What ICSI means within an IVF cycle ICSI is an assisted fertilization technique performed after ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. The early parts of the treatment are generally the same as in a standard IVF cycle: medications stimulate the ovaries,…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…