In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
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ART is a term used to describe advanced infertility therapies, most commonly IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer), but it also includes other techniques such as ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer) and FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer). IVF, GIFT, ZIFT and FET all involve the removal of a woman's eggs from her ovaries, processing these eggs with sperm, and returning the eggs to the woman, sometimes already fertilized, in order to achieve pregnancy. The differences in these procedures involve where the eggs become fertilized, and how far along the fertilization process has progressed before they are returned to the woman's uterus.
IVF Procedure
During IVF, the eggs and sperm are taken to the ivf laboratory and after fertilization of the egg via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), allowed to incubate together for several days. The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are returned to the woman's uterus through the cervix.
Your physician will carefully and thoroughly review your medical history with you to determine if IVF is most appropriate for achieving your goal of a pregnancy. Several factors of your medical history will be considered, and additional testing may be requested prior to determining IVF as the appropriate treatment for you and your partner.
The IVF process from the start of medication until egg retrieval takes approximately 4-6 weeks. Monitoring your response to medications will require several office visits prior to your procedure. All procedures required during an IVF cycle, including ovarian stimulation monitoring, aspiration of the eggs, and embryo transfer, are performed onsite at our state-of-the-art facilities. For a better understanding about IVF, please go to our IVF calendar.
RISKS OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF)
The medications and procedures required for in vitro fertilization (IVF) are rarely associated with complications. However, as with all medical treatments, there are potential problems that may occur.
1. Medication Risks
a. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can occur whenever women use ovarian stimulation medications, especially injectable gonadotropins, such as Pergonal®, Fertinex®, Repronex® or Humegon®. This complication occurs in less than 1 per-cent of women who have an egg retrieval with IVF. When severe, ovarian hyperstimulation can lead to dehydration, large amounts of fluid accumulation in the abdominal and lung cavities, and blood clotting disorders. IVF cycles may be cancelled or embryo transfers postponed to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
b. Controversial studies link ovarian stimulation drugs to the development of ovarian cancer. Although studies are contradictory, some researchers have reported an increase in borderline ovarian cancer in women who have used fertility drugs. Until further research is available, careful use of ovarian stimulation drugs is reasonable, but it is also important to note that achieving pregnancy reduces the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. More information about ovarian cancer in a 2004 published article by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 
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2. Egg Retrieval
Ultrasound-guided, transvaginal egg retrieval is a procedure whereby a long, thin needle is passed through the vagina into the ovary. Although women are under sedation, this procedure can cause mild to moderate discomfort. Injuries during this procedure are extremely rare. Structures near the ovaries, such as the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels, could possibly be injured and require further surgery. Limited bleeding from the ovary may occur, but the need for transfusion is extremely rare. Infections following transvaginal egg retrieval are also possible but rare.
3. Embryo Transfer
The transfer of embryos may cause mild irritation to the cervix or uterus.
4. Pregnancy
a. There is not an increased risk of birth defects in children conceived through IVF. The rate of pregnancy loss or miscarriage (about 20 percent) is similar to that of the general population and is related to the age of the female partner. The risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy is about 2 percent.
b. The risk of multiple gestation - twins, triplets, and higher order multiple pregnancies - is much more common in women who undergo IVF. The rate of twins with IVF is approximately 25 percent and the rate of triplets or more is approximately 5 percent. Multiple pregnancies are complicated by an increased risk of premature labor, premature delivery, maternal hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes. Read more ...
5. Stress
IVF is often considered to be one of the most stressful infertility treatments. To alleviate stress, patients should educate themselves about IVF; seek the support of family, friends, and professional counseling; learn and practice stress relaxation and meditation techniques; and take good care of their bodies through rest, exercise, and proper nutrition. Read more ...
Last updated:
September 7, 2006
Authors: Dr. William Hummel and Dr. Michael Kettel