In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a procedure first successfully utilized in 1978 in which a woman’s ovaries are stimulated with fertility drugs to produce multiple mature eggs, which are then removed from her body and are fertilized in the laboratory with her partner’s (or donor) sperm. The resulting embryos are cultured for three to five days, at which point the best 1 or 2 embryos are then transferred back into her uterus.

IVF Procedures

An IVF procedure at CRE involves the following steps:

1. Preparing for Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH)
2. Undergoing Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation
3. Egg Retrieval
4. Sperm Processing
5. Fertilization of Eggs in the Laboratory
6. Selecting the Best Embryos for Transfer
7. Embryo Transfer
8. Cryopreservation (Freezing) of Remaining Embryos (This is dependent on having additional viable embryos left after embryo transfer. Embryos can be frozen for use at a later time and at a much lower cost compared to a full IVF cycle.)

IVF Cycle Calendar

What are the steps and timing of an IVF cycle?

When you schedule your IVF procedure, you will be given a calendar by your clinical coordinator that will highlight all of the key components of your cycle, including medications, appointments, ultrasounds, tentative egg retrieval, embryo transfer and pregnancy test dates.

IVF Beta hCG Levels

Is my beta hCG strong? What do the numbers indicate?

The most important indicator in beta hCG tests is whether the number doubles every 48 hours. In some cases where a beta number doubles initially, then decreases its rate, it may indicate that a twin pregnancy has reduced to a singleton. When this is the case, it may slow initially, but should then begin to double again every 48 hours. Some betas may start off as low as 3 or 4, then progress to a healthy pregnancy, so there is really not a specific threshold number that indicates a viable pregnancy. Every case is different. Read more about interpreting beta hCG numbers HERE.

IVF and Acupuncture

There are varying opinions on the effectiveness of acupuncture at aiding successful IVF. Certain studies indicate that there are benefits, and many patients find that it gives them additional confidence and peace of mind. In the end, it is a personal decision.