Building the family you’ve always dreamed of is a personal journey, one that you will cherish for a lifetime. Everyone’s needs are unique and depend on their experiences, circumstances, beliefs, and wishes.
Fertility treatment options are advancing to deliver more flexible, personalized solutions with exceptional success rates. The INVOCELL IVC System is one such evolution, offering individuals and couples an effective, economical, and deeply connected pathway to parenthood.
The FDA-cleared INVOCELL IVC System is the first of its kind, and you may not have heard or read about it before. Find out more about this revolutionary fertility treatment option below, and please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for individualized advice.
What is INVOCELL?
INVOCELL is a leading fertility treatment option and is the only FDA-approved intravaginal culture (IVC) system. The INVOCELL is a small, body-safe device that holds eggs and sperm inside your body during the fertilization and incubation periods. The embryo develops inside of – rather than outside of – the body, enabling you to be more intimately involved in the pregnancy process.
INVOCELL also represents a cost-conscious fertility solution. Research suggests that 1.4 million women in the United States could benefit from advanced fertility treatments. Barriers, many of which are financial, mean that as little as 130,000 of these women begin treatment.
How does INVOCELL work?
The IVC process using INVOCELL unfolds as follows:
First, you begin mild ovarian stimulation. You also start monitoring your cycles. Your doctor will schedule an appointment for egg retrieval at the optimal time. The egg retrieval is the most invasive part of the IVC process and is performed under moderate sedation. The procedure takes about five to ten minutes to complete.
Your eggs are placed into the INVOCELL Culture Device with sperm from your partner or a sperm donor. The device is then placed into your vaginal cavity, and fertilization and incubation begin.
When the incubation period is over, the device is removed from your body. Several embryos may have developed. One or two are carefully selected according to their likelihood of success and transferred into your uterus. Additional embryos can be frozen for future use.
The process typically takes three weeks from start to finish.
What are the benefits of INVOCELL?
For individuals and couples looking to conceive a child, the INVOCELL system offers several benefits. These include:
An intimate involvement in the pregnancy process
An affordable solution for those that may not be able to engage in traditional IVF due to price barriers
An excellent success rate, with birth rates through the INVOCELL system similar to those achieved with intrauterine insemination (IUI)
A more natural process with fewer medications
What is the success rate of INVOCELL fertility treatment?
Image via invocellclinic.com
In a clinical study, the success rate of the INVOCELL Culture Device is 32.4 percent for pregnancies and 23.8 percent for births. While this is lower than traditional IVF, it is higher than IUI.
What does the INVOCELL device look like? Is it uncomfortable?
Image via invocellclinic.com
INVOCELL comprises of two separate parts:
The culture device, which is about the size of a thumb at 1.5 inches tall, 1 inch wide, and small enough to be held in the palm of your hand
The retention device
The culture device contains the egg and sperm. The retention device holds the culture device in place – both are placed inside the vagina.
The culture device is made of medical-grade polystyrene and non-latex synthetic rubber with a flexible silicone O-ring. This material is not toxic to embryos. The retention device is more rigid and is also made of medical-grade polystyrene and silicone.
It’s only natural to have reservations about how the INVOCELL devices will feel inside your body. When inserted correctly, you should not experience any discomfort.
Do I have to make changes to my lifestyle while the INVOCELL devices are inside me?
Yes. To give your embryos the best possible chance of developing, you must be mindful of your lifestyle while the INVOCELL is inside of your body.
The IVC process is dependent on your vaginal environment. Avoid any activities that alter this environment, including strenuous physical activity, taking hot baths, swimming, and sexual intercourse.
If you have any questions about specific activities, be sure to ask your trusted fertility doctor for clarification.
Do I have to take medication with INVOCELL?
Yes. You will likely need to take medication during the INVOCELL process. In most cases, ovarian stimulation medication is very mild, resulting in fewer than ten follicles. In other cases, you will require hormonal injections – these will be much gentler than those used to achieve hyper-stimulation for traditional IVF.
Your trusted physician will tailor a treatment plan, including the amount and type of medications required, according to your unique circumstances and desired outcomes.
Can I minimize the chance of multiples with INVOCELL?
Yes. Your doctor can help you minimize the chance of conceiving twins through the INVOCELL system. Discuss your preferences with your fertility team before commencing the INVOCELL process.
Is INVOCELL safe?
Yes. INVOCELL is the first IVC device to be cleared by the FDA for use in the United States. However, your doctor will walk you through some essential safety precautions, including:
Whether or not you have hypersensitivity to medical-grade silicone or polystyrene
Whether or not you have a history of toxic shock syndrome or vaginitis
Your surgical history, particularly your history of pelvic surgery
Your ability to live with the devices inside your body for the required length of time
Schedule your consultation today
Building a family is an exciting, albeit daunting, process. We understand. Our team is here to answer your question, ease your concerns, and support you on your journey to parenthood and beyond.
If you would like to learn more about INVOCELL and the IVC process, please contact our fertility experts today to schedule your consultation. We are ready to provide personalized guidance and recommendations.