IVF is a fertility treatment where the oocyte is fertilized outside the body, and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus. Depending on your unique situation, IVF can be done with or without ovarian stimulation. When ovarian stimulation is used, the goal is to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple oocytes instead of just one. This increases the chances of successful fertilization and embryo transfer.

The process starts with a consultation with one of our fertility specialists. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your medical and fertility history, your family goals, and explore all possible treatment options. Your specialist will explain the IVF process in detail, answer your questions, and help determine whether IVF is the right path for you. Together, you’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

If IVF is recommended, ovarian stimulation will begin. You’ll receive medication designed to gently stimulate your ovaries to develop several mature follicles, each containing an oocyte. Throughout this phase, your doctor will closely monitor your progress with regular ultrasounds and blood tests to track hormone levels and follicle growth.

Once the follicles reach the right size, the oocytes are collected during a minor surgical procedure called “oocyte retrieval” in the operating theatre of the clinic selected by your doctor (Grangettes, La Plaine or Général Beaulieu). For your comfort, this is usually done under mild general anaesthesia, but local anaesthesia or sedation can also be arranged based on your preference. Using ultrasound guidance, a needle is carefully inserted to retrieve the oocytes from the follicles. The procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

The collected fluid during the oocyte retrieval are then transported in incubators to our laboratory while strictly respecting the transport conditions required to preserve them (particularly temperature). And are then analysed in our laboratory, where the oocytes are prepared for fertilization. On the same day, your partner will provide a sperm sample to be used for fertilizing the oocytes. If needed, previously frozen sperm (for example, from a testicular biopsy) can also be used.

OVARIAN STIMULATION

IVF relies on two main approaches:

IVF with ovarian stimulation: In most cases, hormonal medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature oocytes. This hormonal treatment regulates the menstrual cycle and promotes oocyte maturation. Once ready, the oocytes are collected via aspiration and fertilized in the laboratory using sperm from the partner or a donor. The resulting embryos are then either transferred to the woman’s uterus or frozen for future use. Ovarian stimulation is recommended when a woman does not ovulate naturally or to increase the chances of successful fertilization. It also helps maximize the number of embryos available for transfer or preservation.
IVF without ovarian stimulation (natural IVF): In certain cases, IVF can be performed without hormonal stimulation, known as natural IVF. Here, the woman ovulates naturally without hormonal intervention. This approach is often chosen when ovarian stimulation is contraindicated. The oocytes collected are processed similarly to those in stimulated IVF.

FERTILIZATION

To fertilize the oocytes obtained after puncture, two main methods are used:

Conventional IVF: This involves placing oocytes and sperm together in the same culture medium, allowing natural fertilization to occur. This method is typically used when sperm quality is sufficient for fertilization without additional assistance
IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): In this technique, a single sperm is directly injected into an oocyte under a microscope. ICSI is especially recommended when male fertility issues are present, such as low sperm count or poor motility.

Our IVF specialists tailor the procedure to each couple’s specific needs, optimizing success rates through advanced techniques and personalized care.

PRÉPARATION DU SPERME POUR LA FIV

To enhance the chances of IVF success, we offer ZyMot microfluidic technology for sperm preparation as an alternative to the conventional gradient/centrifugation method. This innovative technique effectively reduces sperm DNA fragmentation, a critical factor in fertilization outcomes. By isolating the most motile sperm with normal morphology, ZyMot improves embryo quality and maximizes the likelihood of successful treatment.

ZyMot mimics the natural sperm selection process that occurs in the cervix, selecting the most mobile sperm with optimal morphology. This reduces chromosomal abnormalities and enhances embryo viability, leading to higher-quality embryos and improved implantation rates.

Please note that the use of ZyMot incurs an additional cost. While this advanced technology represents a valuable investment to increase success rates, it is billed separately. For detailed pricing information, please refer to our rates page.

Numerous studies have demonstrated ZyMot’s effectiveness in sperm preparation for fertility treatments, confirming its positive impact on success rates.

1 Does microfluidic sperm sorting improve embryo development and euploidy rates in patients undergoing ICSI? Robles, Alex et al. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 116, Issue 3, e141
2Comparison of microfluid sperm sorting chip and density gradient methods for use in intrauterine insemination cycles Gode, Funda et al. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 112, Issue 5, 842 – 848.e1

AFTER FERTILIZATION

During embryonic development, embryos are carefully assessed for quality, survival potential, and likelihood of implantation. The most viable, highest-quality embryos are selected to maximize the chances of pregnancy. Selection is based on morphological criteria as well as advanced techniques such as embryonic biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).

Embryo transfer is a simple and painless procedure, usually performed without anaesthesia. The selected embryo(s) are placed into the uterus using an ultrasound-guided catheter. After the transfer, your specialist will provide guidance on any additional medications, such as hormonal support. Approximately two weeks after the transfer, a pregnancy test will be performed to determine the success of the IVF cycle.

In some cases—such as risk of ovarian hyperstimulation or by mutual decision—the embryo transfer may be postponed to a later cycle. In these situations, all good-quality embryos are frozen using vitrification for future use, a process known as a “freeze-all” cycle. Embryos are stored in special tanks filled with liquid nitrogen at -196°C.

WHEN TO CONSIDER IVF?

IVF is generally recommended for couples who have been trying to conceive naturally for an extended period without success. According to medical guidelines, IVF is considered in the following main situations:

Female infertility: When the woman experiences ovulation disorders (such as polycystic ovary syndrome), blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes, severe endometriosis, or other fertility-impacting conditions.
Male infertility: When the man has fertility issues such as low sperm count, reduced motility, or structural abnormalities. In these cases, IVF is often combined with ICSI to improve the chances of success.
Failure of previous treatments: If less invasive treatments like ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination have not been successful, IVF becomes a recommended option.
Advanced maternal age: IVF may be advised for older women, as oocyte quality declines with age, reducing the likelihood of natural conception.
Same-sex couples or single women: IVF enables these individuals to pursue parenthood, often using donor sperm if needed.

EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The IVF journey can be both emotionally and financially challenging. Before beginning treatment, it is important for partners to openly assess their emotional readiness and seek support as needed throughout the process. Financially, having a clear understanding of all associated costs—including medical fees, medications, and potential additional procedures—is essential for proper planning.

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IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (FIV)