Treatments
Discover our
treatment options
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Lesbian couples have the option of undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor sperm in order to start or grow their families. In some cases, reciprocal IVF is performed in which one partner’s eggs are fertilized with donor sperm and placed in to the other partner’s uterus to carry the pregnancy.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
In Vitro Fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure often referred to as IVF. In the process of IVF, a women’s eggs are extracted from her ovaries then manually injected with a male’s sperm in order to create embryos. One or more embryos is then transferred back to the women directly into the uterine cavity. IVF is usually reserved for those with such fertility issues as endometriosis, moderate to severe male factor infertility, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory issues, or unexplained infertility.
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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure often referred to as IVF. In the process of IVF, a women’s eggs are extracted from her ovaries then manually injected with a male’s sperm in order to createembryos. One or more
embryos is then transferred back to the women directly into the uterine cavity. IVF is usually reserved for those with such
fertility issues as endometriosis, moderate to severe male factor infertility, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory issues,
or unexplained infertility.
Ovarian Stimulation
During the first phase of the IVF stimulation cycle, a patient will take medication to recruit multiple follicles. This medication is self-administered and the patient is monitored closely through blood testing and ultrasound to follow the development of the follicles. Once your physician thinks your eggs are matured enough, you will take a trigger injection of HCG to prepare the follicles for their removal. This trigger injection is timed and dictates when the egg retrieval will take place.
Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval is performed by your physician in the Rush Center for Advanced Reproductive Care, located in Suite 217 of the Professional Building. The patient is placed under light IV sedation while the eggs are removed. This is an outpatient procedure and once the patient feels well enough she can return home.
Fertilization
Once the eggs are collected, the embryologist will count and identify the mature eggs and inject them with the partner’s sperm.
The embryologist will continue to monitor the development for the next 3-5 days and determine, in conjunction with your physician, whether or not the embryos should be transferred 3 days or 5 days after the egg retrieval. If there are additional embryos that will not be transferred, they can be frozen for future use.
Embryo Transfer
When it has been determined whether there will be a Day 3 or Day 5 transfer, you will return to the Rush Center for Advanced Reproductive Care for your embryo transfer. The transfer is performed by your physician with abdominal ultrasound guidance to ensure the embryo(s) are placed accurately in the uterine cavity. Once the transfer is complete, you will return home and your physician will recommend 48 hours of decreased activity. In the event of enlarged ovaries, an abnormal uterine lining, or the need to perform tests on the embryos, all embryos may be frozen and transferred at a later date.
Follow-Up Ultrasound and Blood Tests
Patients who undergo embryo transfer will be asked to return to the office for bloodwork and ultrasound monitoring in the days
after the transfer. A pregnancy test will be drawn between 7-14 days after the transfer. Ultrasounds and other blood tests will be performed to monitor other hormones to determine if any changes to medications will be necessary.
Surgical
procedures
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is an outpatient procedure, performed with the patient under anesthesia, to evaluate the uterine cavity. Your physician will use a hysteroscope, a slim tube with a light and camera, which she inserts through the cervical opening to assess the uterus for any abnormalities. Such irregularities could include fibroids, polyps, adhesions, scar tissue, a septum, or any other conditions that affect the patient’s fertility. If any irregularities or abnormalities are discovered, corrective action can be taken at that time.
Tubal Cannulation
Sometimes during evaluation, it is discovered that one or both fallopian tubes are blocked. In certain cases, the patient can have an outpatient procedure that will cannulate (open) the fallopian tube(s). This procedure is performed in the Interventional Radiology Department. Interventional radiologists will place a catheter in the uterus, then inject contrast dye through the catheter to identify the blockage. Once identified, another catheter is threaded through the fallopian tube to open the blockage.