Accomodations for visitors are nearby, safe, and inexpensive. A list of terms that might be unfamiliar to you is included in the glossary. A higher success rate with IVF-ET depends on use of medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce more than a single oocyte. The response of the ovary to these medications varies. Therefore, the number of oocytes obtained at follicle aspiration varies and often is difficult to predict.
Attempt is made to collect as many oocytes as possible at time of follicular aspiration.
A major test for oocyte quality is its capacity to be fertilized. Since the quality of the oocyte may be difficult to determine before fertilization, sperm is placed with all eggs. Therefore in summary, to increase success of IVF-ET the ovary is stimulated to produce more than one oocyte, all follicles possible are aspirated, and an attempt at fertilization is made on all oocytes. Oocytes are not frozen before fertilization because of the very poor chance of pregnancy after thawing. In some IVF-ET cycles, more than 4 normally developing embryos are available for transfer.