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Watch the below video to learn more about the In Vitro Fertilization process.

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We know there’s more to the question of, “What is in vitro fertilization?”. It’s a complicated issue and you should speak with an expert before making any decisions. If you want to learn more about in vitro fertilization or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaiotn on in vitro fertilization browse our website.

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Dr. Sahakian at PFCLA annouces the birth of Julien on August 31st at 5:47 PM. A happy little package weighing in at 7 lbs and 15 oz!!!

A recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction showed that there might be a link between the risk of dying from heart disease and not having children in men. The authors found that a childless man had a 17% greater chance of dying from a cardiovascular disease compared to fathers. The sex of the child was not relevant.
Mortality from all causes was slightly higher among the childless men. However, this increase was nearly completely due to cardiovascular disease. If cardiovascular disease risk was taken out, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. This study certainly is not enough to answer the question whether having children will increase a men's life span but reveals some intersting observation worth looking into with larger and better controlled research.

Assisted Reproduction Insurance Program®

Fertility Insurance Solutions

New Life Agency, Inc. Joins Forces With Pacific Fertility Center, Los Angeles and Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy to Introduce the Nation's First In Vitro Fertilization Insurance Program. It is an innovative plan designed to help patients save thousands of dollars on fertility treatments and medications. Read more details here.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Personalized fertility insurance solutions that include maternity insurance, complication insurance, fertility treatment, testing, services and fertility pharmacy discounts. Providing the best fertility specialists, the best fertility pharmacy discounts and the best customer care combined with unbeatable prices.  Read more details here.

We know there’s more to the question of, “What is in vitro fertilization?” It’s a complicated issue and you should speak with an expert before making any decisions. If you want to learn more about in vitro fertilization or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaiotn on in vitro fertilization browse our website.

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We know there’s more to the question of, “What is in vitro fertilization?” It’s a complicated issue and you should speak with an expert before making any decisions. If you want to learn more about in vitro fertilization or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaiotn on in vitro fertilization browse our website.

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Read our Frequently Asked Questions on In Vitro Fertilization IVF and feel free to add a comment below. We will answer any questions you have about In Vitro Fertilization. Also, ask the doctor a private questions.  

1. How prevalent is infertility worldwide?
2. Is infertility primarily a female problem?
3. Is infertility hereditary?
4. What causes infertility?
5. What are the treatment options?
6. Does infertility treatment have a high success rate? 
7. What influences the success of treatment?
8. Can painful periods cause infertility?
9. What are the health risks for women? 
10. Are there health risks for kids born with infertility treatment?

We know there’s more to the question of, “What is in vitro fertilization?” It’s a complicated issue and you should speak with an expert before making any decisions. If you want to learn more about in vitro fertilization or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaiotn on in vitro fertilization browse our website.

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Like This Article? Share it on your favorite Social Network!

Pacific Fertility Center - Los Angeles (PFCLA) announces the implementation of a new PAYMENT PLAN financial package for patients undergoing In Vitro Fertilization.  In 1997, PFCLA pioneered one of the most revolutionary financial programs in the field of medicine by sharing financial risk with their patients (The Refund Plan), in the form of monetary refunds in case of failure to achieve a pregnancy with In Vitro Fertilization.

Now for the first time, an IVF program is offering a NO INTEREST payment plan to help patients with financial hardship. The details of the plan are as follows:

1. The Patient will pay one lump down payment of $3,500.00  at the start of the IVF treatment cycle. Payments of the balance of $3,600.00, with no interest, shall be made in 18 monthly installments, consisting of $200.00 per month. This fee covers all procedures involved in one IVF cycles, including all ultrasound examinations, all in-cycle blood tests, anesthesia, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer and excluding medications.

2. If the IVF cycle fails, and if the patient desires to continue treatment, PFCLA commits to the following additional treatments:

3. Frozen embryo transfer cycles using the remaining frozen embryos at $1500.00 per cycle, excluding medications.

4. A second fresh IVF cycle at $2500.00, excluding medications and anesthesia.

5. A third fresh IVF cycle at $2000.00, excluding medications and anesthesia.

These additional treatments will not alter the payment amounts and duration.

Interested patients should contact PFCLA Support Team and indicate their interest in receiving more information regarding how to qualify for this payment plan. 

If you want to learn more about fertility treatments or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaton on In Vitro Fertilization browse our website.

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Affordable Egg Donation and Surrogacy Programs

There are many options for individuals and couples who want to build their families, but are unable to conceive on their own.  In these situations, egg donation and surrogacy programs can provide the means to help couples achieve their goal of becoming parents.

The following are situations in which a woman may need egg donation or a surrogacy program:

• Women with no ovaries, either because of their congenital absence or their surgical removal
• Women with early (premature) menopause
• Older women
• Women who fail to produce adequate number of eggs after stimulation with fertility drugs
• Women with serious transmissible genetic traits or diseases
• Women who are about to undergo surgery for ovarian cancer, in which case they can freeze the resultant embryos for use at a later date

What is egg donation?

Egg donation is the process by which a woman provides one or several (usually 10-15) eggs for the purposes of assisted reproduction. For assisted reproduction purposes, egg donation involves the process of in-vitro fertilization as the eggs are fertilized in the laboratory. After the eggs have been obtained, the role of the egg donor is complete.

Who can donate eggs?

Not all women can donate eggs.  Commonly, egg donors must be a certain age, usually 21, and be no more than 35. Some programs prefer to use donors who have already given birth or successfully donated eggs. It is believed that they are more likely to be fertile and it is easier to anticipate their feelings about having genetic offspring born to someone else.

Most programs keep the identity of donors confidential (often called "anonymous donation"). In this situation, the recipient and the donor will never meet or know each other's names. It is perfectly acceptable, however, to use a known donor.

What is surrogacy?

Surrogacy is an arrangement between a woman and a couple or individual to carry and deliver a baby.  Women or couples who choose surrogacy often do so because, for any number of reasons, they are unable to conceive on their own.  Similar to egg donation, surrogacy arrangements are sometimes made between strangers who never meet, or between persons who meet only occasionally through the process. A surrogacy arrangement might also involve persons who are friends or family members.

Looking for more information about egg donation and surrogacy?

Choosing egg donation and/or surrogacy is a complicated and emotional decision.  For more information, and to find the option that is best for you, speak with the experts at Pacific Fertility Center – Los Angeles.  The staff at Pacific Fertility Center – Los Angeles can answer any questions you have about egg donation and surrogacy.  Call today for a private consult, or ask the doctor a questions.

Rated 5 stars!!

6/17/2010

Yezzie V.

Santa Monica, CA

I was referred to Dr. DeUgarte by my OB GYN after suffering through 3 miscarriages.  I was very nervous and I didn't know if it was ever going to work for us but I wanted to try every possible thing before calling it quits.
 
I must say, this was easily one of the best experiences I have had in any medical setting.  Dr. D and her staff are amazing.  From the moment you walk in, they make you feel like you are part of the family.  Every time I walked in I was always greeted with my first name and a friendly hello.  From the receptionist to the nurses, everyone seemed to know my name and that made me feel very welcome.

Dr. D is very easy to talk to and she had no problems answering all my questions.  Unlike most doctors I never felt rushed.  I felt she was truly there for me.  She took the time to look over all my info and made sure that every test was done so we could rule things out.  

When I finally did get pregnant, she was sweet enough to have me come to get ultrasounds weekly so that by the time I was 10 weeks pregnant I had already had 4 ultrasounds.  Let me say that for someone who has a high risk pregnancy and has had miscarriages in the past, it is the most wonderful and reassuring thing to do.  Those ultrasounds were what kept my mind at ease and seeing the baby grow made me so happy.  

When it was time to move on to my regular OBGYN, Dr. D gave me a big hug and wished me the best.  It was kinda hard to say good bye to someone who helped me so much.

I will forever be grateful to her and her staff who treated me with such kindness and respect.  I would recommend Dr. D to anyone who is having any issues getting or staying pregnant.  I can't wait until my baby is here so that I can drop by and say hello.

Egg Donor and Surrogate Agencies

PFCLA has compiled a list of the top egg donor and surrogate agencies. Use this list of egg donor and surrogacy agencies to view, contact, and evaluate the best egg donor and surrogacy agency for your needs.

Please add a comment below if you have any questions of feedback. Your interaction is encouraged. Also, feel free to share this list with your favorite social networking site and friends.

The Egg Donor Program


Gifted Journeys

Miracles Egg Donation Inc.

Beverly Hills Egg Donation

The Donor Source

Circle Surrogacy

Creating Families

A Perfect Match

Alternative Conceptions

We know there’s more to the question of, “Egg Donor and Surrogate Agencies?” It’s a complicated issue and you should speak with an expert before making any decisions. If you want to learn more about in vitro fertilization or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaiotn on in vitro fertilization and egg donor surrogacy browse our website.

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Pacific Fertility Center - Los Angeles is proud to add yet another addition to our little miracles!

Helping Thousands Conceive With Trusted Fertility Treatments.

We are proud to share some of these pictures and some of these emails we recieve from our patients. 

We have help thousands conceive! Contact us if you have any questions for the doctor.

"There is not a single day that passes that I thank God and Dr. Sahakian for giving us our miracle baby. We had been trying to have a baby for about 7 years and unfortunately, we were not very lucky. We had given up and had decided in not trying no more and focus more on our careers. Thank God, a very good friend from work recommended us to visit Dr. Sahakian before giving up. We met him and now, here we are, writing about our little angel who is now 3 years old. God has blessed our wonderful Dr. Sahakian, with a brilliant mind and a huge caring heart. Thank you very much for all your support, help and caring heart  and wonderful staff. You will always hold a very special place in our hearts Dr. Sahakian and hopefully, with God's will, we can have another baby with your help.

Sincerely
The Peniche Family

Pacific Fertility Center - Los Angeles (PFCLA) announces the implementation of a new PAYMENT PLAN financial package for patients undergoing In Vitro Fertilization.  In 1997, PFCLA pioneered one of the most revolutionary financial programs in the field of medicine by sharing financial risk with their patients (The Refund Plan), in the form of monetary refunds in case of failure to achieve a pregnancy with In Vitro Fertilization.

Now for the first time, an IVF program is offering a NO INTEREST payment plan to help patients with financial hardship. The details of the plan are as follows:

 The Patient will pay one lump down payment of $3,500.00  at the start of the IVF treatment cycle. Payments of the balance of $3,600.00, with no interest, shall be made in 18 monthly installments, consisting of $200.00 per month. This fee covers all procedures involved in one IVF cycles, including all ultrasound examinations, all in-cycle blood tests, anesthesia, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer and excluding medications.

If the IVF cycle fails, and if the patient desires to continue treatment, PFCLA commits to the following additional treatments:

Frozen embryo transfer cycles using the remaining frozen embryos at $1500.00 per cycle, excluding medications.

A second fresh IVF cycle at $2500.00, excluding medications and anesthesia.

A third fresh IVF cycle at $2000.00, excluding medications and anesthesia.

These additional treatments will not alter the payment amounts and duration.

We Pride Ourselves On Our Credibility, Trustworthiness, and Competence!

Please read what Vitals.com, HeathGrades.com, and RateMDs.com are saying about Dr. Sahakian and the Pacific Fertility Center team. These are the top three leading websites to help people select the best doctor for their needs. At Pacific Fertility Center, it is important we treat every patient to the best of our abilities. This is our commitment to you.

1. Vitals.com – Where Doctors Are Examined
Visit Our Profile On Vitals.com

Overall Patient Rating = 4 Stars - Range 1 star – 4 star (4 star is the best)
7 Patient Reviews

Rating System

• Ease of Appointment =  4.0
• Promptness = 4.0
• Courteous Staff  =  4.0
• Accurate Diagnosis = 4.0
• Bedside Manner = 4.0
• Spends Time with Me = 4.0
• Follow Up = 4.0

Read All 7 Reviews
http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Vicken_Sahakian.html
"Dr. Sahakian is brilliant, compassionate, attentive and funny. He has a passion for what he does that cannot be faked. He loves bringing life into the world and helping women (and men) realize something that is their hearts desire. I have three beautiful little girls because of this Doctor and I cannot say enough good about him. My only issue is that I wish he could babysit too."1

2. Health Grades – Guiding Americans To Their Best Health
 Visti Our Profile On Health Grades
Overall Patient Rating = 4.5  Stars - Range 1 star – 5 star (5 stars is the best)
7  Reviews

Rating System

• Recommend to a Friend: Would you recommend your physician to family/friends? = 5 Stars
 
• Level of Trust: Do you trust your physician to make decisions/recommendations that are in your best interests? = 4.5 Stars
• Helps Patients Understand Their Condition: Does the physician help you understand your medical condition(s)? = 4.5 Stars
• Listens and Answers Questions: Does the physician listen to you and answer your questions? = 5 Stars
• Time Spent with Patient: Do you feel the physician spends an appropriate amount of time with you? = 5 Stars
• Scheduling Appointments: Ease of scheduling urgent appointments when you feel ill. =  4.5 Stars
• Office Environment: (cleanliness, comfort, lighting, temperature, location) = 4 Stars
• Friendliness and courtesy of the office staff:  = 4 Stars
• Wait Time: Once you arrive for a scheduled appointment, how long do you have to wait (including waiting room and exam room) before you see this physician. = 5 Stars

See Ratings on HeathGrades.com
http://www.healthgrades.com/directory_search/physician/profiles/dr-md-reports/dr-viken-sahakian-md-337c501d

3. Rate MD’s
Our Profile on RateMDs.com
5 Star Rating - Range 1-5 (5 is best)
5 Patient Reviews

Rating System

• Over All Rating = 5
• Average Punctuality = 4.4
• Average helpfulness = 4.2
• Average Knowledge =  5
• Overall Quality = 5

“I am seeing Dr. Sahakian for IVF treatments. IVF is stressful and emotionally taxing, but Dr. Sahakian and his staff do an excellent job of guiding patients through the process. I am confident that my husband and I made the right choice with Dr. Sahakian. “

Read more of our reviews.
http://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/873969/CA/Los-Angeles/Sahakian

Helping Thousands Conceive With Trusted Fertility Treatments

The team at Pacific Fertility Center is proud to share some of these pictures and some of these emails we recieve from our patients. Please read some couple of the thank you notes we receive on a daily basis. We have help thousands conceive! Contact us if you have any questions for the doctor.

Dear Doctor,
I am very happy by sending you the result of your work. Thomas and Belem are my family thanks to you.
Now we are back to Cairo and my everyday life is full. It is difficult for me to say what I feel inside;  I just want to say  thank you!.
Hugs
Marie-Therese

Hi Doctor Sahakian,
Amazing how time passes. Attached are photos of the twins Lorenzo and Arianna.
We will be forever grateful for your enabling us to have biological children we are so thrilled to be Fathers and we are loving every minute.
Thank You!

Hi Dr. Sahakian,
I cannot believe it has been 3 months!  WOW…time flies by when you have a perfect son who is beyond amazing! Thank you for all you did…I couldn’t have hoped for a more perfect son!!!

Our surrogate was beyond our wildest dreams and anyone who gets the privilege to have her as their surrogate should consider them self very lucky and treat her like GOLD!!!
Anyway, thanks again and I thought you might like to see a picture.

We know there’s more to the question of, “Fertility Treatment". It’s a complicated issue and you should speak with an expert before making any decisions. If you want to learn more about fertility treatments or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaton on In Vitro Fertilization browse our website.

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Interview With Dr. Sahakian
Trying to get pregnant?
(Interview Conducted By Maria T. Pepin of Just Mommies)

JustMommies spoke with Dr. Sahakian, the Medical Director of the Pacific Fertility Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Sahakian is Board Certified in both Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility and is responsible for the births of hundreds of babies all over the world. Read on for the answers to your most pressing questions about fertility and conception.

JustMommies: Talk to us about how age impacts the ability to get pregnant.

Dr. Sahakian: If there are no medical issues with both partners, the most important thing a woman needs to understand is that fecundity (the ability to get pregnant) is very dependant on age. I’m going to give you some odds that might surprise you a little bit, but these are true odds. If you are less than 30 years old, you have a 35% chance of getting pregnant each month. You would think that at such a young age, a man walks by you and you get pregnant. No, there is a 65% chance each month you try that you will not be successful. Now, that same woman, if she was in her 30’s- would have a 25% chance of getting pregnant each month. At 40 years old, it becomes a 10% chance.

JustMommies: Why are the odds so low?

Dr. Sahakian: Many things need to line up in order for you to get pregnant. You have to ovulate, the egg has to be picked up by the tube, the sperm has to reach the egg, it has to fertilize the egg and the embryo has to travel to the uterus and implant. There can be breakdowns in these procedures. Remember, not every egg you produce each month is a genetically healthy egg. At 20 years old, 7 out of 10 eggs will be healthy. There is a chance you will produce an egg one month that will not get you pregnant. It’s very interesting- men make sperm every three months. Women are born with their eggs. As a woman gets older, her eggs get older with her. Therefore, the quality deteriorates. By 50 years old, you will run out of eggs. For somebody that gets pregnant after 35 years old- we recommend they do an amnio to check for the health of the fetus. This is because the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases with age.

JustMommies: On average, how long should you try to conceive before you seek help?

Dr. Sahakian: Some women are surprised when they do not get pregnant in the first few months of trying. But as you can see, there are many factors that come into play. Timing is crucial, which is why it may take several tries. There is also a major decline in fecundity as you get older. The younger you are, the less you have to worry about how long you try to get pregnant. My general rule of thumb: healthy women who are younger than 30 years old should try for 1 year before seeking medical help. If you are between 30-35 years old ~ give yourself 9 months. If you are 35-40 years old ~ 6 months. There is really no need to seek help earlier if there are no medical concerns. However, if you have any reason to believe that you need to see someone (i.e. due to a sexually transmitted disease or an erectile problem) you should speak with a professional sooner.

JustMommies: Do birth control pills affect your chances of getting pregnant?

Dr. Sahakian: No, there is really no data to suggest that can happen. Now, it might take you 2 to 3 months before you start ovulating again, but it will not affect your future ability to have kids.

JustMommies: When is the best time to get pregnant? Before, during or after ovulation?

Dr. Sahakian: That is the million-dollar question. No one really knows. I’m sure you’ve read on the Internet that the egg survives for 24 hours and the sperm survives for a few days. For me, I believe you have an 8-hour window, maximum of 12 hours to get pregnant. You have to have sperm there when the egg is released, which means you have to time it very accurately. In general, if you cycle at 28 days- you will ovulate at day 14. You can actually calculate your ovulation based on your last 3 or 4 cycles. If you cycle every 30 days- you ovulated 14 days from the start of your period, so you go backwards. If you want to be sure, purchase an ovulation predictor kit and start checking your urine. When the test turns positive, it doesn’t mean you are ovulating right then and there. It means you will ovulate 24-40 hours after the test is positive. The ovulation kit will tell you to check your urine once a day. I recommend you check it twice a day, 12 hours apart. When the test turns positive, have sex 24 hours AND 36 hours later. This is the best time to get pregnant.

JustMommies: If you are having trouble getting pregnant, what options are available?

Dr. Sahakian: You need to speak with your OBGYN. Most gynecologists can deal with basic infertility. You can also go to an infertility specialist. There are four important tests that a doctor will do when you come in.

#1: You have to make sure there is sperm. Believe it or not, half of the time this is the problem. The best type of infertility to have is abnormal sperm count because this is the easiest to fix.

#2: You need to evaluate the eggs. It doesn’t matter if you are only 25 years old. If you can’t get pregnant, the doctor needs to make sure the woman is producing an egg and the quality of the egg is good.

#3: You need to check the tubes. Obviously, egg and sperm have to meet in order for you to get pregnant.

#4: You have to check the uterus, because this is where the embryo grows.

Depending on the test results, there are conventional treatments available which include fertility pills or artificial insemination. Fertility pills will run you about $100 a month. They can work very well if you are somebody who does not have ovulation. There are also other advanced treatments for infertility. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is popular. In this procedure, eggs are removed from the woman’s body and are fertilized in a glass petri dish using a partner’s or donor sperm. The embryos are subsequently transferred into the woman’s body, in the hope that a pregnancy ensues. In-vitro is expensive because it’s a very high tech procedure. Minimum (with medication) it will run about $10,000. The success rate: Less than 30 years old, after 1 try- you should expect a 50% chance of pregnancy. Within 3 tries, 70-80% chance. Over 30 years old, your chances drop a little. It will be more into a 40% chance. Over 35 years old, it will be more like a 35% chance. For a woman 40-43 years old, it’s about a 15% chance. Over 43 years old, most women will get an egg donor. Egg donation is the growing trend now. Women who are unable to produce healthy eggs, but have a healthy uterus are candidates for egg donation with IVF. As you can see, there are a lot of treatments available to help couples reach their ultimate dream of becoming parents.  

Read more information - See entire video and interview details on JustMommies - Fertility Interview With Dr. Vicken Sahakian

Read the below letters & view the images from our happy patients!

We receive letters everyday from our patients and we would love to share all of them, here are a few recent comments and pictures from our happy patients.

Hi Dr. Sahakian and Staff,

Jeff and I wanted to wish you and your staff all the best for the holiday season and New Year!  This will be our 1st Christmas with the twins.  Thanks to you and your wonderful team who made it all possible. Here are a few new pictures.  They are now 5 months old and we are LOVING every minute with them.
Thank You!

Hi Dr. Sahakian, 
 
Here's some pictures taken on Jamie's 1st week home. He is such a great boy and all 3 of my dogs loves him.

Thank you for your great work!

From a big smiling Mom!

Dr. Sahakian,

I could not remember if I ever sent you a picture of our kids. They are ten months old now – take a look at this great pictures. Thanks for all you did to help us create this wonderful family! We can’t thank you enough.
Dan

Dear Dr. Sahakian,

Today is 1 year birthday of our sweet Grace. I think of you and the your wonder you did! Many many thanks to you from all my heart! It is the picture of today.

Kind regards and I look forward to hear from you.

Thank You!



If you want informaiton on In Vitro Fertilization, Surrogacy, and/or Fertility Treaments, Contact Us!

Successful Surrogracy - Letter From Patient

Hello, Dr. Sahakian,
 
A message of thanks and an update from NYC...  
 
Much in part to your miraculous work, our daughter Julia was born on August 26th in Fresno.  She was 8 lbs, 10 ozs and 21" long at birth 7 weeks ago.  She and our wonderful surrogate, both did quite well.
 
My partner, Chris, and I are back in NYC with our daughter now and having a ball.  Words can never express our gratitude towards you for making our dream a reality. 
 
Also, an interesting thing happened in your office.  While waiting to see you one day, I met a friend, a writer, in your waiting room and we've since become great friends, which no doubt will last a lifetime.  So many fantastic things happened within your doors.
 
I hope this finds you well.
 
Warm regards and many thanks,
David
 
P.S.  I've attached a couple of pictures of Julia taken last week ... 6 weeks young.

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IVF Procedures and In Vitro Fertilization Procedures
Oocyte retrieval

When the size of the leading follicles reaches 18 to 20 mm in average diameter and the estradiol hormone level is appropriately elevated, then it is time for the eggs to be "harvested". The HCG injection (described in the previous section) will be administered in the evening usually between 7 PM and 11 PM. The egg retrieval will be scheduled 36 hours after the HCG injection. For instance, if the HCG is given on a Monday at 8:45 PM, then the egg retrieval will be performed on Wednesday at 8:45 AM.

The couple needs to be at PFCLA at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time of Egg Retrieval (ER). The patient should not eat or drink anything after midnight, the night before the ER day.

The ER is performed under “general anesthesia” but without intubation. The patient will not feel any discomfort during the procedure and will wake up within 10 to 15 minutes of the end of the ER. Depending on the number of follicles present, the ER will usually last 10 to 30 minutes.

The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance similar to the vaginal ultrasound examination that the patient has during follicular monitoring. A needle guide is attached to the ultrasound probe, a long needle is introduced through the guide, and under direct visualization each follicle is punctured and the fluid (along with the egg floating in it) is aspirated. The fluid is then immediately sent to the laboratory where the embryologists search for the eggs, isolate them and place them incubators. At the completion of the ER, the patient is taken to the recovery area where she will stay for about an hour. Pain medications might be administered at this time as needed. Some discomfort is expected for a few hours following ER and Tylenol can be taken by the patient at home as needed every 4 hours. Occasionally, some nausea might also occur which usually dissipates within a few hours.

After about an hour when the patient is fully awake and relatively pain-free, instructions are given by the recovery nurse and the patient is discharged home. The patient must be accompanied by someone who can drive them home and should not be left alone for the rest of the day.

While the patient is undergoing the ER, the partner is asked to provide us with a semen sample. The semen is then washed and prepared to inseminate the eggs 3-4 hours later. If ICSI is to be performed, the partner might be asked to give another semen sample if the first sample does not have an adequate number of viable sperm.

In cases where the male partner has to undergo the testicular biopsy (TESE or MESA) procedure, he will be taken to an adjacent operating room and the urologist will perform the needle biopsy under local anesthesia. This procedure will usually last 15-30 minutes and the patient will be discharged home with an ice pack placed over the testicles to prevent swelling. Read our IVF Procedures Blog for more information!

The risks of retrieval involve bleeding, infection and possible damage to adjacent organs.  Intravenous anesthesia is usually used during retrievals.

Fertilization

Once the eggs are harvested and cleaned in the laboratory, they are incubated with sperm overnight to fertilize the eggs. Roughly 16 hours after insemination, the embryologist will check on the status of the fertilized eggs.

A fertilized egg is called an embryo. An embryo goes through stages of development until it is ready for transfer to the uterus. The following represent a schematic view of the growth of an embryo from the 2-cell stage to Blastocyst.

In these pictures actual photographs of an embryo is shown under magnification:

Embryo transfer

Three to five days following the Egg Retrieval the patient will have the Embryo Transfer (ET). During this time the fertilized eggs (embryos) have been allowed to grow and divide in the incubator. The patient would have also been started on Progesterone injections and/or suppositories the day of HCG injection to prepare the uterine lining for implantation.

The day before ET the patient will be contacted and given a specific time to come to PFC-LA for ET the next day. About 15 minutes before the transfer, the physician will meet the couple and discuss the number and quality of the embryos at hand. A decision will be made by the couple and their physician as to the number of embryos that will be transferred and the number to be frozen or discarded. The patient will then take a sedative pill if needed. The embryos will be separated into a separate dish and then transferred to the transfer catheter. Meanwhile the physician will prepare the patient for the ET. This is very similar to an artificial insemination procedure except that embryos are transferred to the uterus instead of sperm. A speculum is inserted in the vagina; the cervix is washed and cleansed. An ultrasound is used in most cases as guidance to the transfer. The embryologist will then deliver the catheter to the physician who introduces it through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity where the embryos are released. The embryologist will then check the catheter to make sure none of the embryos are in the catheter.>

The whole procedure takes approximately 5 minutes. The patient will remain in a supine position for about an hour. She will then be discharged home. It is recommended that the patient rests at home for 1 or 2 days following the transfer.

A blood pregnancy test is done 10 days after the embryo transfer. Depending on the level of hCG hormone in the blood, another test might be requested in 2-4 days or an obstetrical ultrasound scheduled 2 weeks later to check on the health of the pregnancy. It is during this examination that we can determine the number of fetuses (i.e. twins or triplets..).

We will follow our patients until the 10th week of gestation, after which, they will be discharged to their own obstetrician.

Most often, embryos are transferred 5 days after fertilization at the blastocyst stage.

IVF success is also dependent on the quality of the uterine lining. Both the thickness and texture are important parameters we check. The following figure shows an ideal thick and triple layered endometrial lining:

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

ICSI is the process where one motile sperm is selected and injected into an egg under a special microscope. This procedure is indicated in cases of severe male infertility, surgically retrieved sperm, and unexplained infertility, history of poor fertilization or in cases where PGD is performed for single gene disorders.

In some male infertility cases, the patient does not produce any sperm because of a blockage of the ducts transporting the sperm (vas deferens) or a vasectomy (for contraception). In these patients, sperm is retrieved directly from a “storage pouch” in the testicles called Epididimys. This procedure is called MESA or PESA and the ICSI is necessary to use sperm recovered through this method.

Assisted hatching (AH)

AH is a procedure where the a small hole is created in the shell (zona)of the embryo. It is thought that this procedure may aid in implantation especially in eggs from women greater than 37 years. It is most commonly performed under the microscope by using a special laser or a specially prepared acid mixture.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

PGD is the process in which a blastomere (cell) is removed from an embryo three days after the retrieval (usually at the 8-cell embryo stage) and is analyzed for several genetic tests. The non-affected embryos may then be transferred. It is very useful in certain diseases that have strong inheritance patterns and can prevent affected offspring. It is also sometimes used in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss, advanced maternal age and sex selection.

Gamete Intrafallopian Tube Transfer (GIFT)

GIFT is a procedure that involves an oocyte retrieval followed by immediate laparoscopy where several sperm cells and eggs (gametes) are then placed into the fallopian tube with a special catheter, thereby allowing fertilization to occur inside the fallopian tubes.  It is rarely used today since it is more invasive than IVF.

Zygote Intrafallopian Tube Transfer (ZIFT)

ZIFT is a procedure that involves an oocyte retrieval followed by in vitro fertilization.  Once fertilization is confirmed day 2 embryos (zygotes) are then placed laparoscopically into the fallopian tube. 

It is rarely used today since it is more invasive than IVF.

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What Is the Cost of In Vitro Fertilization?

In vitro fertilization is not an inexpensive endeavor, but the cost of in vitro fertilization pales in comparison to the joy a child brings to a couple who has been unable to get pregnant in traditional ways.

As with any medical procedure, it’s important to do your research before making any decisions about treatment. Make sure you understand and are comfortable with the procedures, and compare the cost of in vitro fertilization between several fertility clinics. While the cost may only vary slightly, you may find that some clinics suit your needs better than others.

The Cost of In Vitro Fertilization

The average cost of in vitro fertilization is between $10,000 and $15,000 per treatment cycle. However, additional procedures and reproductive assistance can increase the cost of in vitro fertilization. The following costs are approximate and can vary based on location, clinic, and other factors:

• Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which is also known as embryo screening: $3,000-$5000
• Cryopreservation, which is also known as embryo freezing: $1,000
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involves injecting an individual sperm directly into an egg: $1,800
• Using an egg donor: $15,000-$20,000 for one cycle
• Using a sperm donor: $1,000
• Embryo donation: $5,000

Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of In Vitro Fertilization?

Part of your research should include reviewing your insurance policy to see if it covers the cost of in vitro fertilization. Although most insurance companies don’t cover it, some policies include infertility treatment options and may pay for part of the cost of in vitro fertilization.

Fortunately, you don’t have to only rely on insurance. Most fertility clinics offer several financing options and payment plans, so you don’t have to worry about a large lump sum upfront. Many even offer refund programs, where the clinic shares some of the financial risk of the cost of in vitro fertilization. With a refund program you pay a set fee and the clinic refunds a percentage of the cost if you don’t get pregnant after a predetermined number of in vitro fertilization treatment cycles.

Make sure you understand the terms of a clinic’s refund program. One clinic may define a successful cycle as a positive pregnancy test, while another may define it as a successful birth. This is obviously an important distinction because a miscarriage will negate the refund if the clinic considers a positive pregnancy test as a success under the terms of the refund program agreement.

What’s the most important part of assessing the cost of in vitro fertilization? Fully understand your options and the ways in which your chosen fertility clinic will work with you financially to ensure a successful birth.

Start Your Research Now!

We know there’s more to the question of, “What is cost of In Vitro Fertilization?” It’s a complicated issue and you should speak with an expert before making any decisions. If you want to learn more about in vitro fertilization or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaiotn on in vitro fertilization browse our website.

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10 In Vitro Fertilization Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions, fallacies, and realities to in vitro fertilization. Here are ten common in vitro fertilization frequently asked questions to help you and your partner understand the facts and procedures involved.

10 In Vitro Fertilization Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How prevalent is infertility worldwide?

About 10 to 15% of couples have infertility problems according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That’s approximately 70-80 million people across the world. You’re not alone!

2. Is infertility primarily a female problem?

This is at the top of many couples’ in vitro fertilization frequently asked questions. The answer is a resounding “no.” As a matter of fact, infertility in women and men is nearly identical. Infertility is exclusively a female problem approximately 30 to 50% of the time, and is exclusively attributed to males in about 30 to 50% of the cases.

3. Is infertility hereditary?

Genetics can be a factor in determining fertility. There are many conditions, such as endometriosis that affects approximately ten percent of women, which can be passed from mother to daughter to potentially cause tubal infertility. On the male side, DNA abnormalities of the Y chromosome can lead to problems with infertility.

4. What causes infertility?

This is another common in vitro fertilization frequently asked questions. Couples ask, “Why are we here? Why are we infertile?” We can break it down into female infertility and male infertility. Common female infertility is caused by anatomical abnormalities and problems with the ovaries. Male infertility includes problems with the quantity and quality of sperm production, immunological disorders, and anatomical issues.

5. What are the treatment options?

In a word: Drugs. It’s not a bad word, though. Most female patients have great success conceiving with oral fertility hormones such as clomiphene citrate. Some will need injectable ones. The treatment of male infertility on the other hand, often requires IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) .

6. Does infertility treatment have a high success rate?

This is one of the most popular in vitro fertilization frequently asked questions. The answer is a resounding “yes.” The success of treatment has a direct correlation with the woman’s age. The younger the better! Overall, 70-80% of women under the age of 40 should expect a successful outcome.

7. What influences the success of treatment?

The most important factor is a woman’s age. As her age increases, especially after 40, fecundity decreases and her chances of conceiving are diminished. Of course, if her partner also has infertility problems, such as a low sperm count, the probability of infertility also increases.

8. Can painful periods cause infertility?

No. However, many women with painful periods and pain with intercourse might harbor endometriosis, which is indeed associated with infertility. Therefore, an evaluation is warranted in these cases.

9. What are the health risks for women?

Another one of the in vitro fertilization frequently asked questions is a woman’s health risks. Although the procedure itself isn’t dangerous, the drugs used to treat infertility can have side effects. Regular monitoring of follicular growth in ovulation induction will determine whether the treatment is successful, and will also prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and reduce the risk of a multiple pregnancy.

10. Are there health risks for kids born with infertility treatment?

Of all of the in vitro fertilization frequently asked questions we get from hopeful parents, the health of their children is often at the top of the list. There are conflicting reports that suggest a slight increase in the congenital anomalies with IVF. The risks are minimal but the benefits are breathtaking!

We know there’s more to the question of, “What is in vitro fertilization?” It’s a complicated issue and you should speak with an expert before making any decisions. If you want to learn more about in vitro fertilization or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaiotn on in vitro fertilization browse our website.

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What Is In Vitro Fertilization?

In vitro fertilization was first successfully used in the U.S. in 1981 and, since then, over 250,000 babies have been born. The technique has given more than hope to couples worldwide. It’s given them a real chance to share in the miracle of childbirth and have a family when it once seemed impossible.

What Is In Vitro Fertilization?

Put simply, in vitro fertilization is a procedure used to help infertile couples become pregnant. It involves removing an egg from a woman's ovary and fertilizing the egg with sperm. Once the egg is fertilized, the embryo is implanted in the woman's uterus. In vitro fertilization gives infertile couples the opportunity to have a child who is biologically related to them.

What Is In Vitro Fertilization?: Egg and Sperm Donation

Egg and sperm donor candidates often start with the question: “What is in vitro fertilization?” The next question is usually, “Ok, so how does it work?”

• Egg donation: When a woman has impaired ovaries or a genetic disease, in vitro fertilization is often the best option. The egg donor is typically between 21-30 years of age, and may be either a relative or an anonymous donor. Considering the seriousness of the procedure, it is recommended that both the recipient and the donor consult with a fertility counselor, as well as sign a consent form to cover the legal issues of the donation.
• Sperm donation: In instances where male partners have low sperm counts or impaired sperm, a sperm donation, whether an anonymous sperm donor or “banked” from the partner at an earlier time due to chemotherapy or other damaging conditions, can be highly effective.

What Is In Vitro Fertilization?: Success Rates

The success rate of in vitro fertilization is surprising. Based on age, it’s actually similar to the pregnancy rate of typical pregnancies:

• Younger than 35 years old: >50%
• 36-39 years old: 35-45%
• 40-43 years old: 10-20%
• Egg donation: >70%

If you or your partner is infertile, in vitro fertilization is a safe and viable alternative to normally conceived pregnancies.

What Is In Vitro Fertilization?: Ask the Experts

We know there’s more to the question of, “What is in vitro fertilization?” It’s a complicated issue and you should speak with an expert before making any decisions. If you want to learn more about in vitro fertilization or if you have questions, simply fill in this Contact Form and we will respond to you quickly. All inquires will be responded to in a timely manner. For more informaiotn on in vitro fertilization browse our website.

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