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Micro-IVF

What is Micro-IVF?

Micro-IVF is a low-cost IVF procedure involving milder hormonal stimulation. Micro-IVF triples the odds of pregnancy from Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). Insemination with Clomid or injectible medication roughly results in a pregnancy rate of 10-15%, whereas Micro-IVF may result in a pregnancy rate of about 30%.

Micro-IVF is recommended for younger patients with normal ovarian function that have undergone either one or two failed cycles of IUI or who have been recommended Intrauterine Insemination with either Clomid or injectible medication, but are looking for a procedure with a higher success rate.

At first glance, Micro-IVF looks a lot like the traditional IVF. There are however a couple of differences. The patient will only have to be exposed to � of the medication used in a standard IVF. Possible side effects are minimized and medication cost is drastically reduced.

Indications for Micro-IVF

There're a variety of indications for Micro-IVF. Among these are:

  • Male Factor Infertility
  • Age-Related Infertility
  • Absent or Damaged Fallopian Tubes
  • Failed IUI Cycle(s)
  • Unexplained Infertility
  • Recurrent Intrauterine Insemination Failure
  • Tubal and Pelvic Adhesions

What to Know Before You Begin

For Women:

  • Avoid drugs, alcohol and smoking for three months before treatment and during the Micro-IVF cycle.
  • Have no more than two caffeinated beverages a day.
  • Avoid dietary changes of weight fluctuation during the Micro-IVF cycle.
  • Avoid hot tubs and saunas.
  • Abstain from having intercourse 3 to 4 days before the egg retrieval, and after the embryo transfer before the pregnancy test.

For Men:

  • Sperm quality can be affected by fever. Men who have had a fever 1-2 months before the Micro-IVF procedure should inform their doctor.
  • Avoid hot tubs and saunas.
  • Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear.
  • Avoid drugs, alcohol and smoking for three months before treatment and during the Micro-IVF cycle.
  • Avoid excessive exercise.
  • Abstain from intercourse at least three but no more than 7 days prior to semen collection.

THE MICRO IN VITRO FERTILIZATION PROCEDURE

MICRO-IVF consists of the following steps:

  1. Ovarian Stimulation - Using low-dose fertility drugs, the ovaries are stimulated to produce several high quality eggs for retrieval. Multiple eggs increase the potential for producing multiple embryos, which adds to the likelihood of successful conception. During the 7-14 day stimulation period, ultrasound examinations and some laboratory tests are performed to follow the development of the follicles.

  2. Egg Retrieval - When the follicles are ready for egg retrieval, the procedure is done in our surgical suite. A needle is inserted into the ovaries using ultrasound guidance to locate each follicle. Fluid from the follicles is drawn into a test tube to retrieve the eggs. The patient is given pain medication and the procedure lasts about 15 minutes. Patients are generally able to go home within a couple of hours of egg retrieval.

  3. Sperm Collection - The male partner typically collects a semen sample at our surgical suite. This is usually done while egg retrieval is being performed. The semen is examined in our laboratory and the best quality sperm is selected. Men who feel that they may have difficulty producing a semen sample due to stress or other factors on the day of egg retrieval can have their sperm collected ahead of time and cryopreserved for use in this situation.

  4. Embryo Culture - The best quality sperm are added to the eggs after egg retrieval to achieve fertilization. In cases where a low number or low quality of sperm is collected, or where no eggs are fertilized using conventional IVF procedures, doctors may choose to use Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a process where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to achieve fertilization. Eggs are examined the next day for evidence of fertilization.

  5. Embryo Transfer - One to five days after fertilization, the doctor will transfer the embryos into the uterus by passing a thin embryo-transfer catheter through the cervix. This procedure is similar to a pap smear and is generally quick and painless. Multiple embryos are transferred to increase the probability of success. Embryos that are not transferred at this time can be cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen use in later IVF cycles, if necessary. A blood pregnancy test is scheduled approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer. An ultrasound is done approximately two weeks after a positive pregnancy test.

All stages of this treatment take place in our facility. You will see the same familiar faces throughout the entire cycle. For more information about this procedure, or to set up an appointment with our doctors, please contact us at (310) 278-7590.

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