In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common option for many individuals who have not been able to conceive. Our focus is on helping families have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. We follow the most up-to-date recommendations from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). IVF can be the solution for a variety of fertility problems:

  • A women’s fallopian tubes are absent or blocked (and cannot be repaired), preventing the sperm and eggs from meeting
  • A man has very poor sperm counts
  • A women has exhausted her own supply of quality eggs and requires donor eggs
  • A woman has severe endometriosis
  • Other fertility methods, such as artificial or intrauterine insemination, have not been successful
  • Infertility is unexplained

Depending on the fertility problem, the eggs used in IVF may be the woman’s own eggs or donor eggs from another woman. Likewise, the eggs may be fertilized with sperm provided by the woman’s male partner or by donated sperm.

The first successful birth of an IVF baby occurred in England in 1978. Since then, the procedure has helped hundreds of thousands of couples to conceive and have healthy babies.

Members of our staff — experts in infertility — guide each couple through every step of the in vitro fertilization process. Professional counseling with a psychotherapist is also offered. Couples using donor eggs or sperm are required to complete professional counseling.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Success Rates

IVF success rates depend on a variety of factors, including the woman’s age. At the Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center, we take an individual approach to each patient to encourage the best possibility of success.

View the most recent statistics through the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Costs of In Vitro Fertilization

Fertility testing may be covered by health insurance, though fertility treatment typically is not covered.

Risks of In Vitro Fertilization

The main risks associated with IVF are:

  • Over-stimulation of the ovaries Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS, causes body fluid to collect in the abdomen. Severe OHSS, requiring hospitalization, occurs in less than 1 percent of women who undergo IVF.
  • Multiple births If more than one embryo is transferred, there is a risk of multiple births. Our providers prioritize helping patients conceive a healthy pregnancy and often recommend single embryo transfer.
  • Egg retrieval complications Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure and carries the same risks as other surgical procedures. Complications are uncommon but may include infection, bleeding and injury to surrounding tissues.

Learn More

fmlh-mcw-boxLearn more about the Fertility and Reproductive Medicine on the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin website.