How Does IVF Work?

While there are many treatment options available to improve the odds of conceiving, infertile couples and couples dealing with fertility issues often turn to us for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. After all, IVF does have the highest success rate of any assisted reproductive technology (ART), which also makes it the most popular option for couples looking to get pregnant. Dr. Minna Selub, your South Florida physician, offers IVF treatment at Florida Institute for Reproductive Sciences and Technologies in Weston, FL and serving patients from South Florida, including the Jacksonville and Tampa areas.

How does IVF work?

There are several steps involved in getting IVF. During the first step, we will prescribe a fertility medication that will stimulate egg production. It’s important to retrieve several eggs, as this will increase the odds of one of them being fertilized. During this phase, your fertility doctor will also run blood tests and an ultrasound to check the ovaries and your hormone levels.

The next step involves retrieving the eggs. This requires us to perform a simple surgical procedure in which we use a thin needle to remove the egg via the pelvic cavity. You will be under the effects of local anesthesia and sedation to ease any discomfort. Once the eggs have been retrieved they will be combined with sperm in a laboratory so that the sperm can fertilize the egg.

Once the eggs have been fertilized (this usually occurs within 3-5 days after the egg retrieval procedure), we will place one or more embryos directly into the uterus where they can implant. The placement of the embryos is done right here in our office and is completely painless.

From start to finish, it can take several months to complete one treatment cycle of IVF. While it is possible for a woman to conceive after just one round of IVF (usually around a 33 percent rate), the rate increases with more IVF cycles.

Who should consider IVF?

IVF can be an ideal treatment for many couples who are having issues with infertility. You may be right for IVF if you are dealing with,

• Damaged, blocked or removed fallopian tubes
• Ovulation disorders or uterine fibroids
• Decreased sperm count or sperm motility
• Genetic disorders
• Unexplained infertility

If you are having trouble conceiving and want to find out if IVF is right for you, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Minna Selub, your South Florida physician at Florida Institute for Reproductive Sciences and Technologies. Call (954) 217-3456.