Understanding the treatments available is one of the most important steps in your fertility journey. This guide provides a clear overview of the most common fertility treatments — what they involve, who they are typically recommended for, and what to expect from each process.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is the most widely used and extensively studied assisted reproductive technology available today. The process involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting, and transferring the resulting embryo to the uterus.
Who Is IVF Typically Recommended For?
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Male factor infertility
- Endometriosis
- Ovulation disorders
- Unexplained infertility
- Patients who have not had success with other treatments
- LGBTQ+ individuals and couples building a family
The IVF Process
- Ovarian Stimulation: Hormone medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Progress is monitored through ultrasounds and blood tests.
- Egg Retrieval: A minor procedure performed under sedation in which eggs are collected from the ovaries using ultrasound guidance.
- Fertilization: Retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory. In cases of male factor infertility, ICSI (see below) may be used.
- Embryo Development: Embryos develop in a controlled laboratory environment for 3 to 5 days.
- Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are placed into the uterus in a simple, generally painless procedure.
- Pregnancy Test: A blood test performed 10 to 14 days after the transfer confirms whether pregnancy has been achieved.
IVF Success Rates
Success rates vary based on age, diagnosis, and individual factors. For women under 35 using their own eggs, live birth rates per transfer are generally in the range of 40% to 70% depending on the clinic. When evaluating clinics, ask specifically about live birth rates rather than pregnancy rates, as these are a more meaningful measure of success.
→ Read our full IVF Cost Breakdown for Miami
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is a specialized fertilization technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. It is commonly used alongside IVF and is particularly effective in cases of male factor infertility.
When Is ICSI Recommended?
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility
- Abnormal sperm morphology
- Previous fertilization failure with conventional IVF
- Use of frozen or surgically retrieved sperm
- When preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is planned
Many clinics include ICSI as a standard part of their IVF cycles. It is worth confirming with your clinic whether ICSI is included in your quoted price or billed separately.
→ Learn more about male infertility diagnosis and treatment
Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
Egg freezing allows individuals to preserve their eggs for potential future use. The process involves the same ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval steps as IVF, after which eggs are flash-frozen using a technique called vitrification and stored until needed.
Who Typically Considers Egg Freezing?
- Those who wish to delay childbearing for personal or professional reasons
- Patients facing medical treatments that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy
- Individuals with a family history of early menopause
- LGBTQ+ individuals planning future family building
- Those who want to preserve eggs at a younger age when quality is typically higher
When you are ready to conceive, frozen eggs are thawed, fertilized, and transferred in a process similar to a standard IVF cycle.
→ Read our complete guide to egg freezing in Miami
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
PGT is a procedure that allows embryos to be tested for genetic abnormalities before transfer. It is used to improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage or genetic disease.
Types of PGT
- PGT-A (Aneuploidy Testing): Screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. Embryos with the correct number of chromosomes have higher implantation rates and a lower risk of miscarriage.
- PGT-M (Monogenic Testing): Tests for specific inherited genetic disorders when there is a known family history.
- PGT-SR (Structural Rearrangements): Tests for chromosomal rearrangements in parents that could affect embryo development.
Potential Benefits of PGT-A
- Higher implantation rates per transfer
- Reduced risk of miscarriage
- Ability to identify chromosomally normal embryos
- May reduce the number of IVF cycles needed overall
PGT is not recommended for everyone. A fertility specialist can help determine whether it is appropriate for your situation.
Fertility Testing & Diagnosis
Before recommending a treatment plan, fertility specialists conduct a range of diagnostic tests to understand the underlying causes of infertility. These tests provide the foundation for an effective, personalized approach to treatment.
Common Tests for Women
- Ovarian reserve testing (AMH, FSH, antral follicle count)
- Tubal evaluation (HSG or sonohysterogram)
- Uterine assessment (ultrasound or hysteroscopy)
- Hormone panel
- Genetic carrier screening
Common Tests for Men
- Semen analysis
- Hormone testing
- Genetic testing where indicated
Additional Treatment Options
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
A frozen embryo transfer involves transferring previously frozen embryos to the uterus in a separate cycle. This avoids the need to repeat the egg retrieval process and success rates are generally comparable to fresh transfers.
Donor Egg IVF
For patients who are unable to use their own eggs, donor egg IVF offers consistently high success rates. Donors are typically young, healthy individuals who have undergone thorough medical and genetic screening.
Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy involves transferring an embryo created from the intended parent’s or donor’s eggs and sperm into a gestational carrier who carries the pregnancy. This is a common pathway for same-sex male couples and individuals or couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy. Florida has well-established legal frameworks for surrogacy arrangements.
→ Learn more about surrogacy and LGBTQ+ family building in Miami
Fertility Preservation for Medical Reasons
Patients facing cancer treatment or other medical procedures that may affect fertility can pursue urgent fertility preservation. This typically involves egg or embryo freezing prior to treatment. Many oncology teams now coordinate directly with fertility specialists to accommodate timely preservation before treatment begins.
Finding the Right Treatment for You
No two fertility journeys are the same. The treatments outlined here represent the most common options available, but the right path depends on your specific diagnosis, age, medical history, and personal circumstances. A consultation with a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist is the best way to understand which treatments are most appropriate for your situation.
Before your consultation, it can be helpful to review the financial side of treatment so you can have an informed conversation about costs and coverage.
→ Financing Options for Fertility Treatment
→ Grants & Scholarships for Fertility Treatment
This page provides general educational information about fertility treatments. It is not medical advice. Treatment recommendations vary by individual. Please consult a qualified fertility specialist for guidance specific to your situation.