Is IVF Right for Me?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex process and one of the most effective, thus the most frequently recommended, forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART). But it’s not the only option for people struggling with infertility.

Our team at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center, led by board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Deborah Smith, is recognized nationally for its high success rate in helping miracles happen.

Our highly skilled group uses the most advanced technology available to overcome infertility. But we’re also committed to making your experience as stress-free as possible. To that end, we’re happy to answer questions about IVF and when we might consider it your best treatment option.

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization is a medical procedure that can help individuals or couples struggling with infertility conceive a child. IVF involves fertilizing eggs outside the body and transferring the resulting embryos to the uterus.

Eggs and sperm used during IVF may come from you and your partner or from known or anonymous donors. You may also decide that a gestational carrier (someone who carries your embryo in their uterus) works best for your circumstance.

For your convenience, our Rocky Mountain Fertility Center includes a state-of-the-art Andrology Lab for preparing and analyzing sperm samples and an IVF laboratory capable of performing the most complex IVF procedures.

Who might benefit from IVF?

Whether IVF is the right choice for you depends on your age, the cause of your infertility, your overall health, and your personal preferences. For instance, Dr. Smith may recommend more conservative therapies such as medication or intrauterine insemination before suggesting IVF.

That’s why your experience at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center starts with a comprehensive infertility evaluation, which helps Dr. Smith identify what’s interfering with your ability to conceive a child.

Based on those results, Dr. Smith may recommend IVF for:

Fallopian tube damage or blockage

Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes can prevent an egg from reaching the uterus, making it difficult for fertilization to occur naturally. IVF overcomes that issue since the egg is fertilized outside the body and then transferred into the uterus.

Although Dr. Smith has significant experience in tubal ligation reversal via minimally invasive infertility surgery, she may recommend IVF as a better option in some cases. This often depends on the type of tubal procedure you underwent and the amount of scar tissue that’s developed.

Low sperm count or poor sperm motility

IVF can help when the male partner has a low sperm count or poor sperm motility. In this case, sperm can be collected and used to fertilize the egg in a laboratory setting before being implanted into the uterus.

Endometriosis and other underlying concerns

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it. This can cause fertility problems that may respond to IVF.

Dr. Smith may also recommend IVF if you’re experiencing infertility related to uterine fibroids, ovulation disorders, or other conditions that may affect your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy full-term. In the latter case, a gestational carrier may be an effective solution.

Unexplained infertility

Sometimes, couples may have difficulty conceiving despite no known underlying medical conditions. In these cases, Dr. Smith may recommend IVF to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy if other conservative therapies don’t help.

Advanced maternal age

As a woman ages, her fertility naturally declines, and the chances of conceiving decrease. IVF can help women over the age of 35 who are struggling to conceive.

Genetic disorders

IVF can prevent genetic disorders from being passed on to the offspring by screening for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation.

For advanced fertility treatment combined with compassionate care focused on your personal experience, schedule an evaluation at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center in Parker, Colorado, today. Call our office or request an appointment online.