As a common form of assisted reproductive technology, in vitro fertilization is one of the most popular infertility treatments today. However, everyone has unique fertility needs and circumstances, which means IVF may not be for you.
At Kindbody, our team of physicians will work with you to understand your future fertility goals and develop a customized plan to meet them. With a variety of fertility treatments available, we will find a solution to optimize treatment success, achieve pregnancy, and preserve fertility.
LET’S TALK ABOUT IN VITRO FERTILIZATION
Since the first successful in vitro procedure in 1978, over five million babies have been born through IVF treatments.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology in which the eggs are retrieved from a woman and inseminated with sperm from a man in a laboratory to create embryos. After closely monitoring embryo development, one or more embryos are transferred to the uterus of the woman. If any resulting embryos remain, they are frozen through a process known as vitrification.
To learn more about IVF and how it works, contact the experts at Kindbody Hoffman Estates, read our blog article “The IVF Process: A Step-by-Step Inside Look.”
BASIC INFERTILITY TREATMENTS
Timed Intercourse and Ovulation Induction
Timed intercourse is the simplest form of infertility treatment a couple can receive. With a limited timeframe for fertilization to occur, it is important to have intercourse at the right time. Monitoring occurs to track ovulation so that you will have a better potential for fertilization.
If a woman is not ovulating, we use a combination of ovulation induction medications to grow follicles and time the release of the egg so that intercourse can be planned to increase the chances of fertilization.
While every patient is unique, we follow a timeline to prescribe medications and monitor progress to determine when ovulation will occur and plan for intercourse.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often the first step in fertility treatment for many couples. It is a less expensive and more conservative infertility treatment option that is ideal for a lot of couples.
An IUI is accomplished by placing highly concentrated sperm directly into the uterus to facilitate fertilization and increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes.
IUI is a common treatment option for couples experiencing unexplained infertility issues, ovulation disorders, mild endometriosis, and mild male infertility issues with sperm or erectile dysfunction.
ADVANCED INFERTILITY TREATMENTS
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
A frozen embryo transfer, or FET, takes an embryo cryopreserved from a previous IVF cycle or a donor embryo and thaws it before transferring it to a woman’s uterus. The advancements in cryopreservation techniques and the use of vitrification have allowed for increased success rates when using frozen embryos.
Once an embryo is cryopreserved, it can be stored indefinitely. A woman can use the embryos in the future at the age in which they are frozen. A frozen embryo transfer can occur:
- After a successful fresh transfer when a woman wants to conceive her next child later
- After an unsuccessful fresh transfer, anywhere from months to years later when a woman is ready to try again
- When a couple decides to undergo genetic testing on their embryos, which results in the need for cryopreservation of the tested embryos
- When a fresh transfer is not in the best interest of the patient
Genetic Testing (PGS and PGD)
As an additional and optional step in the IVF process, the genetic testing of embryos is incorporated after eggs are fertilized and have begun their development as embryos. By electing to do genetic testing, a patient can increase the chance of implantation and reduce the chance of miscarriage by transferring an embryo that has been tested for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
With PGS, select cells are removed from the embryo and are genetically screened for chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). PGS may be utilized if multiple miscarriages have occurred or if the female partner is of advanced maternal age.
PGS is available to all patients and can help increase pregnancy rates and decrease miscarriage rates. PGS also determines the sex of the embryo with nearly 100% accuracy.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
In PGD, select cells are removed from an embryo to test for a specific, known genetic condition. It is common for individuals or couples who have been diagnosed with or are carriers of a known genetic condition. After PDG, embryos without the genetic condition are transferred into the uterus for implantation.
The most tested genetic conditions are cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Tay-Sachs, sickle cell, and thalassemia. However, with advanced technology, PDG is available for most diseases, including rare genetic disorders.
Fertility Preservation
Fertility preservation is a perfect option for women or couples who want to wait until they are ready to start a family. Fertility preservation includes egg freezing, sperm freezing, or embryo freezing.
Apart from social reasons, men and women may also consider fertility preservation if they are undergoing medical treatments or procedures that harm fertility:
- Cancer diagnosis – For men and women who have been diagnosed with cancer, fertility preservation protects eggs and sperm before chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, which can be toxic.
- Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) – For women who with premature ovarian insufficiency, early menopause, or a genetic predisposition to early menopause, fertility preservation preserve viable eggs or embryos for future use.
- Autoimmune disease – Women with chronic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may consider fertility preservation due to medications they use, which could potentially harm ovaries and cause infertility.
To learn more about fertility preservation, please read our blog Fertility Preservation & Fertility Options After Cancer Diagnosis, or visit our Fertility Preservation page.
A VARIETY OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS FOR YOU AT KINDBODY AT HOFFMAN ESTATES
At Kindbody our mission is to help our patients find their way to fertility health and treatment with the highest chance of success. We also provide a variety of innovative, scientific, cutting-edge infertility treatments along with unparalleled patient care.
While we have other locations in Northern Illinois, Kindbody at Hoffman Estates is most convenient to Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Des Plaines, Northbrook, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, and Mount Prospect.
When you schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate doctors, you will learn which infertility treatments may be best for you. We also help you navigate your fertility journey by answering questions, offering transparent pricing, and providing you with the support you need to achieve your dreams of parenthood.
To schedule your initial consultation, contact us today.
