Intravaginal Culture: A Cost-Effective Form of IVF

Host Dawn Davenport, Executive Director of Creating a Family, the national infertility & adoption education and support nonprofit, interviews Dr. Kevin Doody, President of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART); board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility with the The Center for Assisted Reproduction (CARE Fertility); and Medical Director and on the Board of Directors for INVO Bioscience, which manufactures INVOcell.

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How does intravaginal culture (IVC) differ for the standard IVF process and standard IUI process?
When was this procedure developed?
Is this an alternative to IVF or a different culture type with IVF?
Where does fertilization and very early embryo development take place in a naturally conceived pregnancy?
Is the environment of the vagina comparable to the environment of the fallopian tube?
How large is the device?
Where is it positioned in the vagina?
Is it comfortable? Does it feel like it is going to come out with a good cough or sneeze?
How long is it left in the vagina?
Is the woman on limited activity during this time?
Is it always accompanied by minimal stimulation or no stimulation? Why? Wouldn’t this mean fewer embryos?
How many embryos can be cultured in the IVC device?
How do embryos cultured using IVC differ from embryos cultured in the standard medium?
Does a woman still have to go through an egg retrieval?
I’ve read where it can be done in “appropriately trained physician’s office”. Does this mean that it can be done by a regular gynecologist?
Can embryos created with IVC be frozen for subsequent frozen embryo transfer?
What are the success rates with IVC compared to traditional IVF?
How much research has been done? How big are the studies?
Advantages of INVO Procedure.
Disadvantages of intravaginal culture.
We have heard a lot about the advantages of waiting to Day 5 to transfer embryos. How does IVC fit in with that?
We have heard a lot about the possible advantages of frozen embryo transfers over fresh to allow us to better catch the implantation window and to allow the woman’s body to normalize after the ovulation stimulation.
I assume that the traditional medium for embryo culture is sterile. While the vagina is not dirty, it also is not sterile. Is there a risk of infection?
Who is a prime candidate for IVC?
How to find a clinic that offers intravaginal culture or INVO Procedure utilizing the INVOcell™ device.