In-Vitro Fertilization Offers Hope, Even for Unexplained Fertility Issues
If you are not certain exactly why you have not become pregnant, despite trying to conceive naturally, IVF or in-vitro fertilization can help you. When you select a well-respected NY fertility doctor, like Dr. Gregory Zapantis at New York Reproductive Wellness, we can help you determine the cause of your fertility problems. Whether the fertility issues lie with a woman's reproductive system or are due to male factors like low sperm count, IVF (an assisted reproductive technology) can offer the opportunity to conceive.
Can IVF Help Me Overcome Infertility Issues?
Typically, in-vitro fertilization is pursued after a few IUI (intrauterine insemination) cycles have proven unproductive. We have found that beginning treatment with IUI can lower your fertility treatments costs. After trying IUI, IVF can be successful in cases of:
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic scarring
- Fallopian tube blockage
- Unexplained infertility
IVF may be a first treatment choice in the following fertility situations:
- Seriously damaged fallopian tubes
- Extremely low sperm count
- Lack of sperm motility
Types of In-Vitro Fertilization: Understanding Your Options
Conventional IVF: For traditional in-vitro fertilization, Dr. Zapantis prescribes egg-stimulating medications designed to produce multiple eggs (because not all will develop/fertilize). Your progress is monitored via ultrasound and blood testing, and when eggs are produced, we retrieve them in an ultrasound-guided procedure. The eggs are inseminated with your partner’s sperm (or donated sperm) in the lab. Alternatively, a single sperm can be injected directly into the egg. Once fertilization and cell division begin, the embryos are transferred to the uterus in three to five days.
Natural Cycle IVF uses no fertility medication/injections in a gentler approach. In natural cycle IVF, we collect a single egg, carefully choosing the most viable one from the dominant follicle. This protocol works well for older pre-menopausal women, those with low egg reserves and couples preferring a natural treatment. Additional advantages include: less physical strain, no general anesthesia needed for egg retrieval, less blood testing and fewer ultrasounds, and no need to eliminate multiple pregnancies.
Mini IVF (Minimal Stimulation IVF) requires only oral medication with few injections (or none at all). This economical form of IVF offers convenience, with fewer office visits and no need for general anesthesia. This IVF path can work well for women with fallopian tube blockage, pelvic scarring, endometriosis and unexplained infertility or male factors. This IVF option also offers a solution for women with at risk for Ovarian Hyperstimulation or those who have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). In many cases, less stimulation (over multiple mini or natural cycles) can yield better results.
Learn How IVF Can Work for You
When you’re ready to explore IVF options, we can recommend the best IVF plan for your individual needs and medical history. At our Long Island fertility center, New York Reproductive Wellness offers the widest set of fertility options, including in-vitro fertilization, along with expert care and personalized support. Call us at 516-612-8466 today.
