Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), is a process where sperm is placed in the uterine cavity around the time an egg is expected to be released. The hope is that the sperm and egg meet. The egg is then fertilized and implants into the uterus for a successful pregnancy. The procedure can be performed in the office, takes about 10 minutes and does not require anesthesia! This process is sometimes referred to as artificial insemination.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process where the egg is fertilized outside the body, in an embryology lab. There are two parts to IVF.  The first part is ovarian stimulation where the ovary is encouraged to mature multiple eggs at the same time using injectable medications. These eggs are then retrieved in a minor procedure under anesthesia.  An embryologist will then use a partner’s sperm or donor sperm (your choice) to fertilize the eggs.  The fertilized eggs grow in the lab to become embryos. An embryo can then be placed in the uterus or frozen for future use.

Egg freezing is a process where eggs are frozen for future use. Using injectable medications, the ovary is encouraged to mature multiple eggs at the same time (as opposed to just one per month). When the eggs are fully mature, they can be retrieved through a. minor procedure under anesthesia. The eggs are then frozen for future use. 

People who are thinking about delaying family building for several years may consider egg freezing.  Also, people who may have a medical treatment that could damage the ovaries (chemotherapy or radiation) may consider egg freezing.