IVF: In Vitro Fertilization
IVF at RAD
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization is a fertility treatment process to bring an egg and sperm together when it’s believed to be that it isn’t happening naturally. The IVF process involves taking a series of medications to stimulate egg production in the female partner. This then allows us to remove a sample of eggs from the ovaries. Once retrieved from the ovaries, the eggs are then fertilized in our IVF lab. From that point early embryos develop and the healthiest embryos are selected for transfer to the uterus. This treatment process allows us to detour the fallopian tubes. IVF also provides an opportunity to performing testing on the embryos to ensure that they have the right number of chromosomes or are free of genetic diseases.
Do I need IVF?
Frequently patients believe that if they are having difficulty getting pregnant naturally, IVF is the only solution to their problem. However IVF is not always the most efficient or cost effective treatment for achieving a successful pregnancy. There are many potential barriers to natural conception, in which IVF can be the right answer for attaining a pregnancy. However there are a variety of other treatment options and procedures to consider before proceeding with IVF.
At RAD, before undergoing IVF treatments we ensure that all other underlying problems are taken care of. These issues may include endometriosis, and uterine polyps or fibroids that could interfere with an embryo implanting. Many times patients that repair any underlying causes of infertility can get pregnant naturally after surgery without continuing to IVF. However for patients who still experience infertility post surgery, IVF is often the best method of treatment. Patients who have experienced the following also might consider IVF treatments:
- Damaged or disease fallopian tubes
- Significant male factor infertility
- Severe pelvic adhesions or abnormalities
- Severe endometriosis
- Failure of other treatment options
Why IVF at RAD is unique:
Team Approach:
Each patient’s IVF cycle is discussed in great detail ahead of time with our fertility team to ensure the appropriate drug regimens and protocols are designed. This approach allows us to make the most effective recommendations for their care.
Commitment to eSET (Elective Single Embryo Transfer):
At RAD we always recommend the most conservative treatment option, and are committed to single embryo transfer during our IVF cycles. Unlike many other fertility practices that transfer multiple embryos to increase the chances of pregnancy, we believe that transferring one single embryo is the safest and most effective way to attain a healthy pregnancy. SART statistics demonstrate that implantation rates for eSET IVF cycles are higher than traditional multiple embryo transfers. Risks of multiple embryo transfer include a higher risk for twins, triplets or greater multiples. These high-risk pregnancies can often result in:
- 50% rate of premature delivery
- Hospitalization on recurrent basis to prevent premature delivery
- Higher cost for hospitalization for twin and triplets in comparison to singleton pregnancies.
Defined IVF Cycles and Intensive Cycle Monitoring:
Unlike other fertility clinics who are constantly running IVF cycles, we start our IVF treatments at defined times. By doing so, we believe this method provides patients with the best care because every department of our fertility care team is in sync. These defined cycle times allow our fertility experts to closely monitor our patients as a team. Further, patients can organize both their work and personal life around the structured treatment time commitments.
Innovative Lab Technologies:
Our IVF laboratory utilizes the most advanced techniques for egg development, fertilization, and embryo culture. New IVF lab technologies commonly have a 70-80% chance of success often times just after one attempt.
PGD/PGS Testing:
Exciting new embryo genetic tests at RAD dramatically improves success, minimizes miscarriage, and eliminates the need for implanting multiple embryos. Determining the genetic and chromosomal health of an embryo before transfer greatly enhances the outcomes of embryo selection for an IVF cycle and increases the chance of a healthy pregnancy.
