- 2601 Lake Dr, Ste 301, Raleigh, NC, United States, North Carolina
- info@carolinaconceptions.com
- (919) 782-5911
In vitro fertilization (IVF) comes to mind for most people when they think of fertility treatments, however, most of our patients are able to get pregnant without the need of an IVF cycle. For those ready to try IVF, we are here for you!
We have streamlined the IVF process with success rates equaling some of the best clinics in the country. Our decades of experience and our passion for helping you grow your family is what makes us an excellent choice of clinic for you to embark on this journey with!
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the most effective fertility treatment available today. It involves combining eggs and sperm in the lab to create embryos, which are then transferred into the uterus to try for pregnancy.
The success rate of an IVF cycle will be different from patient to patient based on factors like age – but at Carolina Conceptions Fertility, our success rates consistently exceed national averages.
During your consultation, your physician will consider your fertility goals, health, and other factors to determine the best care plan for you, and if IVF should be part of that plan.
IVF is often recommended for patients who have:
All of our patients will be walked through our IVF Class to help them understand the process, order medications, set appointment dates, and more! After your class, you’ll be informed and feel confident as you begin treatment.
For about two weeks, medications will stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. During this time, you’ll have ultrasounds and lab work so we can monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
A trigger shot will initiate ovulation, and make you ready for your egg retrieval procedure soon after. Egg retrieval is a quick outpatient procedure where eggs are extracted from your ovaries. This is done under light anesthesia (like the kind you get during wisdom tooth removal or a colonoscopy), and takes about 10 minutes!
In our lab, the eggs will be fertilized with sperm. There are two methods for fertilization, Conventional IVF and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). You and your doctor will discuss these options and help you choose the best option for you – however, ICSI is preferred by most of our patients.
The fertilized eggs will stay safe in our lab under close monitoring by our Embryology team. During this 5 day growth period, we will keep you updated on the progress of the embryos as they reach the Blastocyst stage. On day 5, the blastocysts will be prepared for a Fresh Transfer, or they will be stored for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) instead.
The healthiest embryo will be transferred directly into the uterus during a quick and painless procedure that uses a small catheter placed through the cervix.
While this waiting period can be stressful, remember that rest beyond your normal activities is not needed, and light movement is safe. We know waiting two weeks is easier said than done – we recommend advice given by Reproductive Psychologist, Dr. Ryan Blazei, in “Take Control Over Your Two Week Wait.”
About 10 days after transfer, we will perform a blood test to confirm whether the cycle was successful. Taking an at-home tests isn’t recommended before this, due to high chances of inaccurate results.
Hear all about the ins and outs, and ups and downs, of the IVF journey! Family Planning for All podcast host, Dr. Brian Levine, covers the medical, physical, and emotional sides of IVF in this open conversation with fertility specialists, Dr. Meaghan Bowling, Dr. Shefali Shastri, and Dr. Kate Devine.
If you have anxiety around needles, you are not alone. For many patients, the thought of daily injections can be the most daunting part of starting their fertility journey. At Carolina Conceptions, we are proud to offer a needle-free IVF option that eliminates the need for traditional needles and daily injections during the stimulation phase of your cycle.
This innovative and patient-centered method involves placing a small device on the abdomen that uses tubing to administer your medications, instead of them being delivered via subcutaneous needle. This catheter is flexible and minimally invasive, allowing for a simpler and softer approach to ovarian stimulation.
Needle-free IVF can be an excellent option for those who have needle anxiety, difficulties with injections, or simply just want a more comfortable option for their cycle. During your consultation, your physician will discuss whether this needle-free option is compatible with your specific treatment plan and goals. Whether you are pursuing IVF, egg freezing, or another stimulation-based protocol, we are committed to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Read our blog for more information about infertility, IVF and more.
