IVF

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a term used to describe a series of procedures used to help individuals become parents. It is also the most effective type of assisted reproductive technology. Some people choose IVF to treat infertility, while others use this technology to avoid genetic problems. 

For a woman to become pregnant, a series of complex steps have to occur. A woman must have healthy, viable eggs, which are stored within her ovaries. A mature egg needs to be released from an ovary and “picked up” by the fallopian tube. The egg is fertilized by the sperm in the fallopian tube before the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus for implantation. 

During this journey, sperm must be able to enter through the vagina and make their way to the fallopian tube. Not all sperm are healthy or strong enough to make this journey. If the sperm fertilizes the egg, the cells within begin to divide. The fertilized egg is called an embryo.

As the ball of cells continues to divide and grow, it eventually reaches the uterus, where it must attach itself to the endometrial lining. Cell division continues, and specific hormones signal the uterus to retain the endometrial lining instead of shedding it as part of a regular menstrual cycle. 

If something goes wrong at any stage of this complex process, conception will not occur. IVF offers assistance in creating a viable embryo that may develop into a healthy baby. 

What makes Effortless IVF unique?

With traditional IVF, eggs and sperm are collected, and fertilization occurs in a petri dish which is in an incubator within the IVF lab. The fertilization of the egg occurs outside of the human body. If embryos develop and reach the blastocyst stage, they are potential candidates for transfer to the woman’s uterus. Some women, not all, may opt to have testing performed on the embryo prior to transfer. Typically a single embryo is transferred. The next step is to wait and see if implantation is successful.

Effortless IVF takes a different approach. Instead of using external (and expensive) incubation equipment, Effortless IVF uses a device called an INVOcell®, which is a small cylindrical device made of plastic. 

Sperm and eggs are combined within the INVOcell at the conclusion of the egg harvest. The device is placed in the woman’s vagina. Fertilization of the egg and the early development of the embryo occurs within her body instead of in an IVF lab. This allows fertilization to occur in an environment with the right temperature, oxygen ratios, and pH balance, thereby increasing the odds of success. 

After five days, the INVOcell is removed, and any embryos are checked for viability. The healthiest embryo is then placed back within the woman’s uterus for potential implantation. Additional embryos, which are not transferred, may be frozen for use in the future.

Am I a good candidate for Effortless IVF?

Many people are great candidates for Effortless IVF. This innovative approach is a wonderful fit for those who don’t live near a fertility center, have a busy career, or those searching for a more “natural” IVF process or more affordable treatment. A key feature of the effortless IVF cycle is fewer office visits and no blood work compared to traditional IVF. 

Additional factors that might make you a great candidate for Effortless IVF include:

• Women with normal to high egg counts
• Men with mildly decreased sperm counts and / o mildly decreased motility
• Couples with unexplained infertility
• Individuals or couples using donor sperm
• Women with a prior tubal ligation
• Women with fallopian tube blockage
• Women below the age of 45

If you’d like more information about Effortless IVF, call the office today to book a visit or schedule online with just a few clicks of the mouse.