Learn more about IVF candidates and how we support them
Our Virginia fertility center helps IVF candidates take the next step on their journey to take home a healthy baby. For many, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most effective form of fertility care because it allows intended parents to bypass many barriers to parenthood.
What is IVF?
IVF is one of the most common types of fertility treatment. After IVF candidates decide to move forward with this option, the intended mother will take ovulation induction medications. During this time, she will receive regular monitoring at our clinic with bloodwork and ultrasounds.
When enough eggs have matured, the woman will undergo an egg retrieval at our Virginia fertility center. To keep her comfortable, she will be sedated with anesthesia during the procedure. An embryologist then fertilizes the retrieved eggs with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. Some patients utilize genetic testing to determine which embryos are the healthiest.
After fertilization, Fady Sharara MD transfers a healthy embryo to the woman’s uterus, where it will hopefully implant and grow into a baby.
Who are IVF candidates?
There are various factors that make a patient a good candidate for IVF.
- Over the age of 35. As women age, they typically have fewer eggs and are more likely to have eggs with chromosomal abnormalities. As such, infertility and miscarriage could occur without the support of a fertility treatment like IVF.
- Blocked tubes. Women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes could benefit from IVF. In these cases, the sperm could have difficulty reaching the egg or the fertilized egg might not be able to reach the uterus.
- Endometriosis. Because endometriosis results in uterine tissue implanting in other areas of the body, it sometimes results in fertility challenges.
- Male factor fertility issues. Sperm production, quality and mobility issues could lead to the need for IVF.
- Recurrent miscarriages. As chromosomal abnormalities often cause miscarriages, we might recommend IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This testing helps ensure the fertility doctor transfers a healthy embryo into the patient’s uterus.
- Tried other treatments that weren’t successful. Intended parents who haven’t found success with treatments like ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination (IUI) could be IVF candidates.
The specialists at our Virginia fertility center help patients receive the right fertility diagnosis and create a treatment plan that gives them the best chance of developing a healthy pregnancy. Contact us for more information about our fertility services.