What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) which can allow hopeful parents, as well as those struggling with infertility, to have a child. Drs. Albrecht and Ambler and the Denver Fertility Care team work to keep success rates high and costs low for those patients looking to IVF for fertility solutions.

With IVF treatment, eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory and then transferred into the uterus. Dr. Bruce Albrecht and Dr. Dana Ambler both believe that IVF should be recommended for patients who have a particular fertility diagnosis, such as tubal factor infertility, or for patients that have exhausted other avenues of treatment. However, when necessary, we can provide first-rate IVF treatment at affordable prices at our Lone Tree office in Englewood,CO.

The Process

Though it may sound intimidating, IVF is a time-tested proven means of conception for those looking to conceive. At Denver Fertility, we offer a comforting, assuring environment for our patients through each step of the IVF process.

Our state-of-the-art, fully accredited laboratory, equipped with the LifeAire Filtration System, and the RI Witness System, protect your embryos from environmental threats and safely identify eggs, sperm, and embryos through all stages.

Stage 1: Ovarian Hyperstimulation- The female patient takes injectable medications, usually for 8-12 days, preparing the body to develop multiple eggs. The goal is to produce several eggs at a similar stage of development. Patients will visit the office frequently during this process for blood testing and ultrasound monitoring to measure follicle growth and development.

Stage 2: Egg Retrieval- Eggs are collected from the patient’s ovaries in an outpatient surgical procedure and fertilized by sperm in our cutting-edge lab. We extract the eggs with a tiny needle through the vagina. We administer a light anesthesia to help with discomfort, however, this is not a painful process. Patients can return home the same day, and resume regular activities the next day. 

As with any medical procedure, some risk is involved. There are slight chances of complications, including vaginal hemorrhage from the puncture site, acute ovarian hemorrhage and postoperative pelvic infection.

Stage 3: Sperm Preparation- The male partner provides a semen sample by masturbation. The sperm sample is collected the same day as egg retrieval, and then washed to get the best quality of sperm for insemination. 

If the male partner has an abnormal semen analysis, fertilization is achieved through injecting a single sperm into each egg through a process called Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection, or ICSI. 

Stage 4: Co-Incubation- The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are grown in our lab for 5-7 days, where they undergo testing to identify chromosomal and genetic defects that may impede pregnancy success rates.

Stage 5: Embryo Transfer- The female patient takes endometrium-building hormones to prepare for transfer, and the embryo(s) is then transferred into the woman’s uterus with the potential for pregnancy.

Stage 6: Pregnancy.

Who Should Consider IVF:

Certain pre-existing conditions or diagnosis increase the likelihood for utilizing IVF to get pregnant. If you, or your partner, have the following conditions, consider scheduling with our team to discuss your IVF potential.

• Fallopian Tube Disease
• Endometriosis
• Male Factor Infertility
• Multifactor or Unexplained Infertility
• Advanced Reproductive Age
• Diminished Ovarian Reserve
• Premature Ovarian Failure
• Mullerian Anomalies
• Medical Diseases
• Genetic Disorders
• Previous Infertility Treatment Failures
• Social Oocyte Cryopreservation

What Does It Cost?

Unfortunately, Denver, Colorado has been one of the most expensive cities for fertility treatment in the world. Denver Fertility strives to make In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) more affordable with the goal to help more people achieve the family that they so desperately desire. Our efforts to drive down the cost of IVF allow our patients to save thousands of dollars and have “top of the line” IVF care in a state-of-the-art lab. Most importantly, we have achieved the goal of making IVF more cost effective without compromising on our patients’ success.

The IVF team or billing office is happy to personally give you generalized pricing information. We will work with your insurance to determine what services, if any, are covered prior to any procedures.

Once IVF staff receive your customized treatment plan, they will help give you a more precise fee schedule based on your individual needs.

We are an affordable, personalized, high-quality fertility care choice.

Please visit our Financial Education page for further information regarding financing, as well as information on cash-pay discounts.

How Successful Is It?

Since the inception of our state-of-the-art Denver Fertility embryology laboratory, our team has paved the way to successful pregnancies for so many couples! The Denver Fertility laboratory has been incredibly fortunate to see all our hard work pay off. Since opening in October of 2018, we have achieved success rates well above the national average. To ensure the highest results, our team methodically designed the lab to be the most optimal environment for your embryos.

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What is Mini IVF? 

Mini-IVF has become an extremely interesting topic in the world of infertility and IVF.  Mini-IVF stands for minimal stimulation-in vitro fertilization protocol. This offers an alternative to conventional IVF. There are some women with diminished ovarian reserve that do not respond well to IVF medications, do not produce a large number of high-quality eggs, and do not have a great chance of success with conventional IVF. In the past, these patients have been told that donated eggs are their only chance to conceive a pregnancy. We now know that this is not exactly true. Mini-IVF may be another option for this particular group of patients.