Services / Fertility Treatments
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
As one of the most transformative advancements in fertility care, IVF offers individuals and couples the chance to overcome obstacles and achieve their dream of parenthood. IVF involves combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory to create embryos, which are then transferred to the uterus to achieve pregnancy. At SCCRM, our IVF services combine cutting-edge technology, personalized care, and decades of expertise to provide you with the best possible chance of success. Whether you're facing challenges like unexplained infertility, medical conditions, or age-related concerns, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way.
What is IVF?
IVF is a highly advanced fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus, where it can implant and develop into a healthy pregnancy. This process bypasses many barriers to conception, making it an effective solution for a variety of fertility challenges.
Who can IVF help?
IVF is a versatile fertility treatment that can help individuals and couples facing a variety of challenges achieve their dream of parenthood. It is often recommended for those with unexplained infertility, age-related fertility decline, ovulation disorders like PCOS, or conditions such as endometriosis. IVF can also assist individuals with male factor infertility, tubal factor infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or previous failed fertility treatments like IUI. Additionally, it offers family-building solutions for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, single parents, and those wishing to minimize genetic risks through preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). With its adaptability and proven success, IVF provides hope for many on their path to parenthood.
What should you know about IVF before starting treatment?
-
IVF involves multiple stages, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization in the laboratory, embryo transfer, and post-transfer monitoring. It’s a highly personalized process, and your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs and goals.
-
IVF is a detailed process that requires time and dedication. You may need frequent visits for monitoring, procedures, and follow-ups over several weeks. Our team will help you plan around your schedule and provide support every step of the way.
-
IVF can be an emotional journey, with moments of hope, anxiety, and excitement. It’s important to lean on your support system, whether it’s family, friends, or counseling services. At SCCRM, we’re here to provide guidance and encouragement throughout the process.
-
Understanding the costs of IVF is essential. Many factors, including medication, genetic testing, and additional services, can affect the overall cost. Our financial counselors are here to help you explore payment options, insurance coverage, and financing plans to make the process manageable.
-
IVF offers high success rates, but outcomes can vary based on factors like age, health, and embryo quality. Discuss your personalized success rates with your fertility specialist to set realistic expectations.
-
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can enhance the chances of success. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking or alcohol can positively impact your fertility journey.
-
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or inherited conditions, increasing the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss whether PGT is right for you.
-
While IVF can lead to success in the first cycle, it may take multiple attempts for some patients. Remaining flexible and open to additional cycles, frozen embryo transfers (FET), or alternative approaches can be helpful.
-
If you’re undergoing IVF with a partner or spouse, it’s important to discuss expectations and roles in the process. Both emotional and logistical support are key to a successful journey.
-
Select a fertility clinic with experienced specialists, advanced technology, and a track record of success. At SCCRM, we combine decades of expertise, compassionate care, and state-of-the-art facilities to provide the highest quality IVF treatment.
The IVF process
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, where medications are used to encourage the production of multiple eggs. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure and fertilized with sperm in a state-of-the-art laboratory. The resulting embryos are monitored for several days, and advanced techniques like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) may be used to identify the healthiest ones. Finally, a selected embryo is transferred to the uterus, with any additional viable embryos frozen for future use. Each step of the process is carefully tailored to optimize success and support your journey to parenthood.
-
Before starting IVF, you’ll meet with your fertility specialist to review your medical history, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Comprehensive testing, including hormone blood tests, ovarian reserve testing, ultrasounds, and semen analysis, is done to assess fertility health.
-
Medications are prescribed to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of success. These include:
Injectable hormones to promote follicle growth.
Medications to prevent premature ovulation.
You will have frequent monitoring appointments involving blood tests and ultrasounds to track follicle growth and hormone levels. Adjustments are made to your medication as needed.
-
When the follicles are mature, a "trigger shot" (hormone injection) is administered to finalize egg maturation.
Egg Retrieval:
Performed 35 hours after the trigger shot, this is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure done under anesthesia.
A thin needle guided by ultrasound is used to collect eggs from the ovaries through the vaginal wall.
The procedure typically takes 45 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
-
The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm (from a partner or donor) in a controlled lab environment to create embryos.
Two fertilization methods may be used:
Standard Fertilization: Sperm are placed with the eggs, allowing fertilization to occur naturally.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single sperm is injected directly into the egg, often used in cases of male factor infertility.
-
Fertilized eggs (now embryos) are cultured in a specialized lab for 3–7 days.
Embryologists monitor their development closely, selecting the healthiest embryos for transfer.
Optional: Genetic testing (PGT) can be performed on embryos to screen for chromosomal abnormalities or specific genetic conditions.
-
A selected embryo is transferred into the uterus during a quick, minimally invasive procedure.
The transfer is performed under ultrasound guidance using a thin catheter to place the embryo in the optimal spot for implantation.
This procedure is painless for most patients and does not require anesthesia.
-
About 9–14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is done to measure hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels and confirm pregnancy.
-
Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation): Extra healthy embryos can be frozen for future use.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): If implantation is unsuccessful, frozen embryos can be transferred in a future cycle without needing ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval again.
Why Choose SCCRM?
Benefits of IVF at SCCRM
Decades of Expertise
Led by Dr. Robert Anderson and Dr. Don Royster, SCCRM is home to some of the most experienced fertility specialists in the field. Dr. Anderson pioneered techniques such as blastocyst culturing and transvaginal ultrasound-guided embryo transfer, while Dr. Royster brings award-winning research and a U.S. patent to his work.
1
State-of-the-Art Laboratory
Our embryology specialists utilize cutting-edge technologies like ICSI, Assisted Hatching, Embryo Biopsy for PGT, and embryo vitrification to optimize success rates. Every step of your IVF journey is supported by the highest standards of precision and care.
2
Personalized Care
We understand that IVF can be an emotional and physical journey. Our compassionate team works closely with you to design a customized treatment plan and provide unwavering support throughout the process.
3
Flexible Scheduling and Support
We offer flexible scheduling, including weekend appointments, to accommodate your treatment cycles and busy lifestyle. Our concierge services are also available to assist with travel, accommodations, and personalized support, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
4
Ready to learn more?
Start your IVF journey today
If you’re ready to explore IVF or learn more about your fertility options, our team at SCCRM is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building your family. With our expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care, we are dedicated to turning your dream of parenthood into reality.