In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Utah

What is In Vitro Fertilization?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the process where the female patient is stimulated with medication to make several eggs grow within the ovary. The eggs are then collected through the vagina using a sonogram-guided needle under sedation. Sperm is then added to the eggs to allow fertilization to take place. Fertilized eggs are then placed back in the uterus a few days later. IVF is effective for different types of infertility, including tubal disease, male factor, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility.

How much does it cost?
The amount will vary, as each patient/couple receives a customized treatment plan. We verify insurance coverage prior to your initial visit. After meeting with your physician and establishing a plan, the costs associated can be determined.We offer third-party financing and discount programs. Please speak to our financial counselor for additional questions.

The IVF Cycle

Evaluation
A full evaluation confirms the need for IVF and prepares for the cycle, which includes extensive patient education and a few diagnostic tests at one of our Utah clinics (or at one of our out-of-state offices). This preparation may take 1-2 months.

Ovulation stimulation
Beginning with the onset of a woman’s menstrual cycle, two hormonal medications are given, one to control when a woman will ovulate and the other to stimulate egg production. These daily hormonal injections occur over 10 to 12 days. Two or three transvaginal ultrasounds are performed to assess the growth and maturity of the follicles containing the eggs. Once mature (ready to ovulate), a third hormone is given to trigger the eggs’ release (ovulation). This is usually cycle day 10 – 12.

Oocyte retrieval
One hour prior to the eggs releasing from the ovary, they are aspirated through a needle into a test tube. Anesthesia provides no pain, while the transvaginal ultrasound guides the needle into the separate follicles to aspirate the eggs. An average egg yield is about 15, but varies widely.

Laboratory
The eggs are mixed or injected (ICSI) with the husband’s sperm. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, microscopes, incubators, airflow hoods, and room filters to ensure the highest quality outcomes. Typically, 60-70% of eggs retrieved will become fertilized (the same as in nature). These fertilized eggs are incubated over 3 to 5 days, until ready to enter the uterus.

Embryo transfer
Three to five days after the egg retrieval, following evaluation of the quality of the developing embryos, a decision is made by the patients and the physician as to how many to transfer to the uterus. Your doctor will discuss the number of embryos to transfer that will provide the highest probability of a successful, healthy pregnancy while still trying to minimize the probability of a high order multiple pregnancy. You will receive information on your embryos and a picture of your embryos. Usually, patients decide to transfer 1 to 2 embryos. In an atraumatic catheter, embryos are transferred through the cervix and into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is pain-free. It is often a very reassuring experience to see the embryos placed into the womb. High-quality embryos that remain from the cycle can be cryopreserved on day 5 or 6 and stored for future attempts.

Luteal phase monitoring
The patient takes progesterone daily while waiting for the pregnancy test. We typically wait 10 days after the embryo transfer to determine whether an embryo implanted. Once it takes hold, the hormone it produces is detected in the mother’s blood stream. This confirms an early pregnancy.

Implantation
Successful implantation marks the beginning of a 9-month gestation. The mother-to-be will return to her personal physician at 9 weeks gestation for prenatal care. If an embryo did not implant, the patient can use the frozen embryos or begin a new treatment cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions