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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Performed for Patients in Tucson, Sierra Vista, Yuma, and Throughout the Southwest and Mexico

One of the most precious gifts a family can enjoy is the ability to bring new life into this world. When a couple is unable to do this, the pain of disappointment can be overwhelming. In vitro fertilization is a scientifically advanced technique to assist infertile couples so that they can conceive children of their own. Dr. Scot Hutchison and his experienced staff at the Reproductive Health Center have performed in vitro fertilization (IVF) for residents of Tucson, Yuma, Nogales, Sierra Vista, and other areas throughout the Southwest and Mexico.

• Introduction to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Candidates for IVF
• Basic Steps of In Vitro Fertilization
  • Fertilization
  • Embryo Transfer

Introduction to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A couple may be diagnosed as infertile after having tried for six months to a year to conceive a child without success. With age playing a significant role in a couples' ability to conceive, and with a growing number of Americans waiting until later in life to have children, the incidence of infertility has begun to rise. Infertility currently affects nearly 20 percent of all couples in America, and may be attributable to the man, woman, or both.

As an Assisted Reproductive Technology, in vitro fertilization has proven quite successful for patients at our Tucson clinic. In vitro fertilization was successfully performed for the first time in the United States in 1981. Since then, it has become a proven alternative in reproductive medicine. In simplest terms, in vitro fertilization is the process of fertilizing a woman's egg outside of her body in a laboratory. Once fertilization occurs, the newly formed embryo is placed inside the mother's uterus and allowed to follow its natural course to maturation.

Candidates for IVF

Studies have shown that the ideal candidates for in vitro fertilization include couples under 35 years of age who have been trying to conceive for over a year but have been unsuccessful. Couples over 35 years of age who have been attempting to conceive, without success, for more than 6 months may also be ideal candidates. The following causes of infertility may be treatable with in vitro fertilization:

• Ovulation disorders
• Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis (leaking of the uterine wall into the abdominal area during menstruation)
• Low sperm count
• Sperm immotility or other sperm problems

Basic Steps of In Vitro Fertilization

IVF at our Tucson clinic begins with ovulation induction. Fertility drugs (typically hormones) are prescribed to the woman to stimulate the production of several eggs in her ovaries. Ultrasound is used to monitor the eggs as they develop while hormone levels are checked through blood or urine samples. After about 10 to 12 days, the eggs are ready to be removed from the woman. Immature eggs develop within fluid-filled sacs, called egg follicles, which are present within a woman's ovaries. Hormones influence the development of the follicles. The strongest follicle will eventually release an egg to be fertilized. The IVF procedure, performed at our clinic treating patients from Yuma and other Arizona communities, depends on more than one mature egg. Using a method known as follicular aspiration, the physician guides a thin needle through the woman's vagina and into the ovary. Suction is used to retrieve viable follicles in order that multiple eggs can be fertilized. The process is non-invasive, and is performed with mild sedation and a local anesthetic. While the procedure is not entirely painless, the discomfort is often compared to that of menstrual cramping or abdominal tenderness.

Fertilization

Following retrieval, the viable eggs are brought to the laboratory where they will be mixed with a sperm sample taken from the woman's partner or sperm donor. Fertilization occurs when one of the sperm successfully enters an egg. The embryos created will be allowed to continue growing for two to three days.

Embryo Transfer

More than one embryo may be placed in the woman's uterus at this stage. The more embryos placed, the greater the chance that an egg will "take" and proceed to full maturation. However, a greater number of embryos can contribute to a stronger likelihood of multiple pregnancies. The actual number of embryos transferred to the woman's uterus will depend upon the number that were formed during the egg retrieval stage, the overall health of the embryos, the woman's age, and the woman's general risk level for multiple pregnancies.

The embryo transfer procedure is painless, requiring no anesthetic. The selected embryos will be mixed with a fluid, and implanted through the cervix and into the uterine lining using a special catheter.

Contact an IVF Specialist at Our Tucson Clinic

IVF represents a second chance for our Yuma, Tucson and other Arizona patients to have children of their own. In vitro fertilization performed by Dr. Scot Hutchison at our Tucson clinic is safe and effective. Contact the Reproductive Health Center today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutchison.

For information about in vitro fertilization (IVF) or to schedule a consultation at our Tucson clinic, potential patients from Yuma and other areas of Arizona can contact Dr. Scot Hutchison at the Reproductive Health Center.

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