Pregnancy: Conception – Maternity – Trimester
Fresh vs frozen embryo transfer and single vs multiple embryos

Fresh vs frozen embryo transfer and single vs multiple embryos

What happens in fresh and frozen embryo transfer In a fresh embryo transfer, an embryo is transferred into the uterus a few days after egg retrieval, usually at the cleavage stage or blastocyst stage. This means the transfer takes place in the same cycle in which the ovaries were stimulated with fertility medications. For some […]

Egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer in IVF

Egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer in IVF

Where egg retrieval fits in an IVF cycle Egg retrieval occurs after controlled ovarian stimulation, when injectable medications have encouraged multiple follicles to grow. Monitoring with transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests helps the fertility team estimate follicle size, estradiol levels, and the timing of final oocyte maturation. When the lead follicles appear ready, a trigger […]

IVF success rates, factors, and outcomes by age

IVF success rates, factors, and outcomes by age

What IVF success rate really means IVF success can be described in several ways, and the definition matters. A cycle may be reported by egg retrieval, embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, or live birth. For most patients, the most meaningful outcome is live birth per initiated cycle or per embryo transfer. A positive pregnancy […]

In vitro fertilization (IVF): how it works and stages of a cycle

In vitro fertilization (IVF): how it works and stages of a cycle

What IVF is and why it is used IVF stands for in vitro fertilization, meaning fertilization occurs outside the body, in a laboratory environment. Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and combined with sperm to create embryos. One embryo, or sometimes more depending on medical guidance and regulations, is then transferred into the uterus with […]

Intrauterine insemination (IUI): procedure and when it is recommended

Intrauterine insemination (IUI): procedure and when it is recommended

What intrauterine insemination is Intrauterine insemination is a form of assisted conception in which sperm is prepared in a laboratory and then inserted into the uterine cavity using a fine catheter. Unlike intercourse or intracervical insemination, IUI bypasses the vagina and cervix. This can be useful when cervical mucus, timing, sperm motility, donor sperm logistics, […]

Gonadotropin injections: how they work and risks of ovarian stimulation

Gonadotropin injections: how they work and risks of ovarian stimulation

What are gonadotropin injections? Gonadotropins are hormones that normally come from the pituitary gland and regulate ovarian function. The two central hormones are follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, and luteinizing hormone, or LH. In a natural menstrual cycle, FSH supports early follicle recruitment and growth, while LH contributes to steroid hormone production and, later, the ovulatory […]

Clomid vs Letrozole: uses, differences, and effectiveness

Clomid vs Letrozole: uses, differences, and effectiveness

What are Clomid and letrozole? Clomid is the brand name commonly used for clomiphene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It has been used for decades to induce ovulation, especially in people with anovulation or oligo-ovulation. Although many clinicians and patients still say “Clomid,” generic clomiphene citrate is widely used. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. […]

Ovulation induction: medications and when it is used

Ovulation induction: medications and when it is used

What ovulation induction means Ovulation induction refers to the use of medication to stimulate follicular development and ovulation in someone who is not ovulating reliably. The goal is usually monofollicular ovulation: the development and release of one mature egg, or occasionally a small number of follicles depending on the treatment context. This is related to, […]

Fertility treatments overview: types, how they work, and choosing the right option

Fertility treatments overview: types, how they work, and choosing the right option

When fertility treatment may be considered Infertility is commonly defined as not achieving pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse, or after 6 months when the person trying to conceive is age 35 or older. Evaluation may be recommended sooner if there are known risk factors, such as absent or very irregular periods, prior […]

When to start fertility treatment and how doctors decide treatment plans

When to start fertility treatment and how doctors decide treatment plans

What counts as infertility, and why timing matters Infertility is commonly defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women aged 35 or older, evaluation is generally recommended after 6 months because ovarian reserve and egg quality decline with age, and the time available for effective intervention becomes […]