IVF — In vitro fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized by sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred directly into the uterus. It is the most effective assisted reproductive technology available and has been established since 1980. At Chelsea Fertility NYC, our physicians each bring more than 35 years of experience in IVF and fertility care, and have been deeply involved in the development and evolution of modern reproductive medicine.

A typical IVF cycle involves multiple steps over a two to three week period. Ovarian stimulation: injectable hormone medications stimulate the ovaries to grow multiple eggs, typically over 9–11 days. Egg retrieval: eggs are collected from the ovaries in a brief procedure. Fertilization and embryo culture: eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab using conventional IVF or ICSI, and the resulting embryos are cultured for 2–5 days. Embryo transfer: one or more embryos are placed directly into the uterus in a procedure similar to IUI. In select cases, additional steps such as assisted hatching or embryo cryopreservation (freezing) may also be used. Read a full walkthrough on our IVF process page.

IVF may be recommended when other treatments such as IUI have not been successful, or immediately as a first step. Conditions that may indicate IVF include severe male factor infertility, advanced endometriosis, tubal obstruction, unexplained infertility, advanced age, poor ovarian reserve, and recurrent miscarriages. IVF is also commonly used by single parents and LGBTQ+ families pursuing parenthood. Speak with our physicians to find out if IVF is the right path for you.

An IVF cycle typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks from the start of stimulation medications to embryo transfer. This includes approximately 9–11 days of ovarian stimulation with monitoring visits, the egg retrieval procedure, and 2–5 days of embryo culture before transfer. If optional genetic testing (PGT-A) is performed, a frozen embryo transfer in a subsequent cycle may be recommended, extending the overall timeline.

IVF success rates depend on multiple factors including the age of the woman using her own eggs, the number and quality of embryos transferred, the genetic integrity of the embryos, and the overall health of the recipient. Our physicians follow ASRM, SART, CAP, NYS DOH, FDA, and ESHRE guidelines and will always provide a balanced and transparent assessment of prognosis with options and alternatives. We do not deny treatment based on likelihood of success. View our IVF success rates page for more detail.

IVF fertilizes eggs in a laboratory and transfers the resulting embryo directly into the uterus. IUI simply places sperm into the uterus with the hope that sperm will find and fertilize an egg naturally. IVF accomplishes all the steps that IUI hopes to accomplish and is a much more comprehensive treatment — it places the embryo directly in the uterus rather than relying on sperm to travel and fertilize on their own. An IUI failure does not make a patient a poorer candidate for IVF success.

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to initiate fertilization. It is considered the great equalizer for male factor infertility and is recommended to improve fertilization rates, especially when egg yield is lower. ICSI can use freshly ejaculated or frozen sperm — even men with very low or no sperm in their ejaculate may have children through ICSI once sperm is surgically retrieved. All IVF self-pay packages at Chelsea Fertility NYC include ICSI. ICSI is also required if embryo biopsy (PGT) is being performed.

The national range for IVF is $10,000–$20,000 per cycle. Chelsea Fertility NYC offers competitive self-pay pricing including ICSI: Natural Cycle IVF at $8,900, Minimal Stim IVF at $8,900, and Standard Stim IVF at $12,900, plus a $900 facility fee. Multi-cycle packages are also available. Our onsite laboratory and operating room eliminate additional admission fees that large hospital systems typically charge. Visit our pricing and financing page for the full breakdown, or speak with a financial counselor at your free consultation.

Absolutely. Chelsea Fertility NYC proudly provides inclusive, affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. This includes reciprocal IVF (co-IVF) for lesbian couples, donor sperm IVF, donor egg IVF, and gestational surrogacy coordination. Our practice has been consistently recognized by patients for creating a welcoming, respectful, and private environment for all. Read what our patients say on our reviews page.

Chelsea Fertility NYC is a private, boutique fertility center — not a large hospital system. You see the same physicians throughout your entire care, with immediate access to staff and flexible appointment scheduling. Our onsite laboratory and operating room eliminate additional facility fees. Dr. Gindoff and Dr. Hartog each bring more than 35 years of expertise and are members of ASRM, SART, Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and serve on faculty at major medical institutions. We offer an open-access policy — we do not deny patients based on prognosis. Learn more on our why Chelsea Fertility page and read patient stories on our testimonials page.