What is IVF? IVF is the procedure where eggs are retrieved from a woman and then fertilization of the eggs by sperm is achieved outside of the body, in a lab ("in vitro"). IVF is also known as the "Test Tube Baby Procedure."

An egg successfully fertilized by sperm is called an embryo and grows by dividing. Embryo(s) are then placed back into the uterus ("Embryo Transfer") on the third day after the egg collection when the best embryos are 6 to 8 cells ("cleaved embryo") or on the fifth day after the egg collection when the best embryos are about 100 cells ("blastocyst"). IVF is sometimes therefore abbreviated IVF-ET (in vitro fertilization – embryo transfer). IVF is also sometimes referred to as ART (assisted reproductive technology).

What does IVF treat? IVF is the ultimate solution to Pelvic scarring / Fallopian Tube problems (with IVF, becoming pregnant does not require a tube to grasp the egg, the tubes can be blocked or even absent) and Sperm problems (with IVF, only a single sperm is needed to fertilize each egg). IVF also takes care of Ovulation issues and is helpful with issues of Time (luck), and can be helpful with Age (egg quantity & quality). See "Reproductive Overview," "Explaining 'Unexplained Infertility' and Its Treatment," and "Age & Fertility: Effective Evaluation & Treatment."

The ultimate treatment for Age (egg quantity & quality) is using the eggs of an egg donor (typically an egg donor is a woman in her 20's or early 30's). IVF is used with egg donation. The egg donor undergoes ovarian stimulation and eggs are retrieved. The couple's male partner sperm is combined with the eggs in the lab to achieve fertilization and form embryos. Typically, one or two of these embryos are then transferred into the couple's female partner uterus.

What are the typical steps of IVF? (See "Services & Articles" for more details)
• Administering medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles (eggs). Also medication is given to prevent the LH surge.
• Egg Retrieval – with ultrasound guidance, under anesthesia, a needle collects the eggs.
• Fertilization occurs in the lab either by co-incubating the eggs & sperm or injecting a sperm into each mature egg – a process known as ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
• The resulting fertilized eggs, known as embryos are then grown in the lab for a few days.
• Embryo Transfer - depending on the women's age, typically 1 to 3 embryo(s) are then transferred back into the uterus.
• Remaining viable embryos that are not transferred are frozen for later transfer.

What is meant by "Regular" "Minimal" "Natural" IVF? For definitions & comparisons, please click on "IVF Costs for those without insurance coverage"

What are the costs of IVF? It depends on if you have medical insurance that covers IVF. Even before your New Patient Consultation, if you do not know the answer to this question, we can call your insurance to check on the specifics of your infertility benefits.

IVF Costs for those without insurance coverage: Please click for "IVF Costs for those without insurance coverage"

IVF is a complicated procedure. Please Contact Us to acquire a full understanding of its steps, costs - including explanation of details in "IVF Costs for those without insurance coverage," and our excellent success rates.

Even more helpful - schedule a New Patient Consultation where it will be determined what treatment options are appropriate for you - you might not even require IVF to conceive! At the New Patient Consultation, Dr. Wong will determine and explain your specific issues. Once these specific issues are known, Dr. Wong will explain the appropriate treatment options for you, including the pros and cons of each option. Our financial counselors will explain the costs of each option.