In vitro fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) at the Center for Reproductive Medicine

If you have not had success getting pregnant with medications or conventional infertility treatments, a more advanced modality may be necessary. Known as assisted reproductive technologies (ART), these treatments include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted laboratory techniques.

The IVF process involves four distinct steps:

  1. Ovulation induction: First, you will take fertility medications that stimulate the maturation of multiple follicles (egg-containing ovarian cysts). Your provider will use blood tests and ultrasound imaging to carefully monitor the development of the follicles. When enough follicles have matured, the eggs will be recovered through a transvaginal ultrasound procedure. This step of the IVF process is usually performed under intravenous (IV) conscious sedation and involves the use of a special needle to remove the eggs. The procedure generally takes 15-30 minutes, and patients usually go home within two hours.
  2. Fertilization and embryo development: After your eggs have been collected, they are fertilized in our on-site laboratory with sperm obtained from your partner or donor on the day of the egg retrieval. The fertilized eggs are then incubated for two to six days. For couples who have male-factor related infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be recommended. During ICSI, a single sperm is injected into each egg by one of our specially trained embryologists. This incubation process may involve preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a diagnostic technique designed to improve the likelihood of successful pregnancy through in vitro fertilization.
  3. Embryo transfer: Three to five days after fertilization, you and your CRM physician will select the number of embryos for transfer. These embryos will then be inserted into your uterus via a small catheter. Because the embryo transfer procedure is similar to an insemination procedure, little discomfort is involved, and no anesthesia is required. Any remaining embryos of sufficient quality may be cryopreserved (frozen) for use in a future IVF cycle.
  4. Pregnancy test: Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood pregnancy test is performed. If the test results are positive, a repeat blood pregnancy test will be performed 48 hours later.

At the Center for Reproductive Medicine, our team of experienced fertility doctors leverages the most sophisticated IVF technology along with a fully accredited, on-site medical lab to join the sperm and egg, and a surgical suite for the implantation procedure.

Since 1985, we have performed thousands of successful IVF cycles and achieved among the highest pregnancy rates in the Southeast.

In addition to standard IVF, we also offer minimal stimulation IVF and modified natural IVF.

Frequently asked questions

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a type of assisted reproductive technology.

First, ovulation is induced through fertility medications that stimulate the release of your eggs. Your doctor monitors your ovulation through blood tests and ultrasound imaging to determine when they can harvest your eggs.

Next, the eggs are retrieved with a special needle via a transvaginal procedure. Once we harvest your eggs, our team fertilizes them with your partner’s sperm or with donor sperm in our on-site medical lab. The eggs must incubate for two to six days as they develop into embryos.

Finally, we help you select the number of embryos we will transfer into your uterus. This process involves a catheter to transfer the embryos with no need for anesthesia.

You can cryopreserve (freeze) any remaining embryos for use in a future IVF procedure.

Approximately two weeks after your embryo transfer procedure, your provider performs a blood pregnancy test to confirm a successful transfer. If the test is positive, you will have another blood test in 48 hours. If the second test is negative, your provider can discuss your options for moving forward with another IVF cycle.

Contact the Center for Reproductive Medicine to learn more about in vitro fertilization and the other ART options we offer.
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Four steps to IVF

  • Ovulation induction and egg retrieval

    After taking medication to stimulate ovulation, your eggs will be recovered.

  • Fertilization and embryo development

    The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm and incubated in the lab, then cryopreserved for future use.

  • Embryo transfer

    The embryos are thawed on the day of transfer, then are inserted into your uterus through a small catheter.

  • Pregnancy test

    Two weeks later, you’ll take a blood pregnancy test.