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Demystifying IVF: What You Should Really Know This NIAW

This National Infertility Awareness Week^® (NIAW), let’s discuss one of the most talked-about fertility treatments - in vitro fertilization (IVF). While many people are familiar with the term, few understand its full scope. IVF is an effective form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where eggs and sperm are combined outside of the body in a lab. It involves multiple, complex steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer, hopefully resulting in a successful pregnancy.

The IVF Process

IVF is a multi-step process consisting of:

• Birth control pills or estrogen: Your fertility specialist might prescribe birth control pills or estrogen before starting IVF. These medications can help prevent the development of ovarian cysts and control the timing of your menstrual cycle.

• Ovarian stimulation: In a natural menstrual cycle, usually only one egg matures and is released during ovulation. However, in an IVF cycle, you'll take injectable hormone medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Your doctor will monitor your ovaries’ response to the medication, and when the eggs are ready for final maturation, you will receive a “trigger shot.”

• Egg retrieval: Under mild sedation, your physician will use an ultrasound to guide a thin needle attached to a suction device into each of your ovaries through the vagina to retrieve the eggs.

• Fertilization: An embryologist will combine sperm from your partner or a donor with your eggs in a petri dish. If successful, the fertilized egg will become an embryo. If you have additional embryos leftover, you can choose to freeze them for future use.

• Embryo development: The embryologist will closely monitor the embryos for five days. Once they reach a specific stage of development, you can proceed with an embryo transfer.

• Embryo transfer: Your doctor will inject the embryo into your uterus using a catheter attached to a syringe. This procedure doesn’t require anesthesia and feels similar to a Pap smear.

• Pregnancy: You’ll take a pregnancy test nine to 14 days after transfer. Hopefully, pregnancy occurs. Some patients may need to undergo additional IVF cycles to successfully conceive.

Is IVF Right for You?

IVF is safe and effective, but more invasive than other fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI). Your fertility specialist may suggest trying other treatments before moving on to IVF. IVF is a suitable choice if you or your partner has:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

• Endometriosis

• Low sperm count

• Uterine fibroids

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

• Unexplained infertility

Additionally, IVF is a viable option for aspiring single parents and LGBTQ+ couples who are using donor eggs, donor sperm, or a surrogate.

Understanding Your Fertility Treatment Options

NIAW is an ideal time to speak with a fertility specialist about your treatment options. At the Center for Reproductive Medicine, we provide a comprehensive range of fertility services, including IVF. We'll work with you to understand your needs and family-building goals, allowing us to create a personalized fertility treatment plan tailored specifically for you. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment in Winter Park or Celebration.

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