In-Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined to encourage fertilization.

At Mid-Iowa Fertility, our IVF process is designed to simplify your patient experience while providing you with compassionate, high-quality care.

As a full-service fertility center, we offer our patients the privacy and convenience of receiving all your IVF services in one place. Our advanced laboratory techniques and personalized approach to treatment allow us to give every patient the best chance of success.

Because we are committed to providing our patients with extraordinary care and extraordinary results, we also offer patients flexibility through our Shared Risk Program to help make the cost of treatment more predictable.

Is IVF Right for You?

Today, IVF is a common form of fertility treatment that can be used to address many causes of infertility in both men and women, such as ovulation conditions (including PCOS), tubal damage or obstruction, endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, poor semen quality or quantity, unexplained infertility, repeat pregnancy loss, and others. IVF may also be included as a part of collaborative (third-party) reproduction treatment plans. Our experienced fertility specialists, Dr. Young, Dr. Cooper, or Dr. Place can help you determine if IVF is right for you.

Schedule a consultation to get started.

IVF Success Rates

A range of factors can impact success rates for IVF, including the patient’s age and ovarian reserve. At Mid-Iowa Fertility, our experienced team will work with you to develop a targeted treatment plan that is customized to address your personal diagnosis (or reason for infertility) and give you the best chances of achieving your family-building goals.

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a form of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are mixed in a laboratory dish or a single sperm is injected into a single egg (ICSI) to encourage fertilization. Today, IVF is a common form of fertility treatment used to address many causes of infertility.

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a form of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are mixed in a laboratory dish or a single sperm is injected into a single egg (ICSI) to encourage fertilization. Today, IVF is a common form of fertility treatment used to address many causes of infertility.

The IVF Process at Mid-Iowa Fertility

Step 1: Ovarian stimulation or ovulation induction

IVF patients receive fertility medications for 7-10 days to help mature multiple eggs in order to increase the chances for fertilization and healthy embryo development. We closely monitor follicle (egg sac) development and hormone levels during this phase with ultrasound and blood work. When the follicles are ready, patients receive a final hormone “trigger shot” to stimulate egg maturation.

Check out these video tutorials for help administering your fertility medications.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval

The mature eggs are retrieved approximately 36 hours after the final injection. This procedure involves passing a fine needle through the vagina to retrieve eggs from the follicles. The number of eggs retrieved varies based on several factors, including the patient’s age.

Step 3: Fertilization

First, the fresh or frozen sperm sample is washed using a 3-step gradient sperm wash to improve sperm motility and increase your chances of achieving pregnancy. Next, our experienced fertility specialists will fertilize the egg. This can be done by combining the egg and sperm together in a dish to allow fertilization, or by injecting the sperm directly into the egg (intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI). Our providers recommend using ICSI for cases when achieving fertilization may be difficult, such as cases that involve male factor infertility, or when genetic testing (PGS or PGD) is planned.

Step 4: Embryo Culture

After fertilization, the fertilized eggs are carefully monitored in our state-of-the-art IVF lab as they continue to develop. Embryos that develop normally 5 days after fertilization are called blastocysts. At this stage embryo biopsy may be performed if any genetic testing is planned (PGD/PGS).

Step 5: Embryo Transfer

The healthy embryos (blastocysts) are then transferred into the patient’s uterus. This procedure is performed by placing a flexible tube through the cervix and into the uterus using ultrasound guidance (no anesthesia is necessary).

The number of embryos transferred depends on several factors, including embryo quality, the patient’s age, and previous IVF cycle results. Patients have the option to freeze any remaining embryos for future cycles. Embryo cryopreservation simplifies the process for future cycles and reduces patient costs (by eliminating the need for ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval).

Step 6: Next Steps

Two weeks after the embryo transfer procedure, every patient receives a pregnancy test. If your IVF cycle is unsuccessful, we will schedule a follow-up consultation with your Mid-Iowa Fertility physician to discuss options to continue your treatment plan.

What Our Patients Are Saying

“We met with Dr. Cooper in early summer of 2020. We had been trying to conceive for nearly a year and had done a few months with letrozole with no success. I (Jenny) was the primary issue due to PCOS, but since I was able to ovulate with letrozole Dr. Cooper suggested our first step being IUIs. Ovulation sticks weren’t accurate for me, so I had to come in for ultrasounds to see if/when I was ovulating, and all the nursing staff as well as Dr. Cooper were wonderful at explaining what was happening and showing me on the ultrasound what they were seeing. After 5 failed IUIs, we met again with Dr. Cooper and we were given the option to continue to try IUI or try IVF. After a lot of thought, we decided to go with IVF. My first cycle was canceled halfway through due to estrogen not being high enough. The team was again very comforting and kind and reassuring me that this happens and does not mean IVF won’t work.

Our next cycle was a success, after transferring two embryos, we became pregnant with our daughter Luciana. I cannot say enough how amazing this clinic was to work with and the balance they have in kindness while also giving you information that isn’t always easy to hear. I never felt judged in asking any of my questions, or calling confused due to med changes or side effects. While no one ever asks to be on the infertility journey, I’m so thankful we ended up in a place we felt cared for and confident using again if needed.”

– The Vargas Family

“Month after month, one line and a whole lot of heartbreak! We stopped, moved to another state and decided it was time to seek help. We met with Dr. Cooper, who forever changed our lives. We had tried IUIs several times, and my body just wasn’t having it. I went to Dr. Cooper with frustration and sadness and told him there was no way I could go on. He understood and asked me to give one more option a try. August of 2016 we had an embryo transfer.

Two weeks later…we found out we were pregnant. Three years later we have a beautiful daughter who has changed our lives 1000%. We could not have done any of this without Dr. Cooper and his amazing staff. From the front desk, lab staff, nurses and doctors….everyone played a significant role in our journey and we could never thank them enough.”

– The Unger Family