IVF Treatment in Buffalo, NY

Why IVF May Be Recommended

IVF can be used to treat infertility and may also be considered in certain situations involving genetic conditions or fertility preservation.

Depending on your diagnosis and fertility goals, IVF may be considered for:

Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can make it difficult for an egg and sperm to meet or for an embryo to travel through the fallopian tube. IVF can bypass the fallopian tubes.

Ovulation Disorders

When ovulation occurs infrequently or does not occur, fewer eggs may be available for fertilization. Depending on the diagnosis, fertility medications or IVF may be considered.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus and may affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding reproductive organs. IVF may be considered depending on the severity of endometriosis and other fertility factors.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that can develop in or around the uterus. Depending on their size and location, fibroids may affect fertility or pregnancy, and your physician can determine whether treatment is appropriate before pursuing IVF.

Previous Tubal Sterilization

For patients who have previously undergone tubal ligation or removal and wish to become pregnant, IVF may be an alternative to tubal reversal in certain circumstances.

Male Factor Infertility

Reduced sperm concentration, decreased sperm movement, or abnormalities in sperm shape may make fertilization more difficult. Depending on the circumstances, IVF and specialized laboratory techniques may be considered.

Unexplained Infertility

Sometimes fertility testing does not identify a specific cause of infertility. IVF may be considered depending on your age, fertility history, previous treatments, and other factors.

Genetic Conditions

For individuals or couples who have a known risk of passing a genetic condition to a child, genetic testing of embryos may be considered in conjunction with IVF. Your fertility specialist can discuss whether this option is appropriate for your circumstances.

Fertility Preservation

Patients facing cancer treatment or other medical circumstances that may affect fertility may consider fertility preservation. Depending on the situation, eggs or embryos may be frozen for potential future use.

Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval is performed after the ovaries have been stimulated and the follicles have developed appropriately. The timing of the retrieval is based on your individual treatment cycle.

During egg retrieval, medication is used for comfort and sedation as appropriate. Using transvaginal ultrasound guidance, a physician carefully guides a thin needle through the vaginal wall and into the ovarian follicles to retrieve the eggs.

After the procedure, some patients may experience cramping, bloating, or feelings of fullness or pressure. Your care team will provide instructions about what to expect after egg retrieval and when to contact the office with concerns.

The retrieved eggs are evaluated in the laboratory. Mature eggs may then be fertilized with sperm to create embryos. Not every egg will necessarily fertilize or develop into an embryo.

Sperm Collection and Preparation

If your partner's sperm is being used, a semen sample may be collected according to the instructions provided by our office. Donor sperm may also be used when appropriate.

The sperm is prepared in the laboratory for fertilization. For additional information about semen collection and preparation, please see our Semen Analysis page.

Embryo Development and Transfer

After fertilization, embryos are monitored as they develop in the laboratory. When an embryo is ready for transfer, your physician will discuss the appropriate timing and treatment plan with you.

During an embryo transfer, a thin, flexible catheter is guided through the cervix and into the uterus. The embryo is then placed into the uterus.

Your physician will discuss the recommended embryo-transfer approach based on your individual circumstances, including embryo development, medical history, and current fertility treatment recommendations.

After the Embryo Transfer

Your care team will provide specific instructions following embryo transfer. Some patients may experience mild cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, constipation, or light spotting.

Contact our office if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or other concerning symptoms.

IVF Pregnancy Testing and Follow-Up

Following embryo transfer, your care team will let you know when to have blood work to determine whether pregnancy has occurred.

If the pregnancy test is positive, follow-up care and ultrasound monitoring will be arranged as appropriate. Your physician will continue to monitor your early pregnancy before transitioning your care to your obstetric provider.

If the cycle is not successful, Dr. DiPaola can discuss your results and potential next steps with you. Depending on your circumstances, another IVF cycle or another fertility treatment approach may be considered.