Some patients need advanced therapy to provide the best possible chances for conception. Unlike 
Who should consider IVF?
For some situations IVF may be the first-line treatment:
- Women with bilateral tubal ligation.
- Women with irreversible tubal disease or hydrosalpinx (swollen, fluid-filled tubes).
- Male partner with vasectomy.
- Male with severe male factor (very low or no sperm “azoospermia,” or low sperm motility or morphology “oligospermia“ or “asthenospermia”). In these cases ICSI may be necessary for successful fertilization of the egg.
- Gay males utilizing a Gestational Carrier.
- Any individual or couple using donor eggs.
- Any individual or couple using previously frozen or vitrified eggs.
In other cases, IVF is recommended only if basic treatment options fail. Indications for IVF may include:
- Unexplained infertility
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Endometriosis
- Anovulation
- Male factors
What is involved in the IVF process?
Talk to us! IVF may initially seem overwhelming. The NRM team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
- IVF Consult. Your first step is to schedule a consult. Our team of board-certified Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility physicians will talk with you to determine if IVF is the best therapy for you.
- After reviewing your history and any previous fertility treatments or testing, we will determine what type of testing you need prior to your IVF.
- IVF plan. Once testing is complete, we develop an IVF plan specifically for you—based on your test results and history. Your IVF coordinator will provide you with a calendar that will give you day- by- day instructions of medication use and initial appointment dates.
- Medication instruction. A member of our nursing team will provide one-on-one instruction regarding how to mix and administer your IVF medications and injections.
- IVF Stimulation. IVF is designed to stimulate multiple follicles on your ovaries (inside each follicle is one egg). In order to maximize your success while minimizing any risks, you will be monitored closely during stimulation with frequent ultrasound and lab work. We will be in constant communication during this time. Based on your response to the medication, we may make adjustments to maximize your chances of success. Your oocyte (egg) retrieval will then be timed based on the size of your follicles in conjunction with your hormone levels.
- Oocyte Retrieval. Your physician will determine the timing of your final “trigger shot” to begin the process of egg maturation and ovulation—preparing you for egg retrieval. Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure that our physicians perform in the surgical suite of our office. You will be given sedation by an anesthesiologist and the retrieval will be performed under ultrasound guidance. Most patients tolerate this procedure very well with minimal discomfort.
- Laboratory Reports. Egg fertilization and embryo development will occur over the next 2-5 days in our NRM laboratory. During this time, we will keep you updated on the status of your embryos. A normal attrition (decrease) of eggs to embryos is expected—this means that while you may have a high number of eggs retrieved, we expect only a portion of those to be mature and fertilize, and then only a portion of those will develop into good quality embryos. The specific percentage decrease depends on your particular diagnosis, age, and fertility history. The goal is to have 1-2 high quality embryos for transfer into your uterus. We follow ASRM guidelines regarding the number of embryos to transfer based on your age and quality of your embryos. Any remaining embryos may be vitrified (frozen into a “glass-like” state) and stored for future use.
- Embryo transfer. Embryo transfer will take place 2-5 days after the retrieval. The day will be determined by your particular number and quality of embryos. You will not need any sedation for the embryo transfer and you will be able to watch the transfer occur on ultrasound with your partner (or any support person you would like to be present). You will then be given a date to return for your pregnancy test!
Why choose NRM?
We strive to provide you the highest quality care available and to maximize your individual chances of success, while doing our best to make your treatment as smooth and comfortable as possible.
- Treatment by an experienced team of board-certified physicians and qualified and compassionate nursing staff.
- Brand-new facility offering state-of-the-art equipment.
- Therapy occurs in a peaceful and comfortable environment with convenient parking and easy access to appointments and facilities.
- Multiple options available to create the plan that is best for you.
We realize there is a lot of information to digest. We’re here to help. Your next step is to schedule a consultation so that we can meet with you in person, conduct a complete examination, and work with you develop a personalized treatment plan designed to provide you the most cost effective path to a successful outcome.
