In vitro fertilization isn’t new. In fact ever since the successful birth of baby Louise Brown nearly a half-century ago IVF has given hope to millions of infertile couples. At its most basic the process combines egg and sperm in a glass vessel (“vitro”). Fertilization occurs inside the vessel and once the embryo develops a doctor transfers the embryo to the mother. At that point the embryo, hopefully, implants in the uterus where it develops and grows for the next 40 weeks until birth.
The basic machinations of IVF are as listed above however as assisted reproductive technology evolved different types of IVF in Pasadena became available. Here we offer a look at the top three fertility options for IVF in Pasadena.
3 Types of Procedures for IVF in Pasadena
While conventional IVF is the most widely understood method there are several different fertility options for IVF in Pasadena. Here’s our guide to these procedures and who may benefit most.
1. Conventional IVF
The most common treatment involves stimulation of the ovaries through hormonal medication. The follicles go into overtime in an effort to mature as many eggs as possible at one time. Your doctor retrieves the eggs, and an embryologist fertilizes them using your partner’s sperm. Over the next five days, your fertilized eggs develop into embryos. At that point your fertility doctor transfers the embryos into your uterus, or you may opt for cryopreservation (freezing) for future pregnancies.
Patients who benefit from conventional IVF in Pasadena are:
- Females with damaged or scarred fallopian tubes
- Females suffering multiple miscarriages
- LGBTQ+ couples using donor eggs or sperm
- Male factor infertility
- Couples with unexplained infertility
2. Mini-Stim IVF
Minimal stimulation IVF in Pasadena offers a more holistic approach to the procedure. Your doctor prescribes low-dose or minimally stimulating medications. These medications gently “coax” your ovaries into producing a lesser number of high-quality eggs during ovulation than conventional IVF. Mini-Stim IVF produces less stressful side effects and is less invasive than conventional IVF in Pasadena.
Mini-Stim IVF works well for those who:
- Suffer from a diminished ovarian reserve
- Have damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
- Are over 35 years of age
- Don’t respond well to conventional IVF
- Prefer a more natural approach
3. Natural Cycle IVF in Pasadena
Some believe multiple eggs brought on by hormonal medications don’t always offer a higher chance for success. As the name implies, natural IVF uses one egg that the body produces naturally. The lab fertilizes the egg with your partner’s sperm and your doctor implants the resulting embryo into your uterus. Anyone who benefits from IVF may explore the natural IVF option.
The process begins with regular tests and ultrasounds to monitor egg production and look for signs of impending ovulation. Once the egg matures, your doctor induces ovulation and retrieves the egg. As with all IVF in Pasadena egg retrieval occurs under anesthesia as outpatient surgery. You recover at home. Natural IVF in Pasadena offers an option for those females who can’t tolerate hormonal medication or those who have a religious objection to other forms of IVF.
Other Types of IVF and Fertility Options Available in Pasadena
The three main options for IVF in Pasadena are Conventional, Minimal Stimulation and Natural IVF. There are some additional options your doctor may use along with IVF, depending on your infertility diagnosis.
- Needle-Free IVF: For those who desperately fear needles and injection there may be a more convenient and less intimidating way. If you have a fear of needles ask your doctor if this method might work for you.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: This method involves injecting sperm directly into the egg for facilitating fertilization.
- Assisted Hatching: Sometimes the embryo can’t implant because it can’t break free of the tough membrane keeping it safe. If your doctor suspects that’s the case they assist the “hatching” by creating a small fissure or crack in the outer membrane. This in no way harms the embryo and may lead to higher pregnancy rates in some patients.
- Cryopreservation: For those not yet ready for parenthood cryopreservation, or freezing, offers fertility options for future IVF in Pasadena. You may freeze your eggs or sperm as a way to preserve your fertility. You may also opt for embryo cryopreservation especially if your IVF procedure produces several embryos of excellent quality.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Your doctor may recommend PGT for testing your embryos prior to implantation. This is especially helpful if you are at risk for congenital abnormalities and inherited diseases which could result in loss of the pregnancy, stillbirth or birth defects.
We’re Your Experts for IVF in Pasadena
No two cases of infertility are alike. Diagnoses differ and so do your plans for the future. At LA IVF we offer our patients several fertility options. Schedule a consultation with our caring and compassionate fertility experts and let’s explore your Pasadena fertility options together.
