InVoCell

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InVoCell®

InVoCell ® is a lower-cost, less invasive IVF treatment that utilizes a patented medical device that enables egg fertilization and early embryo development to take place in a woman’s body. Eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and placed in the InVoCell system with sperm. InVoCell is then placed in the woman’s body to allow fertilization and incubation to occur, making the patient an even greater part of the process.

Because the InVoCell device was originally approved for a small number of eggs, and because it cannot be opened and re-sealed, it has become a method of offering IVF in a less expensive, less intrusive manner. In addition, some women like the idea of nurturing the eggs and embryos in their own bodies instead of the lab.

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.

 

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.

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.

If you feel the INVOCELL device move down toward the opening of your vagina, call your
doctor right away. He or she may instruct you to immediately clean your hands with soap and water and move the INVOCELL culture device and the retention device back, deeper into the vagina. You’ll need to visit your doctor’s office to make sure the device is properly placed.

To learn more about what to do if the INVOCELL device moves, please see the INVOCELL Patient Information.

With INVOCELL, your doctor can limit the possibility of multiples. She or he will discuss with you the number of embryos to be transferred to your uterus, and the possibility of freezing the remaining embryos for the future.

And remember— we will work with you to decide if INVOCELL is the right choice for your needs. You should talk to her or him about any concerns you may have and if using INVOCELL could lead to any risks for you. If you have any questions while using INVOCELL or after the device has been taken out of your body, reach out to your doctor right away.

It’s important to read the INVOCELL Patient Information and talk to your doctor to find out if INVOCELL is right for you.

A Closer Look at INVOCELL

The Best Candidates for Invocell

InVoCell is intended for patients who do not need intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or genetic testing.  Appropriate candidates use less ovarian stimulation meds and undergo less monitoring. Women with high BMI are not ideal candidates because they often need more drugs and monitoring.

Many women see InVoCell as an easier step between artificial insemination (IUI) and full IVF. The concept has also become popular with lesbian couples as it allows both women to participate in the creation of embryos.

Expected success rates may be a bit lower than conventional IVF since less eggs will be produced and pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) will not be performed. Still, for patients with infertility not due to significant male factor issues, InVoCell is an attractive less costly option.

To learn more, visit www.InVoCell.com.

HRC Doctors Offering InVoCell®

Get to know our Reproductive Endocrinologists offering Invocell