Assisted Reproductive Technologies (IVF)


ART is a term used to describe advanced infertility therapies, most commonly IVF (In VitroFertilization) and GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer), but it also includes other techniques such as ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transer) and FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer). These procedures 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.

During IVF, the eggs and sperm are taken to the laboratory and allowed to incubate together for several days. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are returned to the woman's uterus through the cervix. GIFT requires the immediate return of the eggs and sperm (gametes) to the woman's fallopian tubes, and it is here that fertilization takes place. The embryos will proceed down the fallopian tubes into the uterus in the usual manner. This procedure is on the decline because of lower success rates compared to IVF and because of the additional costs due to the need for a laparoscopic surgery required at the time the sperm and eggs are transferred. The IVF process from the start of medication until egg retrieval takes approximately 4-6 weeks. Monitoring your response to these medications will require several office visits prior to your procedure.

In Vitro Fertilization is an alternative treatment for some infertility problems. These conditions may be due to pelvic endometriosis, absence or blocked fallopian tubes, male factors such as low sperm counts, women who are 35 years or older who fail to conceive naturally, or unexplained reasons that have not been responsive to other forms of treatment.

The IVF process can be broken down into 5 steps:

  1. Administration of hormone medications, which stimulate egg production in the woman’s ovaries. Egg development is monitored by hormone blood studies and ultrasound.
  2. The developed eggs are removed from the ovaries in a minor procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided egg retrieval.
  3. The husband/partner’s sperm is collected on the day of the retrieval. The sperm is specially prepared to increase the probability of fertilization.
  4. The eggs and sperm are placed together and are carefully monitored in incubators to allow for fertilization.
  5. Some of the resulting embryos are selected to be transferred into the woman’s uterus approximately 3-5 days later. Blood hormone tests will be done 8-10 days later to determine if pregnancy has been achieved.


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