In Vitro Fertilization can Make Dreams Come True

What is IVF?

The initials IVF, stand for in vitro fertilization and they refer to a process in which a woman’s eggs (oocytes) are removed from her ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory environment.  Commonly, IVF is simply referred to as “in vitro”. The modern process of IVF in Los Angeles, CA involves a multitude of steps and variations which are all designed to help patients have healthy children.

History of IVF

The first human conceived through IVF was Louise Brown, born in 1979 in England.  At that time, IVF was specifically designed to help patients where the female partner had an obstruction (blockage) in her fallopian tubes, also known as tubal factor.  The blockage stopped sperm and egg from meeting and thus prevented pregnancy. Through IVF, doctors brought the sperm and egg together and facilitated fertilization.

Current practice of IVF

In current practice, the reasons that a patient may undergo IVF have expanded significantly.  In addition to tubal factor, IVF is also performed for the following reasons: male factor (low amount or quality sperm), unexplained infertility, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), egg donation, endometriosis, gestational surrogacy, family balancing (gender selection), recurrent pregnancy loss, genetic issues (PGD), fertility preservation and more.

Approximately 200,000 cycles of IVF are performed per year in the United States, resulting in the birth of nearly 70,000 babies. To date, approximately 5 million babies worldwide have been born through IVF.

IVF at Los Angeles Reproductive Center

At the Los Angeles Reproductive Center, Drs. Nurit Winkler and Marc Kalan approach IVF in a holistic, customized, elegant manner designed to optimize treatment success while minimizing the emotional, temporal and financial burden on patients. Of course, the technical and scientific aspects of IVF at LARC form the foundation of everything we do. Our fertility specialists provide treatment for patients in Los Angeles, Encino, Calabasas and Sherman Oaks.

Some of the things that make IVF different at Los Angeles Reproductive Center include:

Individualized care – We do not use a “one size fits all” approach.  At LARC we firmly believe that there is a best way to stimulate each individual patient.  Since no two patients are the same, no two IVF protocols are the same.  We monitor our patients closely throughout their cycles and preparation for IVF, always adjusting and fine tuning the details to get the greatest results possible

Education – At LARC, great effort is put forth to help patients understand the complex intricacies of modern fertility medicine in a simple, straightforward manner.  From our initial consultations, which include a review of basic reproductive physiology, to clear explanations of the techniques such as ICSI and PGD, patients are happier and more likely to be successful when they understand the process in which they are participating.

Communication – A successful IVF cycle requires clear and open communication between the patient and clinic.  With a multitude of details, such as medication dosages, appointment times, lab results, embryo updates and more, clear communication is critical.  With that in mind, patients are instructed on the varied ways in which they can reach the staff or doctors.  Email, pager phone calls and more are all used to keep all parties “in the loop.”

Another way we ensure clear communication is by anticipating our patients’ questions.  Through our vast experience in fertility medicine, we know where patients can become confused or when extra emphasis is required.  By answering questions before they arise, we minimize stress and optimize outcomes. We can also review IVF cost so that you and your family understand that important aspect of treatment.

IVF is wonderful tool that has helped millions of patients all over the world to form or expand their families. It can help hopeful parents grow their families when a number of conditions (such as PCOS and endometriosis) make conception difficult. At LARC, we are constantly refining and improving our approach to IVF in an effort to achieve ever higher rates of success.  In addition, we never looe site of the “human” aspect of our treatment, recognizing that our patients do better when compassion, warmth and respect are integrated into each step of the process.

If you have more questions about IVF or would like to speak to our doctors, contact us at (818) 946-8051. We look forward to speaking with you.