In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that combines an egg and sperm outside the body to form an embryo, which is then transferred to the uterus. Couples often explore fertility treatments after months of trying to conceive without success, or when medical conditions make conception difficult. Age, reproductive health history, and prior treatment outcomes can all influence when someone decides to look into IVF. Here are some frequently asked questions about in vitro fertilization:
What Are the Types of IVF?
Two common approaches to IVF are traditional external IVF and INVOcell IVF. In traditional external IVF, fertilization and early embryo development take place in a laboratory setting, where embryos are stored in an incubator and monitored. Eggs are retrieved, combined with sperm, and cultured in laboratory conditions for several days before an embryo is selected.
INVOcell IVF uses a different method for the fertilization and incubation stage. With this approach, eggs and sperm are placed inside a small device called the INVOcell, and that device is then positioned in the vaginal cavity. This allows fertilization and early embryo development to occur inside the body. After a set incubation period, the device is removed, and the resulting embryos are evaluated for transfer.
The primary difference between these two methods lies in where fertilization and early embryo development happen: traditional IVF relies on a laboratory incubator, while INVOcell uses the body as the incubation environment. Both approaches still involve egg retrieval, sperm collection, and embryo transfer, but the setting for incubation means they have different treatment processes.
Who Is an Appropriate Candidate?
A specialist typically assesses reproductive health, medical history, and specific fertility challenges before recommending any IVF method. Candidacy for INVOcell depends on several factors that a fertility specialist reviews during an evaluation. This method is often recommended for individuals or couples who prefer a treatment that keeps fertilization within the body. People with certain conditions may be better suited to traditional IVF, so an individualized consultation is necessary to find an appropriate treatment. This method may be appropriate for:
- Couples With Unexplained Infertility
- Individuals or Couples Using Donor Sperm
- Women With Fallopian Tube Blockage (or a Prior Tubal Ligation)
- Women With Normal to High Egg Counts
- Men With Mildly Decreased Motility
Do All Providers Offer INVOcell?
Not every fertility clinic offers INVOcell, so availability will vary from one provider to another. Some practices focus primarily on traditional laboratory-based IVF, while others include INVOcell among their treatment options. If you are interested in INVOcell IVF, it helps to research clinics in your area about the treatments they provide. Location, provider specialization, and clinic resources can all influence whether this option is accessible to you. Contacting a clinic in advance allows you to confirm availability and schedule a consultation that matches your needs.
Learn More About IVF Options
A consultation with a specialist gives you the chance to review your health history, ask questions, and learn which treatment approaches may fit your circumstances. Traditional external and INVOcell IVF each follow their own process for fertilization and incubation. Whether you’re just beginning to think about fertility treatments or you’re comparing methods, a specialist can outline the next steps. To get personalized information about your fertility, contact a fertility specialist near you.
