Effortless IVF is a relatively new and innovative fertility treatment that offers an alternative to traditional IVF. The procedure involves using a gentle suction technique to retrieve eggs, low-dose medication for ovarian stimulation, and an INVOcell device for fertilization and embryo development. The technique is less invasive, stressful, and cost-effective than traditional IVF. Dr. Kevin Doody Bedford may recommend Effortless IVF if you want a more natural and holistic fertility treatment option. Below are the differences between Effortless IVF and traditional IVF.
Hormonal stimulation
During hormonal stimulation, traditional IVF uses high doses of medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Dr. Doody administers these through daily injections over two to three weeks. This process can be physically demanding and emotionally stressful for some women, as it can cause bloating, mood swings, headaches, and hot flashes. On the other hand, Effortless IVF uses low doses of medications you take orally, reducing your risk of developing severe side effects. This approach stimulates your ovaries to produce fewer but higher quality eggs, increasing the chances of successful fertilization and implantation.
Egg retrieval
In traditional IVF, you undergo a surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration, which involves inserting a needle through your vaginal wall and into your ovaries to extract the mature eggs. Your doctor will conduct the under anesthesia. On the other hand, in Effortless IVF, the team performs a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ovum retrieval. Instead of a needle, they use a small catheter to suction the eggs directly from your ovaries. The recovery time is minimal, and you can resume daily activities the same day.
Fertilization
During fertilization in traditional IVF, the team combines the retrieved eggs and sperm in a laboratory dish to facilitate fertilization. After a few days, they will select one or more embryos and transfer them to your uterus. Your provider may recommend freezing the remaining embryos for future use. In contrast, during Effortless IVF, fertilization takes place inside your body using a small device called an INVOcell. The INVOcell device is a small plastic capsule containing retrieved eggs and sperm. Your doctor places the device inside your vagina, where it remains for up to five days. During this time, fertilization and early embryo development occur inside the INVOcell device. Using a thin catheter, the team removes the device and transfers the embryo to your uterus.
Embryo Transfer
In traditional IVF, embryo transfer typically occurs a few days after fertilization when the embryo has developed into a blastocyst. In contrast, Effortless IVF uses the INVOcell device to allow the fertilized egg to develop into an embryo inside your body, which takes five days. Therefore, embryo transfer occurs five days after fertilization in Effortless IVF.
Another difference is that in traditional IVF, your provider uses a catheter to carefully transfer the embryo from the laboratory dish to your uterus. In Effortless IVF, the embryo is already inside the INVOcell device, which they carefully insert into your uterus. This method allows for a more natural environment for the embryo, as it remains in the INVOcell device until it is ready for transfer. However, this method also requires your doctor to remove the device from your body after five days.
Call Dr. Doody or book an appointment online to determine if you are eligible for Effortless IVF.
