In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF), is a form of assisted reproduction technology. In vitro is a Latin phrase meaning "in glass," and it is used to indicate a procedure that takes place outside the body and in a laboratory setting—in this case, fertilization, where a sperm and an egg unite to form an embryo. IVF may benefit many couples, including those diagnosed with absent or diseased fallopian tubes, cervical factors, male factors, immunological factors, or idiopathic (unknown cause) infertility.

The IVF process is composed of multiple phases. Most commonly, a hormonal medication regimen (such as the use of gonadotropins) is utilized to stimulate the woman's ovaries to produce multiple follicles containing eggs. When the follicles have reached the appropriate size, the eggs are retrieved using a transvaginal aspiration technique. They are then combined with sperm in a laboratory setting for the purpose of fertilization. Embryo transfer usually takes place approximately 72 hours after retrieval. During the embryo transfer, a small catheter is placed into the uterus through the cervix, and the embryo is passed through the catheter using gentle pressure. This is a simple procedure that does not require anesthesia.

Blastocyst Embryo Transfer

A blastocyst embryo transfer may be recommended for IVF cycles during which enough high-quality embryos are produced to make such a transfer viable. In a blastocyst transfer, embryos are transferred to the uterus around five days after fertilization, when the embryos have reached the blastocyst stage. (In most IVF cycles, embryo transfer occurs approximately three days after egg retrieval.)

Because embryos are selected for transfer at a later point in development, blastocyst transfers may allow fewer embryos to be transferred, potentially reducing the chances for multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.). Embryos that reach the blastocyst stage also have a higher chance of implanting in the uterus. However, blastocyst transfers are only performed when recommended by a physician.

Embryo Cryopreservation

Embryo cryopreservation is a process used to store potentially viable embryos through freezing, often in the event that more embryos are produced during IVF than will be transferred in that cycle. Embryos that survive the freezing and thawing process may be transferred into the uterus at a later date. Cryopreservation can simplify future treatment and lower the cost of IVF cycles. The CWRC is equipped with the latest technology for embryo cryopreservation and storage.

Oocyte Cryopreservation (Egg Freezing)

Oocyte cryopreservation, also known as “egg freezing,” may be provided on a selective basis, as determined by medical staff. This is available to women who do not wish to fertilize oocytes prior to the freezing process, but is not a standard practice at the present time.

Frozen Embryo Transfer

A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a procedure in which embryos that were not transferred during an IVF cycle and have been frozen through cryopreservation are thawed and transferred into the uterus during a future IVF cycle. Cryopreserved embryos may be stored for five years or longer. Once thawed for use, they are examined to assess whether or not they survived the freezing and thawing process; approximately 10 to 20 percent of embryos do not. Pregnancy rates of frozen embryos have been found to be similar to nonfrozen embryos of similar quality.

Embryo Adoption

CWRC has instituted a program to provide donated embryos to couples and single women who are unable to conceive. These embryos are the result of eggs that were fertilized with sperm that was processed and screened by our reproductive center and/or from a regulated sperm bank. They were originally frozen because their quality was deemed high and that the embryos were likely to be viable. The decision to freeze was made by the woman or couple to whom the gametes originally belonged. If you elect to receive these embryos, typically one or two would be thawed for embryo transfer and placed into the uterus (womb). No more than 3 embryos would be transferred at one time under any circumstances. The program is conducted with the understanding that all parties concerned will respect the confidentiality of both donors and recipients. Please call admissions at 646-756-8294 for further information.

Ovulation Induction

Ovulation induction is a treatment that utilizes oral and/or injectable medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles, and thus multiple eggs, to improve the likelihood of fertilization. It can be used in basic treatment, and it is always used in advanced treatment of infertility.