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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

The New York Fertility Center

Reproductive Endocrinologists located in Downtown Flushing Queens, Flushing, NY & Flatiron in Manhattan, New York, NY

For many couples, successful treatment for infertility comes in the form of in vitro fertilization, a procedure in which eggs are fertilized in the lab, then implanted into a woman’s uterus. Dr. Tony Tsai at The New York Fertility Center has extensive experience retrieving, fertilizing, and re-implanting eggs so couples can enjoy the thrill of pregnancy and birth. To learn whether you’re a good candidate for in vitro fertilization, call one of the offices in Manhattan or Flushing, New York, or book an appointment online.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Q & A

What is in vitro fertilization?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure in which a woman’s eggs are fertilized with a man’s sperm in a dish in the laboratory. After the eggs are fertilized, they’re placed back into the uterus where they continue to grow and develop normally.

Who is a good candidate for in vitro fertilization?

IVF can be used to treat infertility in women who have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes or disorders that prevent normal ovulation. It’s also an option for men who have a low sperm count or a problem with sperm motility.

Dr. Tsai may also consider IVF for couples with genetic disorders or when the cause of infertility can’t be determined, an issue that arises in about one-third of all couples with infertility.

What are the four steps of in vitro fertilization?

IVF is a process that involves four steps:

Ovarian stimulation and monitoring

You’ll receive injections containing a medication that increases the number of eggs produced by your ovaries. During this stage, Dr. Tsai uses transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests to monitor how your ovaries respond and determine when eggs are mature.

Egg Retrieval

Dr. Tsai retrieves mature eggs from your ovaries using a minimally invasive surgical procedure that typically takes less than 15 minutes. After you’re lightly sedated, Dr. Tsai accesses your ovary through the vaginal wall, then uses suction to remove the mature eggs gently.

Culture and fertilization

Your retrieved eggs are taken to the laboratory, where they’re fertilized with sperm. When enough sperm is available, they’re released onto the egg. When the sperm sample is too small, a single sperm is micro-injected directly into the egg.

Embryo transfer

After the eggs are fertilized, Dr. Tsai uses a small catheter to transfer the optimal number of healthy, mature embryos into your uterus, using ultrasound to guide their placement. This step only takes a few minutes to complete.

If you have additional fertilized eggs that aren’t transferred to your uterus, they can be frozen and saved.

After a time, you’ll have a pregnancy test to see whether the embryo successfully implanted into your uterine wall.

If you have questions about infertility and IVF, please don’t hesitate to call The New York Fertility Center, or book a consultation online.