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Individualized IVF Protocols

NOVA IVF -  - Fertility Specialist

NOVA IVF

Fertility Specialists & Individualized IVF Protocols located in Mountain View, CA

Though in vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most successful treatments for couples with infertility, standard IVF doesn’t always work. That's why Richard Schmidt, MD, FACOG, and Meera Shah, MD, FACOG, at NOVA IVF implement individualized IVF protocols, using different combinations of fertility medications that are often successful where other clinics, who rely solely on standard IVF, fail. If you have questions about IVF or individualized IVF treatment, call the office in Mountain View, California, or book an appointment online.

Individualized IVF Protocols Q & A

When might I need an individualized IVF protocol?

Your doctor at NOVA IVF may recommend an individualized IVF protocol after several courses of IVF have failed or when you have a low number of eggs, a condition called a low ovarian reserve. When deciding about the protocol that’s best for you, your doctor evaluates how you responded to previous IVF cycles. Then they perform a variety of diagnostic procedures, including:

  • Uterine evaluation
  • Endometrial receptivity assay
  • Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy
  • Reproductive immunology testing
  • Ovarian reserve tests

In many cases, answers are found using blood tests. However, an endometrial receptivity assay tests genetic issues using a small tissue sample from your uterus. Additionally, your provider performs one type of ovarian reserve test using transvaginal ultrasound to count the number of egg-containing follicles in your ovaries.

What is an individualized IVF protocol?

The team at NOVA IVF uses different types of medications at varying stages in your IVF cycle to trigger the production of extra eggs. In a standard IVF cycle, all women take hormones to stimulate their ovaries to produce multiple follicles. When the follicles reach a certain size, you take another hormonal medication to force the follicles to mature. Then the mature eggs are removed and fertilized in the lab.

While that IVF procedure sounds straightforward, it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. If you already have a low ovarian reserve or you go through several IVF cycles without becoming pregnant, your doctor at NOVA IVF may decide to pursue a different IVF protocol.

Individualized IVF protocols use different combinations of fertility medications. Your doctor adjusts the type of medication you receive and the dose you take in order to push your ovaries to produce more follicles and mature eggs.

What other options are considered following an individualized IVF protocol?

Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts and implementing an individualized IVF protocol, IVF still doesn’t work. There are many possible reasons why it may be time to stop trying IVF, but if that day comes, you don’t have to give up. With the support of your NOVA IVF team, you can explore other options, such as a surrogate or donor eggs, donor sperm or donor embryos (or embryo adoption). 

You receive comprehensive and compassionate care at NOVA IVF, including an IVF protocol individualized to your specific needs. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature.