What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most advanced and effective fertility treatments available today. It is a cornerstone of assisted reproductive technology (ART), offering hope to individuals and couples struggling with infertility. At Boston IVF, we provide cutting-edge reproductive care with a patient-centered approach, helping you navigate every stage of your fertility journey with confidence.

Who Can Benefit from IVF?

IVF can be a solution for various fertility challenges, including:

• Unexplained infertility
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Low ovarian reserve
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility)
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• LGBTQ+ family-building
• Genetic disorders requiring embryo screening
• Age-related infertility

If you have struggled with conceiving naturally or other fertility treatments like IUI (intrauterine insemination), IVF may be the next step toward achieving your dream of parenthood.

The IVF Process at Boston IVF

A typical IVF cycle takes about 2-4 weeks and involves several carefully monitored steps:

1. Initial Consultation & Fertility Evaluation

• Your journey begins with a consultation with a Boston IVF fertility specialist. A thorough evaluation of your medical history, lifestyle, and previous fertility treatments helps create a personalized fertility treatment plan.

2. Ovarian Stimulation & Fertility Medications

• For about 7-10 days, you will take fertility medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. During this period, monitoring appointments at a Boston IVF clinic ensure that your body is responding well to the medication.

3. Egg Retrieval Procedure

• Once the eggs are mature, a minor surgical procedure (lasting about 30 minutes) is performed under light anesthesia to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries. This procedure is done at our Boston IVF lab, where experienced embryologists handle the eggs with care.

4. Egg Fertilization in the Lab

The retrieved eggs are fertilized in our state-of-the-art IVF lab using either:

• Traditional fertilization (placing eggs and sperm together in a petri dish)
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) (a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, often used for male factor infertility)

5. Embryo Development & Genetic Testing (if applicable)

• The fertilized eggs (now embryos) develop in the lab for 3-5 days.Embryo grading helps select the highest-quality embryos.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A or PGT-M) may be performed to screen for genetic abnormalities, improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

6. Embryo Transfer

• A selected embryo is transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. This quick and painless procedure is completed in the clinic without anesthesia.

7. Post-Transfer Care & Pregnancy Testing

• After the embryo transfer, progesterone therapy supports the uterine lining for implantation. A pregnancy test is conducted about 10-14 days later to determine the outcome.

IVF Success Rates at Boston IVF

Boston IVF has been a leader in reproductive care since 1986, with over 150,000 babies born. Our high IVF success rates are backed by advanced technology, experienced specialists, and personalized patient care.

Why Choose Boston IVF?

• Top fertility specialists & embryologists
• State-of-the-art IVF laboratories
• Multiple convenient locations
• Comprehensive financial counseling & insurance guidance
• Personalized, compassionate fertility care

Start Your IVF Journey Today

If you’re considering IVF, Boston IVF is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our fertility treatment options.

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Watch our IVF experts explain the process: IVF Procedure Video