With the use of so many different acronyms in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), it is easy to become confused as to their meaning. Dr. Randy S. Morris, founder and medical director of IVF1, has compiled a simplistic reference for you to refer to and help ease confusion during your fertility treatment.

IVF vs. IUI vs. IVM

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is typically prescribed for women who have failed to achieve a pregnancy after undergoing a series of less complicated medical procedures, such as IUI. IVF is recommended in cases of:

• Advanced maternal age of a woman – typically, over 35 years of age
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Ovulation disorders – premature ovarian failure or uterine fibroids
• Lack of fallopian tubes due to surgical removal
• Genetic disorder
• Male factor infertility, including blockage, decreased sperm count or motility
• Unexplained infertility

The IVF procedure consists of 5 main steps:

• Stimulate the growth and development of multiple eggs within the ovaries using fertility drugs
• Removal of the eggs
• Fertilization of the eggs in vitro
• Embryo culture in vitro
• Transfer of the embryo into the uterus

IUIA typical Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) cycle – artificial insemination – involves the use of fertility medications to stimulate the growth of multiple egg follicles (Clomid) and induce ovulation (hCG). Medication (progesterone) is also administered to prepare the woman’s uterine lining for implantation of the fertilized egg.IUI is commonly prescribed as a first treatment option for unexplained fertility when timed intercourse has failed. Unexplained infertility is when a woman has been unable achieve pregnancy after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.IVMUnder the expertise of Dr. Randy S. Morris, IVF1 was the first fertility center in the United States to achieve pregnancy using In Vitro Maturation (IVFM). IVM is a varied protocol of the conventional IVF procedure.

• Step 1: Eggs are surgically retrieved when they are in an immature stage.
• Step 2: Eggs are matured in a petri dish placed in a laboratory incubator for one to two days.
• Step 3: When the eggs are mature, they are fertilized with sperm (partner’s or donor sperm) via Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
• Step 4: Resulting embryos are then cultured in a laboratory setting until they reach the blastocyst stage (5 to 6 days of development) before being transferred to the woman’s uterus via a catheter.

For over 20 years, Dr. Randy S. Morris – founder and Medical Director of IVF1 – has provided couples with cost-effective IVF treatment options resulting in successful pregnancy. All procedures are performed within the comfort and warmth of IVF1’s inviting patient rooms in the brand new Naperville Fertility Center.

Long distance patients can consult with Dr. Morris via a secured Online Video Consultation. Call IVF1 today for a consultation with Dr. Morris at 630.357.6540.