Assisted Reproductive Techniques: IVF, GIFT, ICSI

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization first became known to the public with the birth of Louise Brown on July 25, 1978, in England. Since that time, thousands of babies have been born worldwide through the in vitro process. IVF involves removing the female's eggs directly from her ovaries aided by transvaginal ultrasound and fertilizing them directly in the laboratory outside of her body. After fertilization has taken place, the embryos are transferred back into the woman's uterus through her cervix.

IVF is an option for couples in several instances. The most common reason for use of this procedure is blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. Through IVF, the damaged fallopian tubes are bypassed and the fertilization which usually takes place within the fallopian tubes is now performed in the human embryo culture laboratory. Other cases where IVF may be necessary include severe oligozoospermia or low sperm count, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility which has not responded to other courses of treatment.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI involves injection of a single sperm into each egg using micro-manipulation techniques. ICSI has opened the door for men with what was formerly considered hopeless infertility.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a Chinese medical treatment that relies on relatively painless strategic placement of very thin needles in a particular pattern that spans the body, following the path of internal Qi (energy). Many couples undergoing IVF are turning to this Asian treatment. It is believed that through acupuncture, today's modern stressed body can be brought closer to its original balanced state. If you are interested in acupuncture as a complementary treatment to IVF or have additional questions, please feel free to request additional information.