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IVF

A process of embryo development in a laboratory that can help many different types of families achieve fertility success.

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What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a treatment that involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them in a lab with sperm from either a partner or donor, and then growing the embryos for around 7 days.

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How IVF works

IVF is a multi-step process that is tailored at every turn to your unique needs. You’ll be supported by Dr. Kuo, nurses, and embryologists from start to finish.

You will be given hormonal medications for 7 to 11 days to stimulate ovaries to mature multiple eggs (instead of just one in a normal menstrual cycle) before eggs are retrieved. Some patients may also go on estrogen suppression or birth control pills before taking IVF medications. You’ll be monitored closely during this time with ultrasounds and blood tests to determine when your eggs are ready for egg retrieval. The retrieval cycle takes approximately 10 to 14 days total.

This is a simple procedure performed by Dr. Kuo that involves inserting a thin ultrasound-guided needle into your ovaries to retrieve eggs. You will be under monitored light anesthesia for the whole process which takes about 20-40 minutes. Typically the only side effects afterward are cramping, bloating, abdominal distention, and constipation. Most women need 1-2 days to recover after the egg retrieval.

You and Dr. Kuo will discuss whether you’ll be using fresh or frozen sperm. That sperm will then be “washed,” meaning the best-quality sperm will be isolated for fertilization.  The majority of our patients also opt to use Zymot, which helps us select higher quality, lower DNA-fragmented sperm.

The egg is fertilized with sperm in our lab. Sperm can be placed around each egg or a single sperm can be injected into each egg, a process called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, or ICSI.

The developing embryos are monitored for 7 days. Dr. Kuo will often recommend all viable embryos be cryopreserved for a frozen embryo transfer, which can take place soon after IVF is complete.

Before your embryo transfer, you will be given medications to optimize the uterus for implantation. Through careful monitoring, Dr. Kuo will determine when to transfer an embryo for the highest chance of success.

This procedure is quick and simple. Your chosen embryo is placed into the uterus with a tube that is inserted into the vaginal canal and through the cervix. Dr. Kuo may ask you to fill your bladder to help us use ultrasound on your abdomen to carefully guide the placement of the embryo. While you may experience minor discomfort, this procedure usually doesn’t require any anesthesia. If you wish, you can watch us perform the embryo transfer.

7 days after the transfer you will take a pregnancy test. If you are pregnant we will schedule a follow-up appointment. If your test doesn’t come back positive, we offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your outcome and next steps. We understand that it can be emotionally draining to go through IVF treatment and not become pregnant. We are committed to supporting you through every avenue available for achieving your goals.

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Is IVF right for me?

IVF can be a great option for many different types of patients, whether you’re experiencing fertility issues, part of an LGBTQ+ couple, or an individual seeking parenthood on your own.


IVF might be right if you’re experiencing or have been diagnosed with:


  • Tubal issues (including tube removal or sterilization)
  • Male infertility
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Genetic disorders
  • Unexplained infertility 
  • Some ovulation issues

IVF Success With IVF Fertility Center

100% of real fertility patients ranked Dr. John Kuo 10/10 on Fertility IQ.

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Paying for IVF

Though the cost of fertility care can vary, the good news is that you have options. We are committed to guiding you through your costs and financing options every step of the way. With IVF Fertility Center you will never be in the dark about cost.


While we are not directly in-network with any insurance companies, if you have out-of-network fertility coverage, our coordinators will contact your insurance company to verify the coverage and submit the cycles for the patient's reimbursement.

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You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

The first procedure involved in IVF is the egg retrieval. Because it is performed under monitored light anesthesia, the retrieval itself should be painless. After the retrieval you may experience a couple days of cramping, bloating, and abdominal distension. The second procedure is the transfer, which does not require anesthesia. The sensation is similar to a pap smear. You may experience some slight discomfort or cramping, but most patients consider it pain-free. Both are quick procedures.

Yes! During IVF your eggs are retrieved directly from your ovaries, so it is a good option for anyone with damaged, absent, or tied tubes.

The lifestyle changes we recommend while undergoing IVF are similar to what’s recommended for pregnancy. It’s important to keep to a nourishing diet and abstain from alcohol, nicotine, drugs, and marijuana. Gentle exercise and plenty of sleep also supports your health during this process. If you’re taking any medications or supplements, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

Our treatment is highly individualized and tailored to optimize your success.

  • You will be in a group chat with your doctor and IVF coordinator receiving frequent direct communication.
  • We check follicle stimulating hormone at every visit and adjust your stimulation in real time based on your levels. Most fertility clinics do not customize stimulation after the first day.
  • We see patients every two days at minimum, and every day toward the end of the cycle.
  • We monitor you closely to determine your optimal start time, and never start patients in batches. We adjust our schedule around your body, not the other way around.

We offer endometrial receptivity analysis to identify the optimal window of time for an embryo transfer. We do two biopsies on day 5 and day 6 to fully understand your implantation window, and in order to transfer, we have to match the estrogen and the lining to your ERA cycle before transferring. That’s usually not a criteria for other clinics, allowing us to achieve superior implantation rates.