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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Overview

In vitro fertilization (IVF) was first developed in the 1970’s to help women with severely damaged fallopian tubes to conceive. Since then, IVF has also been used to help couples with endometriosis, poor sperm parameters, unexplained infertility, and other indications. The success of IVF has increased as the technology in the process has dramatically changed through the years. More recently IVF has been used as a means of fertility preservation – freezing eggs or embryos to be used at a later time when parents are ready to conceive.

With IVF, an egg is fertilized outside of the body, and the resulting embryo transferred to the uterus for implantation. Eggs are removed from a woman’s body in a simple, quick procedure called an egg retrieval. The eggs may be cryopreserved (frozen) at this time or fertilized with sperm in our laboratory. A fertilized egg (embryo) may be either cryopreserved at this time or transferred to the uterus if patients are ready to conceive.

IVF icon

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Overview

In vitro fertilization (IVF) was first developed in the 1970’s to help women with severely damaged fallopian tubes to conceive. Since then, IVF has also been used to help couples with endometriosis, poor sperm parameters, unexplained infertility, and other indications. The success of IVF has increased as the technology in the process has dramatically changed through the years. More recently IVF has been used as a means of fertility preservation – freezing eggs or embryos to be used at a later time when parents are ready to conceive.

With IVF, an egg is fertilized outside of the body, and the resulting embryo transferred to the uterus for implantation. Eggs are removed from a woman’s body in a simple, quick procedure called an egg retrieval. The eggs may be cryopreserved (frozen) at this time or fertilized with sperm in our laboratory. A fertilized egg (embryo) may be either cryopreserved at this time or transferred to the uterus if patients are ready to conceive.

PNWF Approach

The pregnancy rates at Pacific NW Fertility are consistently among the highest reported in the United States. Our approach to IVF is focused on understanding and maximizing success rates for each individual patient. (See our Success Rates)

There are many different ways to approach IVF. It can seem like a lot of choices, but don’t worry. At Pacific NW Fertility, we will tailor the treatment to your needs and walk you through the process each step of the way.

Your provider will explain your options and work with you to determine which approach is the best fit for you, taking into account your unique biological parameters as well as your personal values and financial needs.

IVF Process and Options

Preparation Options

Traditional IVF: Traditional IVF involves a program of high dose injectable gonadotropins. This remains the option of choice for most women.

Minimal Stimulation IVF: With Minimal Stimulation IVF (also referred to as mini-, micro-, or natural IVF), high dose injectable gonadotropins are replaced with less powerful oral medications, a low dose of injectable gonadotropins, or a combination of the two. In some patients this approach to IVF can be effective and have additional benefits like minimizing side effects and reducing the costs of medications.

Fertilization Options

  • Conventional insemination involves placing eggs and sperm together and allowing fertilization to occur without assistance.

  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) ICSI is a technique in which a single sperm is placed into a mature egg to assist with fertilization.

Embryo Screening Options

Genetic screening of embryos for chromosome content and/or specific mutations may be considered a highly specific technique for selecting an embryo with the highest chance of implantation. It allows patients to maintain a high success rate with a single embryo transfer. Patients may also choose to forego any genetic screening.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GENETIC SCREENING >

Implantation Options

Fresh Transfer: In the traditional “fresh transfer” method, embryos are implanted directly into the uterus between 3-5 days after fertilization. It should be noted that this method does not allow for genetic screening (PGS or PGD).

Cryopreservation: Embryos are frozen and then thawed at a later date for implantation. With vitrification in the Pacific NW Fertility embryology lab, 97% of the embryos frozen survive the freezing and thawing process and success rates are the same as transfer in a fresh cycle, and in certain cases better.

Second Opinion IVF

Second opinions can be empowering for patients. If two quality physicians agree about a patient’s treatment plan, then you can rest assured that you are on the right path. And if the second opinion is vastly different from your provider’s suggested treatment plan, you will have the opportunity to be proactive in your care, ask questions, better understand the options, and have a more confident voice in how you decide to move forward.

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