In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Egg Donation, and More in Lubbock, West Texas

The Center for Reproductive Medicine specializes in a full range of infertility procedures, including everything from reproductive surgery to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donation. Contact our office in Lubbock, West Texas or explore the page below to learn more about our services.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Initially developed in 1978 for women with blocked, damaged, or missing fallopian tubes, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is now used to overcome infertility caused by endometriosis, male factor issues, sperm antibodies, ovulatory problems, or unexplained reasons. In the United States, more than 17,000 healthy babies are born each year through successful IVF procedures. Also, advanced techniques such as micromanipulation and egg donation rely on in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology to be performed. At our Lubbock practice, all of these procedures are available to our patients.

In simplest terms, in vitro fertilization involves fertilizing a woman's eggs outside of her body and then transferring the resulting embryo into her uterus. First, the woman’s ovaries are stimulated with medication to release multiple eggs. Then the eggs are removed by a needle through the vaginal wall while the woman is under a light anesthesia. Next, the man's sperm and the woman's eggs are combined in the laboratory, traditionally in a petri dish. The resultant embryo is then implanted into the woman's uterus through the cervix in hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy. Usually, one to three embryos are implanted each time IVF is performed (called a cycle). Results of in vitro fertilization vary by the woman’s age, reason for performing IVF, and the egg quality.

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Reversal of Tubal Ligation

Outpatient surgery can be performed to reverse a tubal ligation. This is done under general anesthesia and takes two to three hours. The patient goes home that same day.

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Transvaginal Ultrasound Monitoring of Ovarian Follicle Development

Also called transvaginal sonography, this technique requires that a special ultrasound transducer be inserted into the vagina, where it will examine the ovaries, uterus, uterine lining, and other pelvic structures. It has become a vital tool for diagnosing causes of infertility. It can also be used to monitor progress during the ovarian stimulation phase of in vitro fertilization.

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Oocyte (Egg) Donation

Oocyte donation, also called egg donation, refers to when a younger woman donates some of her eggs to an infertile couple. Egg donation is possible through in vitro fertilization (IVF). At our Lubbock fertility center, the donor's eggs are retrieved and combined with the recipient spouse's sperm to create embryos. Approximately five days later, the embryos are transferred into the recipient's uterus. Egg donation is an alternative to adoption and the recipient is able to be pregnant herself. It also allows her husband's sperm to be used to create their child.

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Husband and Donor Intrauterine Insemination

During intrauterine insemination (IUI), a man's sperm is inserted into the uterine cavity through a catheter near the time when a woman begins ovulating. IUI increases the likelihood of pregnancy because sperm bypass the cervix and a higher number have a chance to get closer to the egg.

IUI is typically performed when there is a low sperm count or motility, the sperm and cervical mucus are incompatible, or when a man is impotent or suffers from premature ejaculation. Sperm may come from a partner or from a donor.

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Induction of Ovulation

Induction of ovulation utilizes medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. It is most successful in women with anovulation, who will not develop such follicles without medical intervention. It is also a key step in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.

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Frozen Embryo Transfer

Frozen embryo transfer allows women who have undergone IVF at our West Texas fertility center to save extra embryos for future use. They can try to get pregnant years later without repeating the entire procedure. Approximately 70 percent of frozen embryos survive the thawing process.

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Micromanipulation of Gametes (ICSI)

For many patients, intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows very infertile men to raise a family. During this procedure, the eggs are retrieved from the wife or a donor and fertilized in a lab via direct single sperm injection into the egg. The resulting embryos are then implanted into the mother’s uterus as in IVF.

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Management of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss can be devastating as well as confusing for everyone involved. At the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, located in Lubbock, we work closely with each individual patient to help her understand the reasons for their losses and to discuss her personal treatment options.

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Operative Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy

A significant technological advance, laparoscopic surgery allows us to view the inside of a patient's abdomen, including the reproductive organs, through a small, tube-like device known as a laparoscope. The laparoscope functions like a lighted telescope inside the patient's body. It allows us a clearer view of the internal organs in a minimally invasive way and can even be used to remove ovarian cysts, adhesions in the pelvic area, endometriosis or an obstructed fallopian tube.

During the procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia, the abdomen is filled with a carbon dioxide gas, and the laparoscope is inserted through a small incision. The gas is removed after the procedure is complete, and the incision is closed. One common use of laparoscopic surgery is for diagnosing and treating endometriosis, but it has other uses as well.

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Microsurgical Tubal and Ovarian Reconstruction

Microsurgical tubal reconstruction is a viable option for patients whose fallopian tubes are blocked, making it difficult to get pregnant. This surgery, which can be performed laparoscopically or by conventional surgery methods, clears away scar tissue and other obstructions.

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Medical and Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis

Endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, is not only painful, but it can also make it difficult to carry a pregnancy. This condition is usually treated with laparoscopy. Medications can also be helpful.

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Surgical Correction of Congenital Abnormalities of the Reproductive Tract

A congenital abnormality could be the root of your infertility. This includes abnormalities such as a uterine septum. For proper diagnosis and, if necessary, surgical treatment, contact the office of Dr. Janelle Dorsett, serving Lubbock and surrounding communities.

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Management of Menopause, including Hormone Replacement Therapy

Just because you are entering menopause, it doesn’t mean that you must suffer its accompanying side effects, such as hot flashes. We offer several alternatives to make the transition more comfortable. These include hormone replacement therapy, which is a medical treatment program consisting of estrogen or an estrogen/progesterone combination.

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Diagnosis and Management of Delayed Precocious Sexual Development

In normal sexual development, puberty is initiated when the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary to release gonadotropins. When this happens prematurely, a child may begin puberty as early as five or six years old. Dr. Dorsett is able to detect signs of precocious puberty and offer successful treatment through hormones and other options. Contact our Lubbock office today to help your child experience normal development.

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Evaluation of Hirsutism/Virilization

Dr. Dorsett has the training and resources to help properly diagnose and treat hirsutism, a hormonal condition marked by excessive hair growth. Virilization, a more severe form of the condition, involves the development of male physical characteristics in women.

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Medical and Surgical Treatment of Fibroid Tumors

Typically found in the uteruses of women in their 30s and 40s, fibroid tumors are usually benign. These tumors cause significant pain and heavy bleeding, however, and can grow as large as a grapefruit. They are also associated with infertility. Although their cause is unknown, these tumors can be treated with medication or surgery.

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Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT)

Like in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) requires that eggs and sperm be collected and then mixed together in a petri dish. The difference between the procedures is that with GIFT, fertilization occurs inside the woman’s body and not in the dish, as with IVF. This process allows the embryo to be in a natural environment from as early on as possible.

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Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

During zygote intra-fallopian transfer (ZIFT)—which mirrors many of GIFT’s characteristics—the egg is fertilized outside the body and returned to the fallopian tubes rather than mixed with the sperm in a petri dish.

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Contact Our Office

If you are interested in learning more about in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg donation, or other procedures, contact our Lubbock office, serving all of West Texas, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Janelle Dorsett.

Learn more about in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg donation by contacting our Lubbock practice in West Texas. We will be happy to answer any questions you have.