National IVF Day, observed every July 25th, marks the revolutionary birth of Louise Brown, the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 1978. Her arrival gave rise to a new frontier in reproductive medicine, offering hope to millions of hopeful parents navigating infertility.
Today, IVF treatment is not only a symbol of scientific advancement but of emotional resilience. “IVF is more than a medical procedure—it’s a profound personal journey of hope, courage, and transformation,” says Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh, founder and medical director of the Fertility Institute of San Diego.
How IVF Treatment Works
In vitro fertilization involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment. The embryo is then grown in the laboratory to a blastocyst level of development. It is then frozen with the intention to be transferred to the uterus, where implantation and pregnancy may occur.
The IVF process includes:
- Fertility testing and preparation to begin treatment
- Ovarian hormone stimulation
- Egg retrieval and sperm collection
- Fertilization and embryo development
- Embryo testing and cryopreservation
- Uterine hormone preparation
- Embryo transfer into the uterus
Each IVF journey is unique, tailored to individual medical histories, fertility goals, and timing preferences. At our San Diego fertility clinic, IVF is offered with the utmost personalization—where you’re seen by Dr. Hosseinzadeh at every visit.
Why IVF is Life-Changing
Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples in the U.S., often stemming from issues such as male infertility, ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis, or unexplained causes. For many, IVF treatment is the most effective pathway to building a family—especially for:
- LGBTQ+ couples pursuing egg donation and embryo transfer
- Cancer patients undergoing fertility preservation
- Women with diminished ovarian reserve
- Individuals with failed prior fertility treatments
“We’ve helped families achieve pregnancy after years of struggle—even in cases where patients were told they had no options left. That’s the power of modern IVF.” — Dr. Hosseinzadeh
Understanding Risk Factors and Complications
While generally safe, IVF does carry rare complications, such as:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Abdominal infection
- Emotional and financial stress
- Implantation failure or early miscarriage
Discussing your medical history with a fertility doctor can help minimize risks and improve success rates. Clinics like ours provide thorough counseling, from hormone stimulation protocols to the nuances of the ovulation cycle and embryo grading.
Who is IVF For?
IVF is a recommended fertility option for:
- Couples trying to conceive for 12+ months
- Women over 35 struggling to conceive for 6+ months
- Same-sex male couples seeking donor eggs and surrogacy
- Same-sex female couples who want to use one partner’s eggs and the other partner’s uterus
- Single individuals pursuing parenthood
- Individuals with 3 or more miscarriages
- Those with a genetic condition looking to use preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, we take a personalized fertility care approach, ensuring patients feel heard, supported, and empowered at every step of their IVF journey.
Types of IVF Treatments Available
- Conventional IVF
- IVF with donor eggs
- Frozen embryo transfer (FET)
- ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) for severe male infertility
- IVF for same-sex couples
Advanced techniques for embryo testing and time-lapse embryo imaging offer enhanced insight and flexibility for patients.
IVF Costs: What to Expect
IVF costs can vary widely, often ranging from $12,000 to $18,000 per cycle, excluding medications or additional services such as genetic testing. Fertility preservation, donor cycles, and advanced lab procedures can further impact pricing.
Some insurance plans cover diagnostic testing or a portion of treatment. “Our team helps patients explore financial options, evaluate insurance coverage, payment plans and fertility grants,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
IVF Day Awareness and Its Role in Breaking Stigma
National IVF Day is more than a celebration—it’s a platform to educate, empower, and destigmatize fertility struggles. Through awareness, we amplify voices that too often remain quiet and provide space for shared experience and community healing.
Fertility Institute of San Diego proudly joins the global reproductive medicine community in honoring this day—by continuing to offer world-class fertility care and by reminding patients that they’re not alone.
FAQs: What You Should Know Before Starting IVF
Take the First Step
If you’re ready to begin your IVF journey, take the first step with trusted, compassionate care. Book your complimentary virtual consultation with Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh to explore your fertility options and receive expert answers to your reproductive healthcare questions. Click here to schedule now.
