Services

Infertility Evaluation, Diagnosis & Treatment - A detailed thorough evaluation of a patient and her partner for the causes of their infertility with recommendations for treatment. The most advanced technology is utilized at the University of Colorado.

IVF - The process of IVF involves 5 basic stages:

1. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation - the use of fertility drugs to create multiple oocytes (eggs).
2. Oocyte retrieval - a surgical procedure to remove oocytes (eggs) from the ovaries.
3. Fertilization of the oocytes by sperm
4. Embryo creation and growth.
5. Transfer of the embryos into the uterus.

See IVF Services for more information.

Assisted Hatching - involves the use of mechanical or chemical thinning of the zona pellucida (outer shell) of the embryo. It is believed this outer shell becomes thicker and hardened with the aging of the oocyte. Assisted hatching is performed before transferand may be beneficial for women > 38 yo for women with thicker zona pellucidas or for a couple with poor quality embryos. Assisted hatching may also be utilized for couples that have failed to achieve pregnancy after multiple IVF attempts.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) - A process to evaluate embryos for genetic disorders prior to implantation of the embryos in the uterus. The embryos are typically biopsied, a process in which 1-2 cells are removed at the 8 cell stage. These cells are then tested for specific genetic defects. The remaining portion of the embryo if free of disease is transferred tothe uterus typically on Day 5.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) - a procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into the oocyte (egg). ICSI may be used for male factor infertility, poor quality oocytes, or unexplained infertility.

Donor Oocyte - Some women for a variety of reasons may not be able to use their own oocytes (eggs) for the IVF process. In these cases, oocytes donated from another woman (typically less than 32 years old) may be an option.

Candidates for oocyte donation include:

• women with premature menopause or ovarian failure
• congenital absence of the ovaries from birth (ovarian agenesis or dysgenesis)
• previous chemotherapy
• carriers of genetic disorders
• inadequate response to fertility drugs
• poor oocyte quality
• advanced age

Donor Embryos - Some couples may choose to achieve pregnancy using embryos donated from other couples. The waiting process for donor embryos is often very long. We can refer you to agencies handling embryo donors.

Donor Sperm Insemination - The use of donor sperm to achieve pregnancy. Often used by single women or in married couples whose husband has no sperm, or who has a genetic disorder.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) - The process in which prepared sperm is deposited in the uterus. IUI is used to increase pregnancy rates.

Electroejaculation/Sperm Retrieval - Surgical procedures that can be used by some men to retrieve sperm when they have no sperm in their ejaculate.

Microsurgery/Reproductive Surgery - Surgical procedures utilized to increase fertility, decrease risk of miscarriage or correct congenital malformations or acquired diseases of the reproductive tract.

Ovulation Induction - The use of fertility drugs to produce oocytes (eggs) and induce ovulation. Commonly, clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins are utilized.

Blastocyst Embryo Cultures - The growth of embryo to the blastocyst stage, or usually day 5.

Single Embryo Transfer - The transfer of only one embryo typically at the blastocyst stage. This may be advisable for couples at risk of multiple birth.

Menopause Evaluation and Treatment - Evaluation of the patient for signs and symptoms of menopause or perimenopause. After evaluation, the physician will make recommendations for therapy. Options may include: medication such as hormone replacement therapy, alternative medicinal therapy, herbal therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, or observation. The decision of which therapy to use is based on the patient's individual needs and risk factors.

Endometriosis Diagnosis and Treatment - Evaluation and treatment of patients with endometriosis with medical or surgical therapy. We are involved in numerous research studies which are trying new therapies for woman who have not had good success with conventional medical therapy.

Fibroids: Surgical and Non-Surgical Management - Options available to women to treat fibroids are discussed with patients.

Child and Adolescent Gynecology - The evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with reproductive or menstrual disorders. These disorders may include premature puberty, delayed puberty, absence of menses, irregular menses, excessive hair growth or acne.

Treatment of Congenital Abnormalities of the Uterus & Vagina - Evaluation and treatment of patients in which the uterus and/or vagina did not develop normally.

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