In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

What Is IVF?

In vitro fertilization, commonly referred to as IVF, is one of the most common and effective treatments for infertility. IVF is recommended for patients who cannot conceive due to severe male-factor issues, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, women with ovulation disorders, or unexplained infertility.

In simple terms, In Vitro Fertilization is the process of creating embryos outside of the body and transferring those embryos directly into the uterus for implantation and pregnancy. We service clients from Nashville, Atlanta, Cookville and Huntsville. We provide IVF at both our Chattanooga and Knoxville locations!

How It Works

At the Fertility Center, patients participate in IVF cycles, which are scheduled each month.

1. A woman’s ovaries are stimulated using a combination of medications, and when the timing is right, the eggs are surgically retrieved from her ovaries. Multiple eggs are retrieved from the ovaries because some eggs will not fertilize or develop after retrieval.The eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure. The fertility doctor will deliver a hollow needle into the ovaries and pull out the eggs individually. Medication is provided to help with the discomfort during the procedure.
2. A semen specimen is collected from the male partner, and this is sent to the lab along with the retrieved eggs.
3. Under a microscope, the embryologist evaluates both the eggs and sperm, selecting the highest quality of each and combining them to create embryos. This process is called insemination and individual sperm cells are injected into eggs to achieve fertilization.
4. These embryos are allowed to incubate in the lab for five to six days and are observed to determine quality. The eggs are monitored to confirm cell division and fertilization are taking place.
5. Based on the results of this evaluation, one or more of the highest quality embryos are transferred directly into the woman’s uterus. The fertility doctor will use a catheter (small tube) to transfer the embryos in a painless procedure. The remaining viable embryos may be frozen for use in later cycles.

Risks of IVF

As with any medical treatment, there are some risks associated with IVF. However, most patients complete treatment without difficulty. Risks include:

• multiple gestation
• ectopic pregnancy
• ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• premature birth

Cost of IVF

On average in America a basic IVF cycle costs around $15,000, which does not include the price of specialized fertility testing, fertility drugs, and hospital delivery. Sometimes your insurance may cover IVF, but it varies depending on the insurance company, state-specific legislation, and even the insured’s relationship status. We understand that IVF can get expensive, especially when you have to undergo multiple cycles. That’s why we’ve developed the IVF Refund Program. Doing In Vitro Fertilization with The Fertility Center IVF Refund Program costs $24,300 (using your own eggs).

The IVF Refund Program offers up to 3 stimulated IVF cycles, including all frozen embryo transfers remaining from the stimulated cycles until a live birth occurs. Services include all necessary procedures for a complete IVF cycle(s), starting with the baseline ultrasound and labs through the first pregnancy test, including, but not limited to, facility fees for retrieval(s) and transfer(s), ICSI, cryopreservation of embryos, and anesthesia.  If additional ultrasounds and labs are necessary during stimulation, no additional fees will be added.  Medications, diagnostic testing, and maternity services are not included in the package.

IVF Cost Comparison: Average Cycle Vs. Refund Program

A single IVF cycle and the Refund Program differ mainly in what’s included and how many attempts they cover.

Quick Take: A single average IVF cycle costs less upfront than the Refund Program, but doesn’t include multiple attempts or guarantee a live birth. The Refund Program bundles up to 3 cycles and all related frozen transfers into one flat fee, which is why many patients weighing more than one cycle compare the two side by side.

Checklist: What’s Included in the IVF Refund Program?

The Refund Program’s flat fee covers everything needed to move through up to three IVF cycles, from monitoring through embryo transfer, so patients aren’t billed separately for each step along the way.

• Baseline ultrasound and labs
• All monitoring during stimulation (no added fees for extra ultrasounds/labs)
• Egg retrieval facility fees
• Embryo transfer facility fees
• ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
• Cryopreservation of embryos
• Anesthesia
• Up to 3 stimulated cycles
• All frozen embryo transfers from those cycles, until live birth

Not included: medications, diagnostic testing, maternity services.

The Fertility Center offers IVF services for clients from Nashville, Atlanta, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and beyond! Our two offices are both in Chattanooga and Knoxville. If you’re curious about pursuing IVF, please read about our IVF refund program!

Contact us today to learn more about IVF!