In Vitro Fertilization

Many couples face problems achieving pregnancy naturally. About one in eight couples are unable to conceive after a year of trying.

For many who are unable to conceive naturally, having a child is still very much possible through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Learn more about how IVF at Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine in Omaha, NE, can help you grow your family...

What Is IVF?

IVF is an assisted reproductive technique in which eggs are retrieved from the ovarian follicles and then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. After a few days, the healthiest embryo or embryos are transferred to the uterus, where they can implant and grow, resulting in a successful pregnancy and live birth.

ivf

The Many Benefits of IVF

"We Are So Thankful."

Our family is beyond thankful for everything Heartland has done for us over the last 9 months. They have been such a blessing to us! Without them, we’d have likely given up on the dream of growing our family. We always felt heard, known, and always received the most thorough explanation of any and all treatments, lab work, and scans. We felt very involved every step of the way. The positivity that radiates in this office cannot be beat. We’re so glad that we’ve trusted Dr. Gustin and her team to steer us in the right direction. We are so thankful that God put people on this earth to be His hands and feet. We are forever grateful for Heartland Center for Reproduction!

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Contact Us for More Information

Since 2000, the team at Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, PC, has provided state-of-the-art care according to the highest medical standards. Stephanie L.F. Gustin, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist; Elizabeth Constance, MD, FACOG, and Elizabeth Weedin, DO, MS, are board-eligible reproductive endocrinologists. They, along with our IVF nurse practitioners and laboratory technologists, are committed to helping patients achieve their dream of parenthood.

If you're ready to meet with our team, please send us a message online today or call us in Omaha at:

(877) 831-3227

Who Is a Candidate for IVF?

Prior to undergoing in vitro fertilization, we will perform comprehensive testing to determine if fertility problems are present. For the female patient, blood tests are performed to check the health of the ovarian reserve, and an HSG (hysterosalpingography) X-ray test identifies any abnormalities of the fallopian tubes and uterus. In addition, we will have the male patient provide a semen sample for analysis to check the health of the sperm. After testing is complete, we may recommend IVF for patients with:

The IVF Process: Step-by-step

Baseline Ultrasound & Blood Test

When you begin your menstrual cycle, we will have you call our office so we can schedule your baseline ultrasound and blood test. The blood test will measure your hormone levels at the start of your IVF cycle; the ultrasound will check the ovaries and uterine lining. These baseline tests enable us to prescribe the appropriate type and amount of fertility medications, and help us see how you respond to these drugs as you proceed with treatment.

Ovarian Stimulation & Monitoring

Ovarian stimulation involves injections of fertility medications for eight to 12 days. The day that you start your fertility medication depends on factors that are unique to each patient. We will let you know when to start this phase of treatment. Once ovarian stimulation starts, we will have you come in for a blood test and ultrasound every other day so we can see how your ovaries and follicles are developing. Based on the results, we may adjust the dosage of your medication.

The Trigger Shot

When the follicles have matured, we will instruct you to inject the trigger shot of HCG. It is critical that patients inject the medication at the precise time indicated because it will induce ovulation about 34 hours later.

Egg Retrieval

We coordinate your egg retrieval appointment to coincide with ovulation. When you come in for this appointment, we will administer sedation so you feel calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. We will use an ultrasound probe to guide us in extracting the eggs with a very fine needle.

Fertilization

The eggs are given a brief maturation period in the laboratory, and then the partner or donor sperm is introduced. The fertilized eggs are cultured for a period of three to five days before the healthiest embryos are selected for transfer to the uterus.

Embryo Transfer

The number of embryos that are transferred depends on several factors, including the age and reproductive health of the patient. In most cases, between one and three embryos are transferred. The embryo transfer procedure is less invasive than the egg retrieval, with most patients comparing it to a pap smear. During the embryo transfer appointment, we will place a speculum in the vagina, and then insert a catheter through the cervix and into the uterus where the embryos are transferred for implantation.

Pregnancy Test

A blood pregnancy test will be taken 14 days after the egg retrieval appointment. This test measures the amount of HCG in the blood. If the test is positive, we will have the patient provide another blood sample in a couple of days to see if HCG levels continue to rise at a healthy level.

"I Cannot Imagine a Better Provider."

Dr. Constance is the best. From being knowledgeable to compassionate and everything in between, I cannot imagine a better provider. We are due with our miracle baby in April.

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Contact Us to Learn More about In Vitro Fertilization

We are here to answer your questions about in vitro fertilization. To discuss the cost, the ancillary treatments that we provide such as genetic testing or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or other aspects of IVF, send us a message online or call Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine in Omaha at:

(877) 831-3227

IVF Success Rates

The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) collects data on success rates for IVF. Here, we have posted IVF success rates from the organization's 2017 National Summary Report. This data is for the live birth of at least one infant among women who underwent one egg retrieval cycle using their own eggs for the following IVF cycle types:

Live Birth Rate after the First Transfer

Under 35:	40.5%
35 - 37:	31.6%
38 - 40:	21.5%
41 - 42:	11.2%
Over 42:	4.0%

Live Birth Rate per Second or Later Transfer

Under 35:	45.9%
35 - 37:	42.8%
38 - 40:	38.5%
41 - 42:	34.7%
Over 42:	28.6%

Cumulative Outcome for Any Transfer

Under 35:	54.7%
35 - 37:	40.6%
38 - 40:	25.6%
41 - 42:	12.8%
Over 42:	4.4%

Techniques Performed with IVF

"The Staff Is on Your Side."

The nurses and doctors are wonderful to work with. Our IVF worked first try. We were lucky and had everyone there being hopeful without also having unrealistic expectations kept us hopeful and grounded. If you have to go here, you are already under quite a bit of stress. It's good to feel like the staff is on your side.

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