In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

We aim to make sure your experience is as smooth and seamless—and rewarding—as possible.  

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering IVF: 

Eligibility criteria 

Before you’re approved for IVF, we need to make sure there is a reasonable chance it will work. We’ll evaluate several factors that can affect your chances of getting pregnant with IVF and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.  

These include: 

• The cause of your or your partner’s infertility  

• Your age (there are age limitations related to using your own eggs, donor eggs, and donor embryos) 

• Your weight (your body mass index should be less than 50) 

• Whether you have a chronic medical condition, such as uncontrolled diabetes, or you use a medication that can increase the risk of birth defects 

• Whether you smoke or have a substance use disorder 

Getting ready for IVF 

In addition to determining your eligibility for IVF, we’ll evaluate your physical and mental readiness to move forward. We’ll also make sure you understand the process, including the steps you’ll take (and the timing of those steps). 

Much of this preparation takes place during an in-person visit that can last a few hours. If you have a partner who will participate in the IVF process, they must also attend this appointment. 

Your visit may include the following: 

• A review of your medical history, including any infertility treatments you’ve tried in the past 

• Education about IVF and what you can expect in the coming weeks and months 

• A discussion about the costs associated with IVF and your payment options 

• A physical exam, including a pelvic ultrasound and a rehearsal of embryo transfer (uterine sounding) 

• Blood tests to check your blood type, hormone levels, and immunity against certain diseases that can harm an unborn baby 

• Semen analysis 

• A discussion about your options for genetic screening and preimplantation genetic testing  

• A consultation with our health psychologist if you’ll be using donated eggs, sperm, embryos or a gestational carrier 

Finally, we’ll work with you to create a timeline. This will include scheduling your next ultrasound exam and treatment start date. 

Testing for pregnancy after IVF 

We perform a pregnancy test (which requires a blood draw) 10 days after your embryo transfer.  

If you test positive, you may need to continue taking your hormone medications for the first several weeks of pregnancy. We’ll let you know how long you’ll need to take them.  

We can also connect you with UI Health Care specialists who will provide your pregnancy and childbirth care. 

If you test negative, we’ll discuss the possible reasons why pregnancy didn’t occur. We’ll also talk about next steps, including your willingness and ability to go through another IVF cycle with recommended changes and improvements.