IVF has been used safely and effectively for more than two decades. In a typical IVF procedure, a woman is treated with fertility drugs to regulate her menstrual cycle and stimulate the development of higher-quality eggs. This process helps to ensure that a sufficient number of healthy eggs are available for fertilization. Eggs are then "retrieved" or collected and prepared for insemination using sperm from the male partner or a donor. Fertilization occurs in a laboratory dish specially prepared with a culture medium that supports and nourishes the fertilized eggs. Within about 72 hours after fertilization, embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus.

Since the introduction of IVF, there have been many other important developments that have made infertility treatment even more effective for both men and women:

In vitro fertilization with endometrial cell co-culture

Is a special technique for couples with poor embryo quality where cells from the woman's uterus are used to enhance development of fertilized eggs.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Is a procedure where a single sperm is selected and delivered directly into a woman's egg. ICSI is an effective option for men with low sperm count or sperm that cannot reach the egg successfully.

The KIMS Donor Egg Program

Is an alternative for women who are unable to use their own eggs to get pregnant. Using donor egg, they can have the chance to experience pregnancy and childbirth.

Cryopreservation

Is the ability to freeze and store embryos that are not transferred right away. This process can allow couples to achieve a pregnancy later, either after a first birth or following medical treatments that might affect fertility such as chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)

Can be used to identify embryos that do not carry the gene for certain inherited diseases (such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia). This capability greatly reduces the risk that these diseases will be passed on to children.

For male factor infertility

Our comprehensive services include microsurgical repair of obstructions and vasectomy reversals, surgical repair of varicoceles, and epididymal and testicular sperm retrieval for use with IVF and ICSI.