In vitro fertilization can help bypass many barriers to conception
When you think of fertility treatment, in vitro fertilization, or IVF, is likely one of the options that comes to mind. At our Connecticut fertility center, Andrew Levi MD recommends this advanced treatment when patients need a little extra help conceiving. Using a proven process and leading-edge techniques, IVF makes parenthood possible for many patients.
How does IVF work and what can you expect?
Before beginning in vitro fertilization, Dr. Levi will make sure that it’s the best treatment for you. This involves performing testing on you and your partner, which may include bloodwork, an ultrasound, a semen analysis and other advanced fertility tests. The results will help determine whether IVF can help you welcome a baby.
Once you decide to move forward, you will begin a multi-step journey to meet your baby. Here is an overview of what you can expect.
- The process starts with ovarian stimulation, which involves taking injectable fertility medications. The goal is to stimulate the production of multiple eggs. You will visit our Connecticut fertility center regularly during this time for monitoring appointments.
- Once your eggs are mature, you will undergo a short egg retrieval procedure. While you are under light sedation, Dr. Levi will use ultrasound guidance to retrieve your eggs.
- Our team will then take your eggs to the laboratory for fertilization. There, we will combine them with sperm from your partner or a sperm donor. If your partner has severe male infertility, we may use intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
- Embryo transfer is the final step. You will return to the clinic and Dr. Levi will transfer an embryo to your uterus. If you have multiple embryos, we can freeze and store them for future pregnancy attempts.
When using this fertility treatment, you can include preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This testing can provide valuable information about the genetic health of each embryo.
Who is a good candidate for in vitro fertilization?
Each patient is different, so Dr. Levi makes treatment recommendations on a case-by-case basis. However, you may be a good candidate for IVF if you fall into one or more of the following groups.
- Women over age 35
- Patients with endometriosis
- Men with severe male infertility
- Patients who did not succeed with other treatments
- Women with blocked fallopian tubes
- Patients who have experienced recurrent miscarriage
In vitro fertilization increases the likelihood of having a healthy baby for all these groups of patients. Utilizing PGT or donor eggs can increase the odds of success even more.
Rely on our experience and knowledge
Our Connecticut fertility center team has helped countless women and men overcome infertility and achieve parenthood. Dr. Levi and his staff are proud to use their compassion and skill to help our patients grow their families using treatments like IVF. Contact us if you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment.