What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
IVF is the joining of sperm and egg or eggs outside a woman’s body. Mature eggs are removed from the ovaries and mixed with sperm in the laboratory. The fertilized eggs are then transferred to the woman’s uterus. If the embryo(s) successfully implant themselves in the uterine wall, the woman may become pregnant. If pregnancy occurs, the embryo grows and develops naturally within the mother’s uterus.

Candidates for IVF
IVF is suitable for couples who are infertile for any of several reasons. Women who have been unable to conceive because of missing, blocked, or damaged fallopian tubes may become pregnant through IVF. Women experiencing endometriosis are also good candidates for IVF.

IVF is an option for couples when the man has a low sperm count or poor sperm motility. In some males with less-than-ideal sperm production or movement, the sperm may have a difficult time traveling though the female reproductive tract to meet the egg. Since IVF joins sperm and egg outside the body – eliminating the sperm’s travel – there is a greater chance for successful fertilization. In cases of severe problems with sperm quality, an assisted fertilization procedure (ICSI) can be performed where a single sperm is injected into an egg to promote fertilization.

Sometimes, despite a battery of tests and a thorough investigation, doctors cannot find a cause for a couple’s infertility. IVF is very helpful after other treatment methods have failed.

The IVF Process
In vitro fertilization is a multistep treatment method that requires precision and efficiency at every stage. Our IVF team uses the latest techniques in hormone therapy, egg collection and embryo transfer to increase a couple’s chance of having a baby.