What is INVOcell?

Intravaginal Culture (IVC) is a type of assisted reproduction technology where mature eggs are harvested and combined with sperm in a small, secure chamber. The chamber device is then placed in the patient's vaginal cavity for a short incubation period as early embryo development occurs.

INVOcell treatment begins similarly to traditional IVF, but with milder ovarian stimulation and occasional monitoring and bloodwork. Eggs are then harvested at their optimal maturity during a non-invasive procedure called an egg retrieval. Once the egg retrieval is complete, the egg and sperm are placed inside the Invocell. 

The INVOcell is then situated inside the patient's vagina where it will stay for the next 72 hours as fertilization occurs. Upon removal of the device, all available embryos will be extracted and evaluated by embryologists. At that point, the embryo(s) can be frozen, tested or transferred back into the patient.

There are many reasons you might choose to move forward with INVOcell: financial or professional situations, beliefs or religious reasons, or simply due to a personal, emotional choice about how you’d like to build your family.

INVOcell is indicated for patients who are looking for greater average success rates than intrauterine inseminations (IUI), but for a variety of reasons, do not wish to move forward with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Additionally, this is a great option for same-sex female couples who both want to be involved in the carrying process.

The risks involved in using IVC with INVOcell are minimal and actually diminished by the use of this device and the procedure itself. For instance, because it often involves a more mild stimulation than traditional IVF, the likelihood of experiencing ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS) decreases.

Going through IVC with INVOcell will require the use of specific medications in order to stimulate egg growth within the ovary, however, it is a milder set than those used in traditional IVF. 

There will also be a "trigger shot" to induce ovulation prior to the egg retrieval in order to allow the removal of the eggs from the follicles. Additional medication will be at the discretion of your physician and personalized care plan.

While the incubation period only takes 72 hours, the entire IVC process can take 2-3 weeks. This does not include diagnostic testing prior to treatment, embryo freezing, or pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-A).