IVF

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A Comprehensive Guide

Since its first successful birth in 1978, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has proven itself to be a groundbreaking form of assisted reproductive technology (ART). By revolutionizing the landscape of fertility care, IVF offers hope and possibilities to countless individuals and couples striving to start or expand their families. 

Before embarking on the IVF journey, it’s crucial to delve into the intricate nuances of the process, from initial steps to advanced techniques. This understanding empowers aspiring parents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions as they navigate their way toward realizing their dreams of parenthood. Join The Prelude Network® as we demystify the world of IVF and illuminate the path to conception.

When Is IVF Recommended?

IVF is a medical procedure that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. IVF is commonly recommended for various fertility-related reasons when other ART methods have not been successful or are not appropriate. Some common situations where IVF might be recommended include:

  • Ovulation disorders
  • Fallopian tube issues
  • Endometriosis
  • Male factor infertility
  • Unexplained infertility
  • Advanced maternal age (i.e., over the age of 35)
  • Risk of passing on a genetic disorder
  • Same-sex couples
  • Single aspiring parents
  • Fertility preservation

The decision to pursue IVF is a personalized one, taking into account the specific circumstances and medical factors unique to each aspiring parent. By partnering with experienced fertility specialists and embracing the insights gained from infertility evaluation, hopeful parents can make informed choices about the transformative journey of IVF.

Understanding the IVF Procedure, Step by Step

1. Ovulation Stimulation

In a standard IVF cycle, the first step in the process begins with ovulation stimulation, a crucial step in enhancing the chances of successful egg retrieval. Ovulation stimulation involves the administration of hormone medications that mimic the natural hormonal processes of the body. These medications promote the development and maturation of multiple follicles within the ovaries, each containing an egg. The dosage and duration of hormone medications are personalized for each individual, based on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, and medical history. 

Controlled follicular growth is closely monitored through regular ultrasound examinations and hormone level assessments, which are performed by a blood draw. The goal is to achieve optimal follicular development and timing, ensuring that the eggs are mature and ready for retrieval. This stage requires meticulous supervision by medical professionals to avoid any adverse reactions and to fine-tune the treatment plan as needed. Effective ovulation stimulation lays the foundation for a successful IVF cycle, offering the potential for a greater number of viable eggs to be collected and used in subsequent stages of the procedure.

2. Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval involves the gentle extraction of mature eggs from the ovaries. Using a specialized ultrasound-guided needle, the fertility specialist carefully punctures each follicle and suctions out the fluid containing the mature eggs. The collected eggs are then transported to the embryology laboratory, where they are examined and prepared for fertilization.

3. Sperm Collection and Preparation

Typically, sperm is collected through masturbation into a sterile container. In cases where ejaculation is not possible, techniques like electroejaculation or surgical sperm retrieval may be employed. Once collected, the semen sample undergoes a meticulous preparation process. The semen is first washed and separated from the seminal fluid, removing potential contaminants and enhancing the concentration of healthy sperm. This concentrated sperm sample is then evaluated for motility, morphology, and count. 

Advanced techniques such as sperm selection using gradient centrifugation or specialized culture media may be utilized to further optimize the selection of the highest-quality sperm. The prepared sperm sample is finally combined with harvested eggs in the IVF laboratory, increasing the chances of successful fertilization and subsequent embryo development. The precise and controlled procedures involved in sperm collection and preparation play a pivotal role in achieving favorable outcomes in IVF cycles.

4. Fertilization in the Laboratory

After the eggs and sperm have been collected, the next step is fertilization, which involves the union of eggs and sperm in the laboratory so that embryos can be formed. The standard method of fertilization involves culturing the retrieved eggs in a petri dish with a sample of prepared sperm, which allows for natural fertilization. 

In some cases, the fertility specialist may recommend an additional procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is carefully selected and directly injected into an egg using a specialized micromanipulation tool. This method is often utilized when there are concerns about sperm quality or previous fertilization challenges.

5. Embryo Culture & Selection

​​After fertilization occurs, embryos are carefully cultured in controlled environments that mimic the conditions of the human body. This nurturing environment allows embryologists to monitor embryonic development and growth closely. As the embryos progress through various stages, they are assessed for their morphological characteristics, cellular division rates, and overall health. This evaluation aids in the selection of the most viable embryos for transfer into the uterus, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

6. Embryo Transfer

Once a viable embryo has cultured and been selected, the next step in the IVF process is transferring the embryo to the recipient’s uterus. During a regular embryo transfer, typically performed a few days after fertilization, the procedure involves gently placing the embryos into the uterine cavity, where they can implant and develop into a pregnancy. 

Another option is frozen embryo transfer (FET), which has gained prominence as a technique offering flexibility and improved success rates. In FET, embryos that were not used in the initial IVF cycle are cryopreserved and stored for later use. This allows for a more controlled uterine environment to be prepared, enhancing the chances of successful implantation.

7. Pregnancy Testing & Monitoring

Following the embryo transfer, patients must wait a few weeks before taking a pregnancy test administered by the fertility clinic. Known colloquially as the “two-week wait,” this period is laden with anticipation, as it marks the delicate phase when implantation might occur. During this time, it’s strongly recommended that patients refrain from taking an at-home pregnancy test, as the results can be misleading or incorrect.

If the pregnancy test yields a positive result, the journey continues with careful monitoring by fertility specialists. Regular appointments and ultrasounds are scheduled to track the pregnancy's progress during the first trimester, ensuring the developing embryo's health and viability. Most aspiring parents will continue to see their fertility specialist for monitoring for about 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy before transitioning their care to an obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN). 

This transition signifies a shift in focus from assisted conception to pregnancy, marking the onset of a new chapter in the remarkable journey toward parenthood.

Advanced IVF Options

While IVF is an advanced fertility procedure in and of itself, there are several additional advanced options available for various scenarios and needs, including cryopreservation, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and third-party reproduction.

Cryopreservation and Fertility Preservation

Cryopreservation plays a pivotal role in IVF by enabling the preservation of reproductive cells and embryos for future use. This technique offers several advantages, such as allowing patients to store excess embryos for subsequent cycles, thereby mitigating the need for repeated egg or sperm retrieval procedures. Cryopreservation also offers aspiring parents a chance to preserve their fertility in cases of medical treatments that could potentially harm reproductive function or if immediate conception is not ideal.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a test that allows for the assessment of genetic information in embryos before they are implanted in the uterus. This advanced technique involves the sampling of a few cells from the outer layer of the embryo during its early developmental stage. These cells are then screened for specific genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities, enabling clinicians to select the healthiest embryos for implantation. PGT not only enhances the chances of a successful pregnancy but also helps to reduce the risk of passing on inheritable genetic conditions to the future generation.

Third-Party Reproduction

Third-party reproduction is a form of ART that involves creating a pregnancy and having a child using the reproductive contributions of individuals who are not the intended parents. This typically involves the use of donated sperm, eggs, or embryos, or gestational surrogacy (i.e., when a gestational carrier provides her uterus to carry a pregnancy and deliver a baby). Third-party reproduction is generally recommended for aspiring parents who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy on their own, including patients with reproductive issues, same-sex couples, and single aspiring parents.

IVF Success Rates and Factors Affecting IVF Success

IVF success rates are influenced by a multitude of factors that play a crucial role in determining the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Maternal Age

One of the most significant factors that impact IVF success rates is maternal age, as ovarian reserve and egg quality tend to decline after the age of 35. Younger women generally experience higher success rates due to healthier eggs and a more favorable reproductive environment.

Fertility Clinic Expertise

Another pivotal aspect is the expertise of the fertility clinic and the medical team, as their experience and skill greatly impact the quality of care provided throughout the IVF process.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health also contribute to IVF success. A balanced lifestyle can enhance a woman's reproductive health and improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

SART Reports

For those seeking IVF, understanding SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) reports is essential. SART reports offer transparent data on IVF success rates for various clinics, providing patients with valuable information to help them make informed decisions. These reports detail statistics like pregnancy rates per cycle, live birth rates, and outcomes based on different age groups. By evaluating SART reports and considering the aforementioned factors, individuals can make well-informed choices to maximize their chances of a successful IVF journey.

IVF Costs and Insurance Coverage

The costs associated with IVF, including consultations, medications, procedures, and monitoring, can quickly accumulate. Before starting the IVF journey, understanding the various costs, available insurance coverage, and financing options is paramount. 

While insurance coverage varies widely across different states, providers, and plans, it's crucial to take the time to thoroughly explore and understand your policy's specific provisions related to fertility treatments. This includes exploring which procedures and services are covered, the extent of coverage, any associated limitations or exclusions, and any prerequisites or requirements that need to be met before being deemed eligible for coverage. Some insurance plans might offer comprehensive coverage for fertility treatments, while others may provide limited coverage or exclude certain procedures altogether. 

Seeking various financial assistance programs can also provide much-needed relief. This includes loans, grants from non-profit organizations, and other financing options.

When navigating the financial aspect of fertility care, one particularly noteworthy solution is Bundl, an innovative program designed to ease the financial burden of fertility care while you focus on what’s most important – your family-building journey. Bundl stands out by bundling multiple treatment cycles into a single comprehensive package, offering an upfront discounted price for fertility treatment. What really sets Bundl’s packages apart is the inclusion of risk protection guarantees, which provide an added layer of financial protection for aspiring parents. With Bundl, aspiring parents can budget with confidence knowing they have a clear financial plan in place, and embark on their fertility journey with peace of mind.

Connect With a Prelude Clinic for IVF

No matter what you are in your fertility care or IVF journey, The Prelude Network® is here to be your unwavering ally. Committed to nurturing your dreams of parenthood, each clinic within our network is dedicated to providing the guidance and advanced fertility care you need throughout your IVF experience. If you’re ready to take the next step, connect with a Prelude fertility clinic today.