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What Is IVF Fertility Treatment?

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When you start to research your options in fertility treatment, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is “What is IVF fertility treatment?” IVF or in vitro fertilization is a form of assisted reproductive technology that involves combining eggs with sperm outside the body in a lab and returning the fertilized egg to the uterus. There are several steps involved in this form of treatment, and these steps work together to give you a better chance to have a healthy and successful pregnancy.

The experienced staff at the Center for Reproductive Health understand how overwhelming it can be to have difficulty conceiving. They provide expert guidance on fertility treatment options and can answer any questions you may have.

Who May Benefit from IVF Fertility Treatment? 

Before undergoing IVF, you and your partner are both evaluated to determine the cause of infertility. Difficulty getting pregnant may happen because of issues with either partner or both together. IVF may benefit people with many different challenges such as:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
  • Ovulation disorders
  • Endometriosis
  • Decreased sperm count or poor sperm mobility

Women over the age of 40 who have had difficulty conceiving may benefit from IVF. It’s not always easy to pinpoint the reason for being unable to conceive, and IVF may benefit those who have unexplained infertility. 

The Steps of IVF Fertility Treatment

The process involved in IVF takes several weeks and the total amount of time needed can vary from one patient to the next. Injectable hormones are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This is done over the course of several days. Eggs that are produced are triggered to mature so that they can be harvested during a minor surgical procedure.

After eggs have been harvested, they are mixed with sperm from the patient’s partner or from a sperm donor. Fertilized eggs are cultured in the lab for a few days so they can develop into embryos. One or more embryos are then implanted into the uterus by your doctor. 

After approximately ten to twelve days, a pregnancy test is done. If the test is negative, you’ll probably get your period within a week, and you’ll discuss the next steps with your doctor or fertility counselor.

Other Considerations

Before treatment with IVF, you’ll need to consider how many embryos will be transferred since there’s a risk of multiple births if more than one embryo is transferred. You’ll also need to decide what to do with extra embryos. Some may be frozen for future use, although they may not all survive this process.

A full cycle of IVF takes several weeks and more than one cycle may be needed for a successful pregnancy.  You have a better chance of good results if you’re under the age of 35. Fertility specialists work with you to discuss how you can improve your chances of getting pregnant using IVF fertility treatment.

To learn more about IVF, contact the team at the Center for Reproductive Health. We provide the most advanced fertility treatment options available and are committed to improving your chances of having a baby.

See Dr. Mor’s Publications

Eliran Mor, MD

Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Santa Monica, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA
Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA Doctor Mor received his medical degree from Tel Aviv University-Sackler School of Medicine in Israel. He completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, Dr. Mor completed a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility […]
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FAQ

What does a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist do?

Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to managing medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive tract, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialists undergo additional years of training to provide fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Reproductive endocrinologists receive board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

When should I see an REI specialist?

In general, patients should consider consulting with an REI specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully to achieve pregnancy. The chance of conceiving every month is around 20%, therefore after a full year of trying approximately 15% of couples will still not have achieved a pregnancy.

However, if a woman is over the age of 35 it would be reasonable to see a fertility specialist earlier, typically after 6 months of trying.

Other candidates to seek earlier treatment are women who have irregular menses, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women who have had 2 or more miscarriages, or problems with the fallopian tubes (prior ectopic pregnancy).

What are the reasons we are having trouble conceiving?

Approximately 1/3 of the time cause for infertility is a female factor, 1/3 of the time a male factor, and the remaining 1/3 a couples’ factor.

At CCRH, we emphasize the importance of establishing a correct diagnosis. Both partners undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history and physical exam.

Furthremore, the woman’s ovarian reserve is assessed with a pelvic ultrasound and a hormonal profile. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will confirm fallopian tube patency and the uterine cavity is free of intracavitary lesions. A semen analysis is also obtained to evaluate for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Additional work up is then individualized to direct the best possible treatment option for each couple.

What is IVF? What is the process like?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process that involves fertilization of an egg outside of a woman’s body.

The process starts with fertility drugs prescribed to help stimulate egg development. In your natural cycle, your body is only able to grow one dominant egg, but with stimulation medication we can recruit multiple eggs to continue to grow. After about 8-10 days of stimulation, the eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then cultured under a strictly controlled environment within specialized incubators in the IVF laboratory for 3-5 days while they develop as embryos. Finally, embryos (or an embryo) are transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation.

Should I have IVF?

Before deciding if IVF is the right choice, it’s important to sit down with an REI specialist to discuss available treatment options. For some people, other methods such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the best first choice treatment. At CCRH, we believe each individual couple is unique and not everyone needs IVF.

Is the IVF procedure painful?

While not painful, the fertility medications may some side effects including headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. The injection sites may also bruise.

Will IVF guarantee a baby?

Unfortunately, no. Many people think once they start IVF it’s a matter of time that they will be pregnant and have a baby. But according to national statistics per the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART), on average 40% of assisted reproduction cycles achieve live births in women under age 35. The chances of success then continue to decrease with advancing age.

At CCRH, we employ only evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. While we cannot guarantee a baby, we guarantee that you will receive the best, most advanced, personalized care to help you maximize your chance of a baby.

What is the success rate for IVF?

The average IVF success rate (success measured in live birth rate) using one’s own eggs begins to drop around age 35 and then rapidly after age 40. This is due to the decline in egg quantity and egg quality as a woman ages.

Our clinic’s success rate consistently beats the national average year after year.

Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment? How much does IVF cost?

Individual insurance plans often do not have any coverage for infertility treatments. If you have a group plan, you can call members services to see if they have coverage for infertility (including consultation/workup and IVF).

After your consultation with our REI specialist, one of our dedicated account managers with sit with you to go over the cost of treatment.

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