Fertility Associates of Memphis

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Other Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Kutteh Ke Fertility Associates of Memphis, PLLC

Introduction
The Reproductive Endocrinologists at Kutteh Ke Fertility Associates of Memphis have helped thousands of couples start their families. The inability to conceive naturally, which affects 15 percent of couples, can result in intense feelings of anger, anxiety and frustration. Many couples overcome infertility with surgery or medications that correct ovulatory (egg releasing) problems. These therapies are not always successful and more specialized treatment may be required. These innovative therapies are collectively referred to as Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).

What are Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)?
Usually ART procedures begin with ovulation drugs, also known as "fertility drugs." These medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce several mature eggs rather than the single egg that is usually made. The eggs are produced in small cysts within the ovary called follicles. The follicles can then be aspirated by a minor surgical procedure through the vagina using an ultrasound-guided needle.
Once ovulation induction and egg retrieval are performed, the specific ART procedure (IVF, GIFT, ZIFT) is performed. The specific ART procedure that best suits a couple can depend on many factors.

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves collecting eggs and sperm from a couple and placing them together in a laboratory dish to fertilize outside the body, or in vitro. The fertilized eggs (embryos or blastocysts) are then transferred several days later into the womb or uterus. After embryo transfer (ET), implantation and embryo development occur just as in a normal pregnancy.

What is GIFT or ZIFT or TET?
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) is a variation of IVF. The eggs and sperm, or gametes, are transferred into the woman's fallopian tube for fertilization instead of in the laboratory as with IVF. The transfer of gametes into the tube requires an extra surgical procedure called a laparoscopy.
If embryos are transferred into the fallopian tube, the procedure is referred to as tubal embryo transfer (TET) or zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT).

What about Frozen Embryos?
When any ART procedure is done, there may be more embryos obtained than are normally transferred. Couples can then elect to have the extra embryos frozen or cryopreserved. Later, when another pregnancy is desired, these embryos can be thawed and transferred into the uterus without having to undergo ovulation stimulation and the surgical procedures necessary for IVF. If pregnancy does not occur, frozen embryos offer a couple another chance to conceive without undergoing another complete ART procedure.

What about Donor Eggs?
When a woman is not capable of producing eggs with ovulation drugs, the couple may elect to use donor eggs. The donor undergoes the first part of an IVF procedure, then the donor's eggs and the husband's sperm are placed in the laboratory dish for fertilization. The fertilized embryos are then placed into the uterus of the recipient.
Donors, such as a family member or friend, can be selected by the patient, or obtained anonymously. Donors are usually women who are 30 years old or younger, healthy and have experienced prior successful pregnancies.

Complications or Risks with ART
ART procedures carry certain risks. With ovarian stimulation of several eggs, the couple is at risk for multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.). The overall risk for multiple births is approximately 15-30% for couples who conceive. The vast majority of those multiple births will be twins. Ovulation induction also carries a slight risk of hyperstimulation syndrome where the ovaries become swollen and painful. In severe cases, hospitalization is required.

What Other Procedures are Available?
Blastocyst transfer is an effective means of treating patients who respond well to gonadotropins and develop good quality embryos. High pregnancy rates can be achieved with low numbers of embryos transferred in selected couples.
Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) allow the retrieval of sperm from some men with obstructive azoospermia (no sperm). One of the most common causes of azoospermia is congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. Genetic tests to rule out inherited abnormalities should be performed before undergoing MESA or PESA. Click here for additional information on male infertility.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can allow men with very few sperm to still fertilize their partner's eggs. A single egg is held with a pipette in the laboratory and a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg.
Assisted hatching is another form of micromanipulation that involves creating an opening in the outer covering of a developing embryo. The opening in the covering, or zona pellucida, helps growing embryos implant in the uterus. Assisted hatching may be especially helpful in older women.

What are the Success Rates of ART?
Click here for our current statistics. The specialists at Fertility Associates of Memphis have consistently outpaced national averages for success rates in all forms of ART procedures. Success rates vary widely at different clinics and can be somewhat confusing. Make sure you understand how the rates (or percentages) are calculated and make sure the rates are applicable to you. A comparison of success rates between different clinics may not be meaningful because patient medical characteristics and treatment approaches vary from clinic to clinic. Please discuss your individual prognosis with your provider before starting therapy.

What Does ART Cost?
Some ART procedures can be expensive and vary among IVF centers. Insurance coverage varies widely. You should consult with your specific plan to find out if coverage is offered. We will be happy to provide an estimated cost analysis of each procedure.

Who Do I Contact for ART?
Click here if you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have questions. You may receive information from one of our IVF Nurse Coordinators, Nurse Practitioners or Physicians.

About Our Staff
Fertility Associates of Memphis is composed of fertility specialists who have completed fellowship training, specializing in infertility. We have the only board-certified reproductive endocrinologists in Memphis who offer all types of ART. Learn more about our staff by clicking here.