IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization, the process of an egg being fertilized by a sperm outside the body. In recent years with advances in technology, it has become a reliable fertility option to assist in conception. Before IVF can be performed, you and your partner must be confirmed as appropriate candidates. Women who have been diagnosed with endometriosis, antibody difficulties that could harm sperm or eggs, or problems related to the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovulation are ideal candidates. Women over the age of 35 wanting to conceive and men with a decreased sperm count are also candidates for treatment.

IVF is also a solution for a variety of fertility issues, including absent or blocked fallopian tubes, poor sperm counts, endometriosis and immunological fertility. Depending on the fertility issue, the eggs and sperm used in IVF may be the couple’s own or may come from donors.

To increase the success of IVF, you can also consider the following treatments:
Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) - A single sperm is inserted into a single egg to achieve fertilization and is commonly used when there is a diagnosed sperm complication.

• Cryopreserved Embryo Transfer – An embryo that has been frozen at very low temperatures is taken, thawed and transferred into a woman’s uterus.
• Laser-Assisted Embryo Hatching – A cutting-edge laser assists the embryo in breaking out of its shell by thinning out the coating, allowing the embryo to implant itself successfully in the uterus.
• Vitrification – Freezing of sperm, eggs or embryo to allow for a later pregnancy.
• Ovulation Induction –One or more follicles in the ovaries to stimulate ovulation is stimulated through the use of certain medications.

Before deciding on IVF, ask the following questions:

1. Are there any other fertility treatments better for conception?
2. How high is the risk for multiple births?
3. What side effects could be experienced before and after the procedure?
4. How many successful procedures has the physician performed?
5. What is the risk of the procedure not working the first time?

After you decide to use IVF, Dr. Garza will start by injecting you with hormones to encourage egg production every month. When a test confirms you’re ready for egg retrieval, he will give you injections to start the ovulation process. The saying “timing is everything” especially applies to taking out the eggs. Dr. Garza sometimes uses blood tests and ultrasounds to ensure the eggs are ripe and ready for retrieval.

Dr. Garza performed the first, two-egg donor, In Vitro Fertilization case in Texas. To learn more about IVF or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garza, click here.