will be taken to ensure that the likelihood of fertilization is optimized.

IVF is usually the final frontier in the process of fertility treatments. IVF is performed if:

• There is a blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes – a blockage would keep the embryo from traveling to the uterus
• There is an ovulation disorder – When ovulation is inconsistent or nonexistent, there are less eggs to be fertilized
• Low ovarian reserve – Low ovarian reserve is a condition which causes women to have a decline in egg release
• Endometriosis – Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissues grow outside of the uterus. This problem damages the functionality of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the uterus
• Fibroids – Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that hinder implantation of a fertilized egg
• Hindered Sperm Production
  – Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that hinder implantation of a fertilized egg
  – If your partner has low or nonexistent sperm function or production, it can be very difficult for the egg fertilization process to take place