Fertility Testing is the first step in diagnosing the cause of infertility. Once we find out why you are having trouble conceiving naturally, we can then decide the best treatment solution for you. We have a variety of tests available so we can uncover any and all possible obstacles.

There are various tests that can help diagnose the cause of infertility and indicate which treatments are best. The following are the most common tests performed. Some of these tests can be done prior to seeing a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Specialist. Many diagnostic tests are covered by insurance, but you will want to check your insurance benefit package to make sure they are covered. Most are coded for either fertility testing or irregular menstruation depending on your specific diagnosis. Tests mentioned here are performed on the female partner except where indicated.

1. Day 3 blood tests are performed on the 2nd to 5th day of the menstrual cycle and include: FSH, LH, Estradiol, TSH, Prolactin, and Rubella IgG.
2. Testing for carrier status of Cystic Fibrosis may be indicated for one or both partners.
3. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray dye test of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test can diagnose fallopian tube blockage and uterine anomalies.
4. Semen Analysis for the male partner. This is typically performed after 48 hours of abstinence and should be performed by a laboratory that specializes in fertility. A special collection kit will be required for collection of the sample.
5. Pelvic (transvaginal) ultrasound is performed for a detailed look at the uterus and ovaries. This ultrasound will indicate the position of the ovaries in the pelvis, the position of the uterus and will show any uterine fibroids or other abnormalities in the reproductive pelvis.
6. Other diagnostic testing may be indicated for specific diseases depending on the patient and her partner’s histories.

IVF including ICSI and AH successfully allows couples that are diagnosed as infertile to conceive. The process involves the fertilization of a woman’s egg in a lab. The fertilized egg, also known as the embryo, is then placed in the woman’s uterus, where it will mature naturally.

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 theReproductive 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)

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 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 and the fertility drugs taken for IVF are the same hormones naturally produced by the body. A successful IVF procedure, performed at our clinic treating patients from Yuma and other Arizona communities, depends on removing more than one mature egg. The fertility drugs help create many eggs for fertilization.  Using a method known as follicular aspiration, the physician guides a thin needle through the woman’s vagina 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 monitored anesthesia care, administered by a board certified anesthesiologist in our office. Patients are alert and comfortable after the procedure and typically recover for about 20 minutes before going home.  After the procedure the discomfort is often compared to that of menstrual cramping or abdominal tenderness and can be treated with Tylenol.

Fertilization

Following retrieval, the viable eggs are brought to the laboratory where they will be injected with individual sperm from the patient’s husband, partner or sperm donor in a process known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Fertilization is observed the following day by identification of two pronuclei (structures that look like craters on the moon). The embryos created will be allowed to continue growing for 5 days in the laboratory or until the blastocyst stage.

Embryo Transfer

Typically, one to two embryo(s) may be placed in the woman’s uterus at transfer.  The actual number of embryos transferred to the woman’s uterus will depend upon the overall health of the embryos, the woman’s age, and the woman’s general risk level for multiple pregnancies.

Just prior to the embryo transfer, a small whole will be created in the egg membrane with a laser. This process known asAssisted Hatching (AH), helps the the blastocyst(s) to implant in the uterine lining.

The embryo transfer procedure is painless, requiring no anesthetic. The selected embryos will be put in a small amount of nutrient media, and transferred with ultrasound guidance through the cervix and into the uterine lining using a special catheter. Following transfer, patients relax for about 15 minutes on the transfer bed. After that, they can get up and return to normal activity with limited restrictions for heavy exercise and intercourse for 3 days following the transfer.

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.

Egg Donation is another option for women who may have been unsuccessful with IVF using their own eggs. This process involves fertilization of a donated egg, either anonymously or from a friend or family member. The embryo is then implanted into the woman’s uterus, where it will continue to develop naturally.

Experience the Joys of Starting a Family of Your Own

If in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts with a woman’s own eggs are unsuccessful, egg (oocyte) donor IVF may be an option. The majority of egg donation procedures conducted at our Tucson, Arizona facility are completed anonymously, but it is also possible to have a known egg donor, such as a friend or relative. At the Reproductive Health Center, Dr. Scot Hutchison and our helpful staff can help you understand the benefits of egg donation and your specific options so you can make an informed decision regarding your fertility treatment. Additionally, we have a number of qualified, screened egg donors available from which you can choose. To learn more about egg donation and IVF, contact our Tucson, Arizona fertility clinic today.

IVF and Egg Donation Process

Infertility is diagnosed when a woman is unable to become pregnant or bring a pregnancy to term after attempting for a full year. As an increasing number of Americans delay the age at which they begin to have children, the rate of infertility has gradually risen. In fact, statistics show that 20 percent of all American couples are infertile (whether due to the man, woman, or both). In vitro fertilization with egg donation is a wonderful option for these couples, as well as single would-be mothers, affording them an excellent opportunity to have children.

Each egg donor undergoes comprehensive physical, psychological, and genetic screening prior to beginning the egg donation process at our Tucson clinic. Both the donor and the recipient are prepared for the procedure using hormone replacement medication to suppress the menstrual cycle. Then, the donor begins ovarian stimulation medication to increase the number of eggs that will develop.

Ovarian Stimulation

These fertility drugs enable the patient’s or donor’s ovaries to produce many eggs. Doctors monitor the development of the eggs using ultrasound and keep track of the patient’s or donor’s hormone levels through samples of her blood. During this period, the recipient’s medications are adjusted to synchronize her cycle with that of the donor and prepare her uterus for the embryo transfer.

Oocyte Aspiration

Similar to IVF, the eggs are removed through follicular aspiration after being allowed to develop for 10 to 12 days. The procedure is performed under monitored anesthesia care with a board certified anesthesiologist.

Embryo Transfer

At this stage in the egg donation process, the eggs are taken to our laboratory where they are combined with the donor sperm – the recipient’s husband, partner, or an anonymous donor from our database. Eggs that are fertilized are allowed to grow for five days (to the blastocyst stage). After that time, the developing embryos are introduced into the patient’s (recipient) or intended mother’s prepared uterus.

Learn More about Egg Donation

At the Reproductive Health Clinic, we want nothing more than for you to experience the joy of conceiving a child. We understand that conceiving naturally isn’t always easy; however, by combining advanced technology with experienced and compassionate professionals, we can help you achieve your ideal outcome. To learn more about reproductive health, including egg donation and IVF, contact our comfortable, accommodating Tucson clinic today. A dedicated representative will answer any questions you may have or assist you in scheduling an appointment.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), commonly referred to as artificial insemination, may be recommended when a male is diagnosed as infertile, for single women wanting to conceive, or for same-sex couples that want to start a family. The process involves injecting sperm, which either comes from the spouse, partner, or an anonymous donation, into the woman’s uterus.

Turn Your Dreams of Having Children into a Reality

Also known as artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination (IUI) – performed at the Reproductive Health Clinic inTucson, Arizona – has proven successful with many of our patients. IUI, administered by Dr. Scot Hutchison, is the process of inserting washed sperm into the woman’s uterus. Intrauterine insemination is often utilized in cases of male infertility – such as low sperm count, or poor sperm motility – or with couples whose infertility remains unexplained. The sperm is supplied by the woman’s spouse, male partner, or an anonymous donor. This process is also utilized by single women wishing to conceive and same sex couples wanting to create a family. To learn more about artificial insemination, contact our Tucson clinic today.

Artificial Insemination Process

As many couples wait until later in life to have children, conceiving is then more difficult. If a woman has been trying to become pregnant for six months to a year, or is continuously unsuccessful in bringing a pregnancy to term, it may be time to seek medical attention from a fertility specialist. If you are having trouble conceiving, you are not alone, as 20 percent of American couples are infertile. It is important to know that a number of options are available to help you achieve your reproductive goals.

Intrauterine insemination is often the first procedure that patients undergo because it is less invasive and the cost is lower than in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pregnancy rates for this procedure vary between 5 percent and 20 percent per cycle attempt. The success rate will depend on the age of the patient, and the fertility diagnosis.

Semen Preparation

Before insemination, the sperm must be washed to make sure that only the healthiest sperm will be used for the procedure. Sperm washing separates sperm cells from the semen, getting rid of white blood cells, mucous, and seminal fluid that may interfere with fertility, while eliminating dead or slow-moving sperm, ensuring the best chance at fertilization. Transferring unwashed sperm to the uterus is dangerous as it can cause severe reactions in the patient.

Insemination Procedure

Using a flexible catheter, the doctor will insert the sperm into the woman’s uterus. The procedure is simple, like having a pap smear, requiring no anesthesia, and can be performed in a matter of minutes at our peaceful Tucson clinic. The patient remains resting for 10 to 15 minutes following the procedure. After this time, she may return to normal daily activities, including intercourse and exercise.

Learn More about Artificial Insemination

The sooner you see a fertility specialist, the sooner you can begin your journey toward starting a family. If you have been having trouble conceiving, there is nothing wrong with helping Mother Nature along. Artificial insemination has proven to be a viable solution to infertility. At the Reproductive Health Center, our caring, knowledgeable fertility specialists have helped numerous couples realize their dreams of having a baby. To learn more about artificial insemination, contact our Tucson clinic today. . A dedicated representative will answer any questions you may have or assist you in scheduling an appointment.

Ovulation Induction (OI) involves stimulating a woman’s ovaries with medication, in order to produce more eggs within one ovulation cycle. The fertility medication is either administered by way of injections, or is taken orally.

Through ovulation induction a woman’s ovaries are stimulated with fertility drugs to produce multiple eggs in a single ovulatory cycle. There are many types of medication used for OI, some are oral medications, others are administered through injection. Dr. Hutchison will determine which medication protocol is right for you based on your diagnosis.

Ovulation induction allows physicians to control the relative timing of the release of the eggs, allowing sexual intercourse, intrauterine insemination, or in vitro fertilization procedures to be planned accordingly to maximize the chances of success. Typically, the patient undergoes limited monitoring, through ultrasound, of the development of the follicles. When the follicles reach ovulatory size and the uterine lining is at least 6 to 8 mm thick then a “trigger shot” of a medication that is like the patient’s natural LH surge is administered. 36 hours following this injection the patient typically ovulates and can time intercourse or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

Tubal Reversal surgery can be successful at opening up the fallopian tubes and allowing pregnancy, however, if the tubal ligation was done more than 10 years ago, or if the tubes were cut and burned then success rates are very limited. It was used in the past because in vitro fertilization (IVF) had low success rates and so it was a viable option. Now, however, in vitro fertilization has much higher pregnancy rates than tubal reversal surgery and it is also much less expensive and has some other benefits. Here are the pros and cons of each.

Tubal reversal:

Pros:

1. If the tubes are successfully put back together then you have an opportunity for pregnancy each month (typical chance of pregnancy per cycle is 5 to 20% depending on your age).
2. There is no need for fertility medication to conceive.

Cons:

1. There is a greater likelihood of having a tubal pregnancy (ectopic) due to the surgery,
2. The surgery can cost up to $16,000 and may require an additional overnight stay in the hospital.
3. Tubal ligation reversal is abdominal surgery and the recovery time can be up to 4 weeks.
4. Once you are through with child-bearing, you must use contraception to avoid pregnancy or have another tubal ligation.

In vitro fertilization:

Pros:

1. Is much less expensive than tubal reversal (about $9300 including estimation for medication costs),
2. It is less invasive than tubal ligation reversal (recovery time is one day),
3. Pregnancy rates (depending on age) are about 50% per embryo transferred,
4. You will typically have more than one embryo produced from the cycle, giving you multiple chances for pregnancy.
5. Once you are done with child bearing there is no need to use contraception. Cons: 1. fertility injections must be used to produce the eggs, 2. the IVF cycle must be planned in advance.

In either case, pregnancy rates will depend on how healthy you are and your age. Women who are unhealthy are less likely to conceive. Women who are over 36 will have a lower chance of conception with either procedure as there is a natural decline in fertility rates after this age. Often times, women with tubal ligation assume that they are as fertile as they were when they originally had the tubal ligation. Changes in their bodies over time (weight gain, illness, weight loss, stress, poor diet, age) can affect the chances of pregnancy. Also, typically, there will be a new male partner or spouse in their lives. The male partner will need to be evaluated to make sure he has normal semen parameters. Patients will want to discuss the risks of either procedure and the chances of conception with the doctor prior to proceeding with treatment. They will want to have realistic expectations of the chance of success and also of the risks of the procedure.