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Patient Evaluation

The procedures described below are included in the Center's services. Prerequisites are an initial interview, semen analysis, sperm penetration assay or other tests that may be appropriate for certain patients. Procedures listed are only part of an overall program of evaluation and treatment of infertility. As a result, there are specific criteria, prerequisites, and policies regarding each of these procedures.

• Ovulation Induction is indicated for treatment of infertility in women who do not ovulate spontaneously and for those with long term infertility. This technique utilizes oral and/or injectable ovulation induction agents. Ultrasound and hormone studies are available during the treatment cycles when indicated.

• Artificial Insemination is principally indicated when the husband does not have effective sperm, is afflicted with an inheritable disease, or when his wife's cervical mucus neutralizes his sperm. This technique is also employed when treating unexplained infertility. This technique involves placement of sperm (either husband's sperm, donor's sperm or a mixture of husband's and donor's sperm) within the wife's reproductive tract. Intrauterine insemination is the most common form of artificial insemination. Intracervical insemination is used most commonly when there is an increased number of white blood cells in the sperm sample.

• Gamete Intrafallopian Tube Transfer (GIFT) is a procedure that involves stimulating multiple egg development, obtaining the eggs, and then, under laparoscopic guidance, placing them directly into the fallopian tubes along with the husband's sperm. Originally advanced for treatment of unexplained infertility, it is also potentially useful in treating infertility due to hostile sperm-cervical mucus interaction and/or endometriosis. The woman must have at least one normal fallopian tube in order to undergo GIFT. This procedure is less commonly used today because of the superior efficacy of IVF.

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) was originally developed for couples who were infertile because the woman's fallopian tubes were absent or diseased. Collection of the eggs is accomplished using a transvaginal ultrasound guided procedure under IV sedation. Currently, most patients undergoing IVF have their eggs recovered in this manner. The eggs are then incubated in a laboratory with the husband's sperm. A few of the embryos that result are transferred to the woman's uterus three days later. IVF differs from GIFT in that the sperm and eggs incubate in a special laboratory rather than in the fallopian tubes. The laboratory setting documents fertilization and embryo formation.

• ZIFT is a combination of the procedures of IVF and GIFT wherein eggs are fertilized in the laboratory (IVF) and the resulting embryos are transferred to the fallopian tubes. ZIFT may be used in women who are expected to have a very difficult embryo transfer.

We offer embryo freezing with IVF, GIFT, or ZIFT procedures; donor eggs and donor sperm are available if indicated.

To determine which of these procedures might be appropriate for you, please schedule an appointment with the Center by calling 801-581-4837. Please send the enclosed Release of Information form to your physician to have your medical records sent to us. If your physician is on the faculty here at the University, we will obtain the records for you.

Medical records on both husband and wife should be in our office prior to your appointment for an interview. During your appointment, your medical records will be reviewed, answers will be provided, and you will be advised on the optimal course of treatment