Small Advances Contribute to Higher IVF Success Rates

More and more couples facing fertility challenges are becoming parents thanks to significant advancements in reproductive technology at San Diego Fertility Center (SDFC). Drs. Hummel and Kettel estimate that SDFC’s current success rate is around 50 percent per cycle of treatment, a remarkable improvement compared to just 14 percent two decades ago.

One of the most impactful advancements has been the development of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in 1992. ICSI allows a single sperm to be directly injected into a single egg, making it possible for men with low or even zero sperm counts to father children. This breakthrough alone has dramatically improved fertility treatment success rates.

However, many smaller developments have also contributed to these improved outcomes. For example:

• The use of a soft catheter for embryo transfer, which reduces the risk of irritating the uterine lining during the procedure, increasing the chances of successful implantation.
• Ultrasound-guided embryo transfer, which adds precision and enhances the physician’s ability to place embryos in the optimal location within the uterus.
• Advances in cryopreservation (freezing) techniques for sperm and embryos, allowing for more efficient fertility treatment and giving women better chances to grow their families over time.

These seemingly minor innovations have had a significant impact on the overall success rates of fertility treatments, helping more couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

If you’re interested in learning more about these advancements or how San Diego Fertility Center can help you on your fertility journey, reach out to us today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.