In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Services

In vitro fertilization is highly effective at treating infertility in men and women with modern advancements. In fact, IVF was used in 99% of all ART procedures in 2015. PFCLA has contributed to the advancements and innovations of IVF since 1993, performing over 20,000 IVF procedures since inception.

Why Intended Parents Turn to IVF at PFCLA

What Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an advanced form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps infertile women and couples conceive. Through IVF, eggs are retrieved and then manually fertilized outside the body using a sperm sample from a woman’s partner or donor.

There are many ways to tailor the in vitro fertilization process for intended parents, from surrogacy and egg donation to mini IVF treatments for people searching for a lower-impact, less expensive approach to fertility. Let’s find out how you can build your family with PFCLA. 

The IVF Process at PFCLA

When you come to PFCLA, you'll receive a dedicated care coordinator that will work with your physician to oversee every aspect of your fertility journey. You’ll receive a personalized team of nurses you’ll see each time you visit, and your doctor will spend time getting to know you and your partner. Whatever you’re looking for, your team is here to help. 

There are many steps in the IVF cycle, which begins at the start of a patient’s menstrual period. Once it’s time for your IVF cycle, your fertility specialists and doctors will require pre-treatment tests, which may include blood tests, ultrasounds, and semen analysis. 

After the eggs are retrieved, our laboratory treats the eggs and fertilizes them with sperm to create embryos. If desired, the embryos are biopsied to determine the gender and test for chromosomal abnormalities. When the time is right for the transfer, an embryo is selected and implanted into the uterus of the patient or surrogate to create a pregnancy. 

When To Use IVF as an Infertility Treatment

IVF has helped many couples with fertility issues successfully conceive since its introduction into mainstream medicine in the 1980s, creating life for nearly five million babies. Since 1991, we’ve played a part in delivering 13,500 babies to parents all over the world through IVF.  

Good candidates for IVF include, but are not limited to: 

However, understand that IVF may not be as effective for: 

• Women over 37 years of age (it’s urgent you act quickly for IVF or fertility preservation)
• Women with trouble producing healthy eggs 
• Women with no interest in getting an outside donor

Additionally, those who are in same-sex relationships or are intended single parents can achieve their dream of building a family through IVF. 

Learn more about when IVF is most effective ➜

Understanding IVF Outcomes and Side Effects

Your nurses and doctors will cover the IVF outcomes and side effects you might expect during and after the procedure. When a woman is undergoing IVF treatment, the required fertility drugs can increase specific hormone levels, such as progesterone, to prepare the body for pregnancy. Just as when progesterone levels rise naturally during pregnancy, a patient’s increased progesterone levels during IVF may cause fatigue.

During treatments, your doctor and team of nurses will talk you through all of your concerns to get peace of mind. You can also ask for emotional support resources if needed -- we want you to feel prepared and comfortable during your IVF treatments.

Some helpful resources could be therapy for trauma-related events to previous pregnancies, talking to couples who have successfully undergone IVF, or joining a support group for couples going through the same process. If these are of interest to you or your partner, let your PFCLA team know.

Learn more about IVF risks and side effects ➜

Next Steps for Your IVF Journey

Building a family has never been more accessible and successful. If you’re coping with infertility blues or looking to start your family but don’t know how, you don’t have to wait any longer to take steps toward this dream. 

The fertility specialists at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your options. Contact us today to get started.