In Vitro Fertilization
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IVF
IVF
IVF is a therapy that involves aggressive stimulation of the ovaries so that many eggs become ready to fertilize all at the same time. Once mature, the eggs are aspirated from the body during a procedure called an ‘egg retrieval’. The eggs are then fertilized, and the resulting embryos are grown in our highly specialized IVF laboratory for 3-6 days. Plans for transfer of the embryo(s) back into the uterus are then made, where attachment, implantation and growth occur like any naturally conceived embryo(s).
The staff of FINA understands the sometimes taxing nature of IVF and try to make this process as care-free as possible by providing continual emotional support, the clearest of communication, and the utmost attention to every detail. We will have a separate consultation with you prior to IVF to ensure that you understand if and why your specific diagnosis makes you a candidate, and every step of the process, from stimulation to suppression to retrieval to embryo growth to transfer. Our entire FINA staff will then see you through the process of IVF.
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Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
This is a technique utilized in an “IVF” cycle for fertilization where a single sperm is injected into a single egg. Not everyone benefits from ICSI. The indications for ICSI are 1) a male factor infertility; 2) suspected sperm antibodies; 3) a history of failed or impaired fertilization; 4) a history of multiple sperm fertilizing one egg; and 5) poor embryo development in a previous IVF cycle. Dr. Davenport will thoroughly assess whether this type of fertilization would benefit you.
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Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Preimplantation Genetic Testing
This is an optional procedure that involves biopsy of an embryo’s placental cells (trophectoderm). The biopsy is usually performed on day 5-6 of embryo growth. The biopsied cells are then tested to see if the embryo has the specific genetic abnormality that is being tested for. Genetic abnormalities that can be specifically assessed include aneuploidies (PGT-A), monogenic/single gene disorders (PGT-M), and unbalanced translocations (PGT-SR).
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Assisted Hatching
Assisted Hatching
Just before an embryo implants it must “hatch” out of a shell called the zona pellucida. In certain patients the enzyme reactions necessary for hatching are dysfunctional and/or the zona becomes hardened. It is thought that creating a small hole in the zona with a highly specialized laser may assist the embryo in hatching, thereby increasing the odds of successful implantation in these patients. This is also frequently performed in embryos that have undergone a freeze/thaw process.
