In Vitro Fertilization

Our fertility specialists are the experts people turn to for help overcoming difficulties in achieving their family goals. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology option our fertility experts use to treat female factor, male factor, unexplained infertility, and a number of other infertility diagnoses. Our physicians may suggest IVF when less complex and less expensive methods of treatment have failed. However, in certain circumstances, such as advanced age or severe male factor, they may recommend IVF as first-line therapy.

During appointments leading up to the IVF procedure, you and your doctor will work together to develop a plan for optimal results. This may include ovulation-stimulating medications, male fertility medications, ovulation monitoring and other observations, all completed within our practice.

Our fertility specialists will take ultrasounds of the ovaries to determine the best time to retrieve, or harvest, the eggs from the ovaries. Retrieval is completed using ultrasound imaging while the patient is under anesthesia to avoid discomfort.

Within our onsite laboratory, one of our embryologists will combine the retrieved eggs with sperm which has previously been chosen and prepared. Successful fertilization odds can be increased using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a method in which our embryologists use special micromanipulation equipment to individually inject eggs with a single sperm cell. This technique allows for very specific selection sperm based on size, shape, and motility.

Once the eggs are fertilized, they are called embryos. As the cells of the embryos multiply, your fertility doctor may conduct tests to determine which embryos are best for transferring.

A number of variables will determine how many days you and your doctor will wait to transfer the embryos into the uterus. During the transfer, a catheter is sent through the cervix and into the uterus. Mild cramping may occur, so it may be necessary to wait a minute or two for the cramping to resolve. After this short wait, embryos are deposited in the cavity. A small amount of fluid is also deposited with the embryos. The embryos can be transferred without the use of anesthesia, which means the patient can leave after resting for about a half hour. A serum pregnancy test is usually performed 12-14 days following the transfer.

Make an appointment

Please call 210-450-9500 to make an appointment or to make a referral.

UT Health Fertility Center doctors are also faculty at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio School of Medicine. This allows us to remain one of the most cost efficient fertility practices in the area. Our staff is happy to answer questions about referrals, itemized diagnostic and treatment costs and billing options. The UT Health Fertility Center participates in a variety of insurance plans. For your convenience, we accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.