Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Dr. Ghadir has become a leader in in-vitro fertilization, as our specialists have performed thousands of successful procedures. Our IVF clinic has become highly recognized for our high success rates in in-vitro fertilization procedures.
What is IVF?
In-vitro fertilization offers a controlled environment that gives an egg an enhanced opportunity for fertilization. In a laboratory dish, the egg is combined with the sperm, as well as a culture solution that provides necessary nutrients to support fertilization. This solution also helps to support the development of the egg. Over a three-day period, the fertilization process is monitored microscopically while successfully fertilized eggs develop into embryos. From there, our embryologists will establish which embryos will be selected for transfer, cryopreservation, or additional culturing and development. This is determined by delicately examining the quality of the embryos
History of IVF?
The world was first introduced to IVF over thirty years ago. Louise Brown, who was the first “test tube baby”, was conceived via IVF in 1978. This first IVF procedure was accomplished by a team in London.
In Vitro Fertilization vs. Surgery for Tubal Infertility
Dr. Ghadir’s team has pioneered remarkable advancements for in vitro fertilization, along with surgical infertility treatments. When determining which treatment would be best, it is important to consider several factors such as maternal age, operative risks, expected pregnancy rates, and recovery time.
Accurate Diagnosis of Tubal Infertility
Determining the exact tubal problem, or the degree of tubal damage a patient may have, is critical in establishing which treatment plan would be best. Dr. Ghadir and his team use the most advanced diagnostic techniques, such as HSG, to evaluate tubal infertility. Our team knows how vital it is to start with an accurate diagnosis. After your diagnosis, our fertility team will determine a complete and customized treatment plan based on your specialist’s diagnostic findings.
Advantages of IVF:
- Considerably higher pregnancy rates monthly (also known as fecundability)
- The potential for additional embryos which can be cryopreserved for future pregnancy attempts
- Reduced operative risk, less invasive, shorter recovery period
Benefits of Surgery:
- Potential for multiple future pregnancies without the need to utilize IVF
- Reduces the risks inherent to IVF including multiple pregnancies and hyper-stimulation.
- If a patient has had a tubal ligation (also known as having her tubes tied), microsurgical reversal could potentially be an option. However, it is important to note that tubal reversal is not a feasible option for everyone with a tubal ligation. In fact, it is not the answer for a majority of our patients who inquire about it. Rather, our specialists’ priority is to find the correct solution for your exact situation. Our team can help you choose a solution based on your personal needs.
Our specialists will analyze each option with you to help you determine which treatment plan would be the best option for you.
Step-by-Step Overview of the In-Vitro Fertilization Treatment
Dr Ghadir and his team have profound experience and extensive knowledge in every facet of IVF treatment. Our team is committed to providing every patient with the highest level of care available in the IVF field. We understand how important the option of IVF is when it comes to fertility treatment. Dr. Ghadir’s fertility center has been the solution for thousands struggling with infertility, with a high level of success. Our success rates continue grow due to the unprecedented knowledge and experience of our doctors, as well as our state-of-the-art IVF laboratory facilities. Our IVF patients go through a meticulously structured program at all of our locations. Here is what you can expect during your IVF process with Dr. Ghadir:
- Initial Consultation with your personal fertility specialist
Upon scheduling a consultation, you will meet your personal fertility specialist. Your specialist will take a comprehensive medical history from both yourself and your partner, and will answer all of the questions or concerns that you may have. Our priority is to ensure that each of our patients feels safe, secure, and confident during every step of the IVF process, as we recognize that IVF treatments can appear a bit overwhelming. You can schedule your IVF consultation by clicking here to contact us. - Clinical Coordinator Consultation
The next step is to meet with your clinical coordinator. This is a highly trained member of your personal fertility team who will supervise and manage your IVF plan. She will review the diagnostic findings, help you determine a treatment plan, and go over all details of the treatment plan with you. She will then arrange all necessary procedures, which will all be performed in office, and answer any questions you may have about IVF or your treatment plan. Your clinical coordinator will be there to assist you throughout the entirety of your IVF journey. - Financial Consultation
IVF treatment plans may require a large financial commitment for patients whose insurance does not cover IVF. It’s important to consult with your insurance company about IVF coverage. We want every patient to be well informed on their financial options and any possible alternatives. We want to ensure that you feel secure with the treatment costs before beginning your IVF journey. Dr. Ghadir offers a variety of flexible financing options to support everyone with their desire to begin building a family. Our fertility counselors will be more than happy to review all of the financing options that are available with you. - Pre-treatment Preparation for IVF
To ensure the best possible outcome from your IVF journey, our specialists will prepare by carefully analyzing the initial evaluations of both yourself and your partner. If applicable, we may prescribe a plan to reduce stress or other pre-treatment measures. We will perform any necessary lab tests, infectious disease screenings, uterine evaluations, or male fertility testing prior to treatment as well. - Start of Oral Contraceptive Suppression
Two to four weeks after you’ve received your diagnosis and testing has been completed, your physician will begin you on an oral contraceptive (birth control pill) in order to prepare your ovaries. This step is vital in the IVF process as it helps to suppress any unintended hormone production and reduces the formation of cysts before ovary stimulation. There is also an option to start IVF without oral contraceptives and this needs to be discussed with your doctor beforehand. - Controlled Ovary Hyperstimulation (COH)
Your fertility specialist will perform a baseline pelvic ultrasound to assess your uterus and ovaries during their resting state. Your physician will then prescribe oral fertility medications and injectable hormones, in order to achieve a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). The purpose of COH is to produce a few mature eggs. During this process, our specialists will carefully monitor you using ultrasounds and blood testing. While multiple pregnancy has occurred from COH, the risks are very low. - Monitoring Visits
Through a series of ultrasounds and blood tests, our team is able to precisely monitor hormone levels and egg development. Blood tests allow us to monitor how the hormonal function of the follicle is developing, while ultrasounds allow your physician to actually view the development in the follicle of the egg and surrounding cells. These details allow your IVF team to closely follow the development, growth, and maturity of the follicle. This is typically done within three to five office visits. - HCG Injection
Approximately 36 hours prior to the egg retrieval, your specialist will give you an hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injection or a Lupron trigger injection, which acts to stimulate ovulation and release the egg from the follicle. - Transvaginal Retrieval of Eggs; the IVF lab
Through the care of a certified anesthesiologist, who will administer an intravenous anesthetic, the process of retrieving the mature eggs is much more comfortable. Procedure risks are very low.
Your IVF specialists will perform the in vitro fertilization procedure after receiving a semen specimen from your partner or donor. -
IVF Lab Reports
Your IVF procedure is closely monitored by your team of specialists on a regular basis. They will conduct a review on the progress of your fertilization and the quality of the developing embryos. Your team will also consult with you about any decisions leading up to embryo transfer. -
Embryo or Blastocyst Transfer
Your fertility team will set a meeting with you where they will provide a presentation of your embryo development. This presentation will include photographs and all data for your records. You and your IVF team will determine the number of embryos or blastocysts that should be transferred in order to give you the highest chance of a successful pregnancy, as well as the lowest chance of high-order multiple births, such as triplets. Our specialist will always answer any and all questions or concerns you may have honestly and accurately, with care and compassion. -
Pregnancy Test #1
Ten days after the embryo/blastocyst transfer we will perform your first pregnancy test. During this period, your physician will prescribe progesterone supplements to help support the uterine lining. We understand that this stage of the IVF process can be a very emotional and overwhelming time. Your specialists will be there to support and comfort you every step of the way. - Pregnancy Test #2
After the first positive pregnancy test, a second test will be performed generally two to four days later. This ensures that your pregnancy is progressing. Two to three weeks after your positive pregnancy test, an ultrasound will be scheduled. Now you are on the path to parenthood!
Choosing the Best IVF Fertility Clinic
When you long to build a family yet find yourself struggling with infertility, one of the biggest decisions you can make is which clinic to go to for treatment. So how do you determine which IVF clinic will best suit your needs?
- Our Technologies:
Because starting with an accurate diagnosis is so critical, it’s important to find a fertility clinic with the latest, most advanced diagnostic capabilities. However, choosing an IVF clinic is more than a diagnosis, it’s important to know who comprises the facility and how it operates. - Our Doctors:
Dr. Ghadir and his team of fertility specialists are some of the most distinguished professionals you can find in the fertility industry. - The Team Approach:
Dr. Ghadir and his team believe in a team approach with all of the fertility treatments that we offer. We utilize the talents of numerous medical and allied health professionals in order to achieve the best outcomes possible. - Everything you need, in one location:
Our fertility process is streamlined. We combined our medical offices, state-of-the-art IVF labs, and a uniquely designed surgical center in one location for your convenience and offer the Santa Barbara location for those who need it.
Questions about IVF? Contact Us and Come In For Your Consultation!
If you have been wondering if IVF could be the right option for you, our fertility specialists would love to set up a consultation with you! IVF is a big decision, so trust the experts who truly care!