It’s unlikely but possible for an egg to fertilize naturally during an IVF cycle – we remove most of the eggs from the follicles in your ovaries at the time of egg retrieval but a small number of eggs could remain in or around the ovaries. For this reason egg donors need to abstain from… Read More
Is IVF ever done without fertility drugs?
Yes, but natural cycle IVF (no fertility drugs) where only one egg is typically obtained or ‘minimal stimulation IVF’ with Clomid or low-dose fertility shots has much lower chances of success compared with ‘conventional IVF’ with higher doses of injectable medications when we are aiming to obtain multiple eggs. Costs are lower and the risk… Read More
If you conceive a child via IVF, what traits can you currently select for?
IVF can be combined with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) where we test one or more cells from each developing embryo. PGD can be used for most single gene disorders (diseases caused by one gene) such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s, Polycystic Kidney Disease, etc. We can also test for chromosome rearrangements like translocations, or testing embryos… Read More
Is IVF the only option for couples who cannot conceive on their own?
Most couples who are trying to conceive without success don’t need In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – if cheaper and easier treatment is appropriate we try other things first. Sometimes IVF is the right answer: if inseminations aren’t working for severe disease of the fallopian tubes or diminished ovarian reserve (low… Read More
If you get your tubes tied, could you still have a baby with help from IVF?
Absolutely, having blocked tubes is the reason IVF was invented. IVF is often a better approach than a surgical tubal ligation reversal. See a specialist (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility or REI MD) who offers both options to assess your individual situation. A basic workup includes checking your partner’s sperm (Semen Analysis) even if he’s the… Read More
How many IVF treatments does it take to become pregnant?
Typically one to three fresh IVF cycles, but your age and ovarian reserve (egg supply) are obviously major factors. In general, the best results with IVF are up to age 40. Success rates drop each year after 40 and are very low by age 45, using your own eggs. If you have embryos to freeze… Read More
