What is IVF, and could it be an option for my daughter in the future?

Yes—in vitro fertilization, or IVF, may be a suitable option for your daughter later in life. In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a procedure used by couples who have trouble conceiving naturally. In an IVF procedure, a woman receives hormone treatments in order to stimulate egg maturation within the ovaries. The eggs are then removed and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos. These embryos are grown in the lab over 2-3 days, and then are transferred into the woman’s uterus.

A good candidate for IVF:

• Is between 18 and 40 years of age;
• Has a source of sperm (either from a partner or from a sperm donor)

The male partner of a woman undergoing IVF will provide a semen sample, usually through masturbation. He should abstain from sexual activity and ejaculation for 2-3 days prior to producing the semen sample. Although some men may feel uneasy or somewhat awkward about this procedure, at most centers, semen collection is handled in a very professional, private manner. Most men feel very comfortable once the process has been completed and very grateful that they’ve been given the opportunity to reproduce with their partner.

Once the semen sample is collected, laboratory staff will process the sample and, in most instances, the sample will be adequate for use in IVF. This procedure can also be performed with the use of donor sperm. To find out more about donor sperm, click on the link to the right.

IVF is an established procedure that is performed around the world with very little risk. Because IVF requires the removal of eggs, patients are required to sign a consent form that will describe any risks involved. Pregnancy rates average 50% per fresh embryo transfer for young patients.

Women with ovarian failure may also undergo IVF using donor eggs. The egg donor can be either someone that you know or an anonymous donor. Oftentimes, the limiting factor is the availability of a suitable egg donor. The eggs are fertilized in vitro using sperm. After the embryo(s) is transferred, the woman must undergo hormonal supplementation for the first 9 weeks of the pregnancy.

Click on the links to your right for more information on IVF.