IVF Treatment for Patients Exploring Fertility Options

What Does the IVF Process Look Like?

IVF is a multi-step process that takes place over several weeks. It includes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, fertilizing eggs with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos and transferring an embryo into the uterus.

Step 1: Ovarian stimulation

Hormone medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to grow follicles containing eggs during a single cycle. The stimulation phase typically lasts about one to two weeks, though duration may vary based on individual response and protocol.

Step 2: Egg retrieval

Egg retrieval is an outpatient procedure performed under sedation. A physician uses ultrasound guidance to collect eggs from the ovaries. The number of eggs retrieved varies by age, ovarian reserve and individual response to medication.

Step 3: Fertilization and embryo development

Retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in the laboratory. This is typically performed using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single, healthy sperm is injected directly into a mature egg. Embryos then grow and develop in incubators for a period of one week.

Step 4: Embryo transfer

Generally, one embryo is transferred into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. The number of embryos transferred is determined based on age, embryo quality and medical guidance.

Step 5: Hormone support

Hormone support will continue after embryo transfer while waiting for pregnancy testing. The duration depends on whether the embryo transfer leads to pregnancy.

Step 6: Follow-Up

If pregnancy occurs, lab and ultrasound monitoring continues. If not, the care team reviews next steps and discusses options for future cycles.

Safety Considerations in IVF Treatment Planning

Our IVF laboratory uses specialized techniques to support embryo development, selection and preservation. These tools help our physicians make informed decisions based on each patient’s unique needs.

Genetic Testing

Some couples may choose to undergo genetic testing of embryos prior to transfer. This can help avoid transferring an embryo with a significant genetic or chromosomal disorder, which may impact implantation or lead to miscarriage. Types of pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) include:

• Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) may be used to evaluate embryos for the total number of chromosomes present.
• Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic (single gene) disease (PGT-M) may be considered when there is a known heritable condition in an individual, couple or family.

Whether PGT is appropriate depends on your age, medical history and reproductive goals. Consulting with a genetic counselor and your IVF provider can help you decide if genetic testing is appropriate or desired. Some reasons couples decide to undergo PGT include:

• Either partner has a history of an inherited condition or they are carriers for a heritable condition (have a copy of the gene mutation but do not have the condition).
• Advanced maternal age.
• History of recurrent miscarriage.
• Past failed fertility treatments.

Is IVF Treatment Safe?

IVF is generally considered a well-established and safe medical procedure. As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation and procedure-related complications. These are reviewed in detail during consultation, and monitoring protocols are used to support patient safety.

Reducing Risk of Multiples

Single embryo transfer is commonly recommended in many cases to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy with multiple gestations (e.g., twins or triplets). Carrying multiples increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and other complications. The decision regarding how many embryos to transfer is individualized and discussed during treatment planning.

IVF Services and Treatment

Our IVF team offers full-service infertility care to treat a variety of fertility issues in both men and women through IVF. We offer compassionate, individualized care combined with advanced technology and state-of-the art clinical and laboratory services. Your treatment plan will be highly individualized based on your diagnosis, age, medical history and goals. Services we offer include:

Fresh and frozen embryo transfer

Fresh transfers use embryos created in the current IVF cycle; frozen transfers use previously frozen embryos. The decision regarding fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer depends on a patient’s clinical context and discussion with their fertility provider. Frozen embryo transfer allows time for flexibility in scheduling and pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT).

Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-A and PGT-M)

Genetic testing that screens embryos for extra or missing chromosomes (PGT-A) or specific inherited single gene conditions (PGT-M). PGT-A may improve IVF success and reduces miscarriage risk in older patients or specific patient populations.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

This procedure can significantly improve the chances of successful fertilization in patients with severe male factor infertility. With ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg.

Minimal stimulation protocols

This treatment plan uses lower hormone doses for patients undergoing ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. It may produce a slightly lower number of eggs than standard dosage, but the eggs may be higher quality. This protocol also lowers medication costs and may reduce side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own sperm and eggs for IVF, or do I need donor eggs or sperm?

You can use your own eggs and/or sperm for IVF in many cases. However, there are circumstances in which donor eggs or sperm may be recommended. This can include the female partner’s age or concerns about quality or quantity of a female patient’s eggs or a male patient’s sperm. A woman’s supply of eggs naturally diminishes as she gets older or may be affected by other factors such as primary ovarian insufficiency, and age can also affect the quality of the remaining eggs. Male factor issues such as low or no sperm count or low motility can also make pregnancy more difficult to achieve. Donors may also be considered if there are concerns about passing on a genetic condition or if cancer treatment has affected fertility. Your fertility specialist will discuss these factors during an initial consultation and make recommendations based on your and your partner’s health history. At UH Fertility Center, female patients can proceed with fertility treatments using their own eggs up to age 45. After 45, we offer both fresh and frozen donor egg options.

How many IVF cycles does it typically take to achieve pregnancy?

On average, it can take one to three IVF cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy. Age is the biggest predictor of success. It may take one or two cycles for women under 40 to become pregnant, while women over 40 may need additional rounds of IVF.

What happens to leftover embryos after a successful pregnancy?

After a successful pregnancy, remaining frozen embryos can be maintained in long-term storage for future use or discarded. Embryos can also be donated for scientific research or to other couples. Frozen embryos can be stored indefinitely.

At what age does IVF success drop significantly?

Women under age 35 have the highest rates of success with IVF. These rates fall gradually from ages 35 to 39, then begin to drop more sharply after age 40. The age of the male contributing sperm for IVF also contributes to success rates, though it does not play as significant a role as the female age.

Can I undergo IVF during cancer treatment?

Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation can affect your ability to have children in the future. Cancer patients can opt to undergo fertility preservation procedures before cancer treatment begins. This can include egg freezing, sperm banking or embryo freezing for use after treatment. You can discuss your options for fertility preservation with your oncologist and a fertility specialist.