In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technique where sperm and eggs are combined outside the body, and the resulting embryo or embryos are transferred into a uterus (embryo transfer). Performed at a fertility clinic, IVF can help women conceive if they are having trouble doing so, often after completing other, less invasive fertility interventions. It can also be an option for those without fertility issues, including single women, same-sex couples, and those with certain medical conditions such as cancer.  

IVF can be performed using a woman’s own eggs and her partner’s sperm, or with donor eggs or donor sperm. Embryos from IVF, whether donor embryos or created from a woman’s own eggs and partner’s sperm, may be transferred to either the intended parent’s uterus or into a gestational carrier’s (colloquially referred to as a “surrogate”) uterus.  Sometimes the term “IVF” is used to refer to the process of freezing eggs (oocyte cryopreservation) even if fertilization and creation of embryos does not take place.

A dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure that is used to remove tissue from the uterus, and while it is performed for a variety of reasons including diagnostic purposes, it is typically used following a miscarriage or for elective termination of a pregnancy. An understanding of what to expect before, during, and after a D&C is beneficial for navigating this procedure, as well as to learn about potential risks and alternative treatments.

With regard to in vitro fertilization (IVF), potential success is highly dependent on being able to retrieve enough high-quality eggs that may subsequently go on to produce healthy embryos. Part of that process involves ovarian stimulation. In some cases, fertility doctors will suggest priming protocols. As patients seeking pregnancy review the various IVF protocols suggested, it is important to understand what priming protocol may be best for them. This includes knowing how these protocols can impact reproductive health, what the protocols are used for, what drugs will be required, and what the success rates are.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is the general term for genetic testing performed on embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) before the embryos are transferred to the uterus. The purpose of PGT is to improve the chances of having a successful embryo transfer.

Genetic testing does not impact or change the genetics of an embryo, but it does give doctors and prospective parents more information and may help them select the most viable embryos for transfer.  

There are three types of PGT: PGT for monogenic disorders (PGT-M), PGT for structural chromosomal rearrangements (PGT-SR), and PGT for aneuploidy (PGT-A). PGT-A is the most routine type performed and as such should be understood by prospective parents.