A first-of-its-kind device used in fertility treatment, INVOCELL holds the eggs and sperm in your body for fertilization and incubation, allowing you to be more personally involved in the process.
When facing fertility challenges, some of the options most commonly offered to patients are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). INVOCELL was designed to give patients and couples another option on their fertility journey.
Here is how IVC with INVOCELL could fit among some of the options used in fertility treatment.
Lower Average Cost
In one study, IUI was reported to have an 8-10% rate of success, with success defined as pregnancy rates per cycle, including live births and ongoing pregnancies.
A clinical trial of IVC with INVOCELL resulted in about 25% success rate, which was defined as the number of live births per embryo transfer.
Higher Average Cost
In nationally reported data, IVF demonstrated up to 48% success rate, where success was defined as the rate of live births per cycle
Affordability
INVOCELL is typically less expensive,
saving patients up to 40% off the
traditional costs of IVF.
Convenience
An INVOCELL cycle requires
significantly fewer appointments than
traditional IVF.
Experience
The use of mild ovarian stimulation and using your own body as an incubator provides unique approach that allows you to be an even greater part of the process.
How IVC works with INVOCELL
One of the first things your doctor will do is prescribe medication to help your body produce eggs. Your doctor will retrieve the eggs from your ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure during which you will be sedated. Then, your eggs will be placed with sperm. This is where the INVOCELL culture device comes in.
Step 1
The eggs and sperm are placed in the culture device for fertilization and incubation.
Step 2
Your doctor will then place the culture device inside the retention device, and position them in your vagina. During this time, you should avoid any strenuous physical activity or any other activity that could change the temperature of the vagina, such as taking a bath or using a sauna. Ask your doctor what you can and can’t do while INVOCELL is in your body.
Step 3
After this incubation period, your doctor will remove the device from your body and examine the quality and quantity of the embryos that have developed.
Step 4
Your doctor and embryology team will work with you to decide which embryo will be transferred to your uterus. You can freeze any remaining embryos for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about INVOcell
Who is a candidate for INVOcell?
Many patients who qualify for traditional procedures are also candidates for INVOcell. It may be beneficial for patients with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or problems with ovulation such as PCOS. INVOcell is not for severe male factor infertility. Your MLF physician can perform an evaluation and determine your candidacy.
How long does a single INVOcell cycle take to complete?
A typical cycle can be completed in about three weeks, from the initial consultation to successful transfer of the embryos to the uterus. If embryos need to be frozen as described above, the frozen embryo transfer is performed about 2.5 to 3 weeks after the start of the next menses. However, it is important to remember that with all IVF treatments, more than one cycle may be needed before a successful pregnancy is achieved.
Can a same sex couple both participate in an INVOcell cycle?
Yes, INVOcell allows both partners of a same-sex couple to carry a baby in separate phases of the pregnancy – from the fertilization of the egg and development of the embryo to the birth of the child. Same sex couples also have the option of reciprocal IVF with INVOcell.
How big is invocell?
The INVOCELL Intravaginal Culture (IVC) device is small enough to sit in your palm. It’s about 1.5 inches tall and just over 1 inch wide.
Is invocell uncomfortable when placed in my body?
It’s natural to be concerned about how it feels. However, you shouldn’t feel much discomfort. If you do, you should call your doctor right away.
Is there anything I can’t do while invocell is inside my body?
It’s important to be mindful of what you can and can’t do while INVOCELL is in your body. You should avoid strenuous physical activity or any activity that could change the temperature of your vagina—this includes taking a bath, douching, sexual intercourse, swimming, or exercising. And if you have any questions while INVOCELL is in your body, be sure to ask your doctor.
INVESTMENT
An INVOCELL cycle can be up to a 40% reduction in cost compared to traditional IVF
Learn More
Contact us for more information about INVOCELL at Main Line Fertility