IVF and More

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is an elective medical treatment usually undertaken when other fertility therapies have been unsuccessful or are not possible. It is a complex, multi step process, resulting in the creation of embryos in the laboratory. The embryos are then placed into the uterus for potential implantation. IVF treatment enables many patients to achieve their dream of parenthood.
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Overview of Infertility

Nearly 2.5 million American couples are infertile. The reproductive process is so intricate that even the most fertile couple has only a one in four chance of conceiving each month, naturally. The term infertility represents a reduced potential for pregnancy and is defined as 12 months of unprotected intercourse without pregnancy. Infertility without any previous pregnancy is termed primary infertility while infertility after a prior pregnancy is termed secondary infertility.
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Drugs Used in Fertility Treatments

Ovarian stimulating medications are commonly referred to as fertility drugs. The use of these drugs to trigger the development and release of an egg or eggs from the follicles in the ovaries is called ovulation induction. Fertility medications are most often used in conjunction with other treatments such as IUI or in vitro fertilization (IVF). When prescribed correctly and monitored carefully, fertility medications allow women to safely produce multiple eggs during a single cycle. Production of more than one egg increases the chance for a successful cycle by increasing the odds of healthy fertilization and implantation.
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Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are common noncancerous (benign) tumors of the uterus. They grow from the muscular wall of the uterus (womb) and are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. They may enlarge and distort the uterus and sometimes the cervix. Uterine fibroids are also referred to in medical terms as myoma, leiomyoma, leiomyomata, and fibromyoma.
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Endometriosis

Endometriosis, a cause of female infertility, is a benign (non-cancerous) condition in which the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) migrates / grows outside the uterine cavity and is present in places where it is not normally found. In these sites, the misplaced tissue may grow as small patches called implants, in thicker penetrating nodules or may form cysts within the ovary called endometriomas.
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a term used to describe a group of conditions which cause the ovaries to produce excessive male hormones also known as androgens. It is a common endocrine (hormonal) disorder in women of reproductive age. A "syndrome" is defined as a set of symptoms associated with a disorder.

PCOS is a syndrome because it manifests as a collection of symptoms related to infrequent ovulation, characterized by irregular menstrual periods and evidence of excess androgens (male hormones), which can cause excessive facial hair growth, acne, and/or male-pattern baldness. The ovaries may be enlarged with many small follicles (tiny sacs filled with fluid), hence the name polycystic.

Although PCOS is primarily a problem of the ovaries, the condition alters hormone levels and affects tissues throughout the body. PCOS is a health problem that affects a woman's menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance.

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