In Vitro Fertilization at Chicago IVF
At Chicago IVF, our goal is to provide each patient with the best in vitro fertilization (IVF) care available. We recognize that every family is unique, which is why patient education is one of our top priorities, right alongside the highest possible success rates. Chicago IVF is at the forefront of in vitro fertilization treatment, with a compassionate and expert staff, state-of-the-art technologies, and dedication to your comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Our team of leading fertility specialists can help your family explore and understand the fertility treatment options available, how IVF works, and if it’s the right choice for you.
What is IVF?
IVF treatment is one of the most popular and effective types of assisted reproductive technology (ART) available and is commonly recommended to couples and individuals facing fertility issues, same-sex couples, and single parents. With IVF, eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in an embryology laboratory. For those interested in gestational surrogacy, the eggs and sperm can come from a donor, if needed. The fertilized egg or eggs (embryos) are then placed in the mother’s uterus, subsequently implanting in its lining. The IVF process significantly increases the chances for conception, allowing parents-to-be to overcome many of the challenges of infertility, and enabling same-sex couples and single parents to grow the family they always dreamed of. As technology rapidly evolves and techniques are refined, the success rate of IVF treatment continues to grow.
Who is a candidate for IVF?
There are many factors that might lead you to seek IVF treatment, both related and unrelated to infertility, the most common of which are:
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Advanced maternal age
- Low sperm count
- Damaged fallopian tubes
- Tubal ligation
- Inability to ovulate
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Genetic disorder(s)
- Unexplained infertility
- Single parents
- LGBTQA couples
What are the steps of IVF?
In vitro fertilization is a complex process, but as a basic overview, there are several core steps:
- The formation of eggs within the ovaries is activated, and the best time for retrieval is identified.
- The eggs are removed through a minimally invasive procedure and then placed with the sperm for an incubation period, resulting in the fertilized eggs (embryos).
- After the incubation period, the embryo is transferred into the uterus through a painless procedure.
At Chicago IVF, we follow national standards set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) on how many embryos to transfer, and when. Embryos are typically transferred after 3 or 5 days of incubation, depending on your individual circumstances.
From your initial consultation through to final treatment, all fertility specialists and doctors at Chicago IVF take great care in every step of the in vitro fertilization process. Your safety and comfort are a top priority, and you can trust that the latest technologies and best practices are utilized for optimal results.
Related Treatments to IVF
In addition to in vitro fertilization treatment, Chicago IVF offers a complete range of fertility care, including: