INVOcell®
INVOcell® allows fertilization and early embryo development to take place within your body. It offers a personal, intimate experience in creating a baby, shows impressive success rates, and makes advanced infertility treatment affordable.
With INVOcell®, Life Begins Within™
Intravaginal culture (IVC) is the process where your body acts as an incubator for fertilization. INVOcell® makes it happen! The first and only FDA-cleared medical device for IVC, INVOcell® holds the eggs and sperm in your body for fertilization and early embryo development. A safe, intimate way for you to be connected right from the very beginning. With INVOcell®, Life Begins Within.
How Does INVOcell® Work?
Using INVOcell® your body serves as a natural incubator providing the optimal temperature and secure environment for embryo growth.
Personalized Stimulation
The INVOcell® process starts with a medicated stimulation protocol designed by our clinicians just for you. At Bloom Fertility, we often prescribe a mild stimulation which is less stressful and more comfortable for you.
Retrieval and Incubation
Several days after starting stimulation your eggs will be mature and your doctor will do an egg retrieval. At Bloom, once the eggs are retrieved, they are evaluated, prepared, and injected with the sperm via the ICSI procedure. Then the inseminated eggs are placed within the inner chamber of the INVOcell® with media. The INVOcell® is inserted through the vagina into the space below your cervix and is kept in place with the retention device while your body acts as the natural incubator.
Transfer
When the incubation period is complete the device is removed. An embryo is selected and transferred to the womb for further development. If there are additional embryos, they can be cryopreserved.
INVOcell® Success Rates
If you’re considering treatment with IUI or IVF we encourage you to have a consultation at Bloom, we think you’ll see why INVOcell® is a valued treatment option. Based on clinical data and real market usage data, patient success rates are often equivalent with INVOcell as compared to conventional IVF. Consult your practitioner for further details
The Value of INVOcell®
The efficiencies created by INVOcell® make creating a family more accessible and more affordable for everyone.
Reduced Lab Procedures
With incubation taking place within your body there’s less need for lab equipment, monitoring, and documentation
Lower Drug Costs
With fewer medications for stimulation, you save money, give yourself fewer shots, and reduce medication side effects.
Save Time & Travel
With lower stimulation and a simplified process there are fewer visits to the doctor.
FAQs
Is INVOcell® Right for me?
Many women and couples choose INVOcell®. It may be for financial reasons, ethical considerations or for a desire to be personally involved. It’s a wonderful solution for same-sex couples who both want to be part of the fertility process.
What are the risks?
INVOcell® is a very safe infertility solution. In fact, it mitigate risks that occur in other treatments. Here’s a couple of examples:
Your eggs and sperm stay with you
You avoid environmental changes in the lab
Modest stimulation diminishes the chances of ovarian hyperstimulation, a common concern in infertility treatment
What do I do during incubation?
Be patient! Relax, take walks, live life. It’s recommended not to do any strenuous activities or anything that would change the temperature of your body –like a taking a hot bath or sauna. A few other don’ts include don’t swim, douche, have intercourse, insert objects or liquids into the vagina.
What does it feel like?
The INVOcell® is 1.5 inches long and about 1 inch wide. Most women experience little to no discomfort. They can feel that it’s there, but it’s not uncomfortable. If you feel uncomfortable or the device moves toward the opening of the vagina contact your doctor.