IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is the union of an egg and sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus for potential pregnancy. The process is assisted with fertility medications and monitored using blood hormone levels and ultrasound scans.
Although IVF has existed for nearly 20 years, it remains a complex and evolving medical process. Fertilization is performed under expert supervision in a lab, and successful embryo implantation is supported by optimal uterine conditions.
More than 45,000 IVF-conceived babies are born annually in the U.S. alone. Studies confirm they are as healthy as babies conceived naturally, with no increased risk of birth defects.
IVF helps bypass many obstacles that may prevent natural fertilization or implantation, including:
By moving fertilization outside the body, IVF allows development to occur without the natural barriers to conception.
At your first consultation, our team conducts a comprehensive medical and infertility evaluation. This includes:
The results help determine the most appropriate fertility treatment plan tailored to your condition.
IVF begins with fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The goal is to retrieve several mature eggs for fertilization. Patients are monitored with:
Once follicles are mature, ovulation is triggered with hCG, and egg retrieval is scheduled 36 hours later.
Egg retrieval is a minor, non-invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia. It typically takes about 30 minutes and does not require stitches or hospital stay.
A needle guided by ultrasound is passed through the vaginal wall to collect eggs from the ovarian follicles. These eggs are then taken to the lab for fertilization with sperm.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a process where an egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
IVF is suitable for individuals with blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, severe endometriosis, unexplained infertility, premature ovarian failure, or those using donor eggs or a surrogate.
IVF success depends on age, fertility issues, and clinic expertise. On average, success rates range from 30% to 50% per cycle for women under 35.
Most patients experience mild discomfort. Egg retrieval is done under anesthesia, and medications may cause temporary bloating or cramping.
A typical IVF cycle includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer.
An IVF cycle usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from the start of stimulation to the pregnancy test.
Side effects include mild cramping, bloating, or mood changes. Rarely, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur.
Yes. IVF can use donor eggs, donor sperm, or embryos, depending on the couple’s fertility needs.
Usually, 1 or 2 embryos are transferred to minimize the risk of multiple pregnancies while optimizing success rates.
Yes. IVF babies have similar health outcomes and risks as babies conceived naturally, including birth defect rates.
