In Vitro Fertilization

What is IVF?

IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a powerful and very effective fertility treatment that helps many people overcome a variety of challenges. The process itself is quite remarkable: we bring a woman’s eggs and a man’s sperm together in our lab, outside the body, to achieve fertilization. This “in vitro”—which simply means “in glass”—approach allows our experienced team to carefully watch and nurture life in its very earliest stages.

Once the embryo has developed in the lab, we typically transfer a single, healthy one to the woman’s uterus, where it can implant and hopefully lead to a successful pregnancy. This is an advanced and well-established treatment that consistently offers the highest success rates of all fertility options, with even better outcomes for younger patients.

Laboratory technician performing in vitro fertilization of human egg

Our Approach to IVF

At Loma Linda Fertilization and Wellness Center, we utilize the latest advancements in reproductive technology to maximize your chances of success. The IVF journey generally involves several key steps:

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Ovarian Stimulation

To increase the number of available eggs for retrieval, fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries.

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Egg and Sperm Retrieval

Mature eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries, while sperm is collected from the male partner. In cases of male factor infertility, we may use Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to directly inject a single sperm into each egg, significantly improving the odds of fertilization.

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Embryo Culture and Selection

Fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are monitored as they develop in the lab.

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Embryo Transfer

A single, healthy embryo is selected and gently placed into the woman’s uterus. We prioritize elective single embryo transfer (eSET) to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies, such as premature birth and other complications for both mother and babies.

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Genetic Testing (Optional)

For patients with a family history of genetic disorders or those seeking additional peace of mind, we offer preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This screening can identify chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) or test for specific inherited diseases (PGT-M) before an embryo is transferred.

Is IVF Right for You?

We often turn to IVF because it’s a wonderful, flexible tool for many different fertility challenges. It might be the first option we explore for blocked fallopian tubes or male infertility, and it’s also a great next step when other treatments haven’t worked out.

Advanced Maternal Age

As a woman gets older, her egg quality and number can decline. IVF allows us to select the healthiest eggs—or use donor eggs—to create strong embryos.

Irregular Ovulation (Anovulation)

If you’re not ovulating consistently, we can use IVF to stimulate and collect eggs for fertilization.

Blocked Tubes

By fertilizing the eggs in our lab, IVF completely bypasses the fallopian tubes, making pregnancy possible.

Endometriosis

For women with endometriosis, IVF often has a higher success rate than trying to conceive naturally.

Low Egg Count

If you have a low number of eggs, IVF allows us to stimulate your ovaries and retrieve those mature eggs for fertilization.

Male Factor Infertility

When sperm health or count is an issue, we often use IVF alongside ICSI to ensure successful fertilization.

What Are The Risks?

While IVF is a very common and safe procedure, we believe it’s important to be open about the potential risks. Our team will sit down with you to go over everything in detail and answer any questions you have.

Medication Side Effects

You might experience minor side effects from the fertility medications, like headaches, mood changes, or soreness where you have an injection.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

A rare but possible side effect of fertility drugs is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. It can cause discomfort, but we monitor you very closely to help prevent it.

Procedure Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are small risks associated with egg retrieval, such as minor bleeding or infection. We take every precaution to ensure your safety.

Multiple Pregnancy

We strongly recommend transferring just one embryo to reduce the risks that come with having twins or more.

Emotional Well-being

The IVF journey can be a lot to handle emotionally. We offer comprehensive support, including counseling and stress management resources, to help you feel supported every step of the way.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Our compassionate and expert team at Loma Linda Fertilization and Wellness Center is here to guide you every step of the way.

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