In vitro fertilization (IVF)

What is In vitro fertilization? 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) brings eggs and sperm together in a lab to make an embryo. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus.

IVF is often recommended when other fertility treatments have not worked or when there are medical reasons that make pregnancy less likely without advanced care. 

Whom can IVF help? 

IVF may be a good option when:

• Fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged
• Endometriosis is severe
• Sperm quality is very low
• Other fertility treatments have not been successful
• Infertility is unexplained and pregnancy has not occurred 

What to expect with IVF 

IVF happens in several carefully planned steps:

• Ovarian stimulation: Medications help the ovaries mature more than one egg in a single cycle.
• Monitoring: Ultrasounds and blood tests track how the eggs are developing.
• Egg retrieval: When the eggs are ready, they are collected in a short procedure while you are comfortably sedated.
• Fertilization: Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab to create embryos.
• Embryo transfer: One carefully selected embryo is placed into the uterus in a simple outpatient procedure.

Your care team will personalize your care to meet your unique situation and needs. 

What are the risks and side effects of IVF? 

IVF is widely used and considered safe. Possible risks include:

• Temporary bloating or discomfort
• Ovarian overstimulation (rare and closely monitored)
• Multiple pregnancy (if more than one embryo is transferred)

You can count on our team to follow national guidelines that help keep IVF as safe as possible. 

What is the success rate for IVF? 

Success with IVF depends on many factors, especially age.

• Younger patients often need fewer eggs to achieve pregnancy.
• As age increases, success rates decline.

IVF generally offers higher success rates than other fertility treatments. We report our success rates to Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) to ensure transparency and high standards of care.