On July 25th, we celebrated two of the most powerful moments in modern reproductive medicine: World IVF Day and World Embryologist Day. These milestones honor not only the groundbreaking birth of Louise Brown—the first baby born via in vitro fertilization (IVF)—but also the unsung heroes behind the scenes: embryologists.
Their precise, expert work in the lab turns microscopic hope into real-life miracles every single day.
But now that the celebration has passed, what should you do if you’re considering IVF? Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey or exploring your options, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started—with the support of today’s most advanced science and compassionate care.
Step 1: Understand the Legacy—and the Progress—of IVF
“Louise Brown’s birth was a turning point,” says Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh, Medical Director of Fertility Institute of San Diego. “It redefined what was possible in reproductive medicine and gave hope to millions struggling with infertility.”
Since that historic day in 1978, IVF has evolved from a niche solution into a widely used family-building option for:
- Couples with infertility
- LGBTQ+ families
- Cancer survivors
- Single parents by choice
- Women preserving their fertility
With over 12 million IVF babies born worldwide, the journey from lab to life is now safer, smarter, and more successful than ever before.
Step 2: Know What IVF Involves
Here’s a snapshot of a typical IVF cycle:
- Ovarian Stimulation: Hormone therapy to produce multiple eggs
- Egg Retrieval: A minimally invasive procedure under ultrasound guidance
- Insemination: Embryologists combine eggs and sperm in the lab
- Embryo Culture & Testing: Embryos are nurtured and may undergo genetic testing (PGT)
- Embryo Transfer: A healthy embryo is transferred to the uterus
At every stage, embryologists play a critical role, using specialized tools like time-lapse imaging, the EmbryoScope ©, and AI to select the best embryos for transfer.
Step 3: Ask the Right Questions
Before starting, make sure to ask:
- What are my odds of success based on age and diagnosis?
- Should I consider genetic testing or fertility preservation?
- What is the clinic’s lab technology and success rate?
- Is there support for LGBTQ+ or single-parent families?
- How does the clinic care for my emotional and financial well-being?
Step 4: Prepare Mentally, Emotionally, and Financially
IVF is more than a medical procedure—it’s an emotional journey. Clinics like the Fertility Institute of San Diego offer full-spectrum support, including:
- Transparent financial counseling
- Emotional wellness resources
- Personalized care plans
- Inclusive treatment for all family types
“IVF success is about more than technology—it’s also about trust, empathy, and individualized care,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
Step 5: Take Action—Start with a Free Consultation
Your next step starts with a conversation.
Book a complimentary virtual consultation with Dr. Hosseinzadeh to:
- Review your personal and medical history
- Discuss fertility goals and options
- Learn about next steps and timelines
Why This Moment Matters
World IVF Day and Embryologist Day remind us that science, skill, and heart come together to create life-changing outcomes. The work continues beyond the celebration—and your journey can begin today.
“Behind every success story is a team that believes in your dream—and embryologists are the silent architects of that miracle,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
FAQs: IVF After World IVF Day
Don’t Wait for Another IVF Day to Start Your Story
World IVF Day may be behind us—but your path forward begins now.
- 💬 Talk with a specialist
- 🧬 Understand your options
- 🌱 Begin building the family you’ve been dreaming of
