Tubal Reversal vs IVF

IVF-ET is the most well known of the “Assisted Reproductive Technologies”. Formerly referred to as “test tube baby,” IVF  and has helped infertile couples conceive and bear children for over two decades and has become useful in treating factors such as immunological problems, unexplained infertility, and male factor infertility.

 IVF is a 4 Step Process:

• STEP 1    Also known as “Ovarian Stimulation” or “Superovulation.” Medications are taken to make multiple follicles (eggs) begin to develop on the ovaries.
• STEP 2    Involves monitoring follicular growth, by ultrasound, to determine egg growth and uterine lining development. When the follicles and uterine lining are appropriately mature, a trigger shot (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is administered.
• STEP 3    36 hours later retrieval of the eggs by an in-office procedure (ultrasound-guided-needle aspiration) is performed. The sperm specimen is washed and prepared for insemination, placed in a dish with the eggs and then placed in an incubator for 18 hours. After 18 hours, the embryos are observed for normal fertilization and then incubated further for continued development into multi-cell embryos.
• STEP 4    Transfer of the embryos into the uterine cavity via a catheter inserted through the cervix. The number of embryos transferred varies with the desires of the patient, under the guidelines of age, use of PGS, medical history and various other factors. Additional embryos may be frozen and stored for future use.

IVF requires subcutaneous and intramuscular injections for a period of 4-6 weeks. Risk of medication may include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and allergic reaction. There is controversy on whether these medications may be associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.