The Inefficiency of Human Reproduction

Many people are surprised to learn that human reproduction is a relatively inefficient process. In a healthy, fertile couple, the probability of fertilization in a given cycle may be as high as 70%. However, by the time of the first expected menstrual period after ovulation, approximately 60-70% of the early embryos have already failed to develop. It is felt that many of these lost embryos were abnormal and incapable of survival. The menstrual period may not have been delayed and the couple may not realize they lost an early pregnancy. The probability of a live birth in a healthy fertile couple is thought to be no higher that 30%. Many studies put the probability of pregnancy producing a live baby at 10-25%. The overall success rate of some institutions providing IVF services is in this range. However, age and type of infertility are some of the factors that most influence the probability of achieving pregnancy.

Nearly 1 out of 7 couples in the U.S. face infertility problems. Fertility tends to decrease as women get older and usually, in those over 35 years of age, the chances of getting pregnant decrease considerably; however, impressive technological and scientific advances in the area of assisted reproductive technologies offer more options to successfully treat infertile couples.

Infertility is a condition that may be related to either one of the partners or to both. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the source(s) of infertility before an appropriate treatment plan is outlined. It is important that infertile couples should not waste time in seeking adequate treatment and counseling.

The Infertility & IVF Center is an institution, accredited by the College of American Pathologists, committed to providing infertile couples with diagnosis and treatment services that range from basic infertility to the more complex techniques such as endoscopic surgery or delicate and precise procedures such as microsurgery or in vitro fertilization and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

We understand that couples seeking treatment for infertility do not have time to waste. Therefore, after a period of time required to evaluate previous medical records, schedule consultations or order further tests, if necessary, we start couples on their respective treatments as soon as they are ready to do so. This means there is no waiting list.