The Premier IVF Network physicians are dedicated to helping couples become pregnant through assisted reproductive techniques including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS), and Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnostic Screening (PGS). Premier IVF has Network Practices in Texas, Michigan, and Colorado.

1. PREMIER IVF: BECOMING
PREGNANT -- FOR SOME,
A DAUNTING TASK
By Premier IVF

2. Introduction
 The Premier IVF Network physicians are
dedicated to helping couples become pregnant
through assisted reproductive techniques
including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF),
intrauterine insemination (IUI), Comprehensive
Chromosomal Screening (CCS), and Pre-
implantation Genetic Diagnostic Screening
(PGS). Premier IVF has Network Practices in
Texas, Michigan, and Colorado.

3. Statistics
 Despite the seemingly straightforward process of
becoming pregnant, many couples experience
difficulty in achieving this goal. It is estimated that
15% of American couples experience infertility
issues. A successful pregnancy is actually the
result of many variables working in tandem. When
patients seek infertility treatment from a Premier
IVF Network Practice, one of the first steps is a
thorough work up and review of pertinent medical
history to determine why conventional methods
are not resulting in pregnancy. Approximately 40%
of fertility-challenged couples suffer from
unexplained diagnosis.

4. Contributions to Infertility
 A baby girl is born with about a million eggs in
her two ovaries, and males produce countless
trillions of sperm cells during their lives. When
a female reaches sexual maturity and begins
menstruating, her ovaries release a single
mature egg into the fallopian tube about
midway through the month-long menstrual
cycle. Pregnancy results when a mature egg is
fertilized by a sperm cell, attaches to the wall
of the woman’s uterus, and grows into an
embryo.

5. Fertilization Process
 Expert opinions vary on the amount of time an
egg has to unite with sperm after it is released
from 12 – 48 hours. Sperm cells are created in
a man’s testicles, and are stored until needed.
As many as 200 million sperm cells are
released in a single ejaculation, but only one is
necessary for fertilization. If conception is not
occurring naturally after one year of trying,
check with a Premier IVF Network Practice for
further diagnosis. For women age 39 and
older, seek professional help after six months
of unsuccessful trying.

6. Premier IVF Process
 A Premier IVF Network Physician’s first step, then,
is to determine if each of the variables involved is
functioning properly. For example, there may be
problems with the female’s eggs, her menstrual
cycle, or the uterine environment, as well as
hormonal and other more subtle issues. In
addition, there may be problems with the sperm
resulting from infectious diseases, hormonal
irregularities, or other causes, including genetic
disorders or lifestyle and environmental issues.
Anatomical issues may also be involved; for
example, there may be obstructions in a male’s
reproductive system that prevents sperm from
being discharged.

7. For More Information …
 A more thorough exploration of these and
other fertility issues is available at Premier
IVF’s website at www.premierivf.com..