Infertility is a challenge that many couples face worldwide. Roughly 1 in 6 adults globally experience infertility at some point in their lives. This widespread issue has led to the development of advanced fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, IVF can be costly and intensive, prompting the search for new solutions. One of the newer alternatives is INVOcell. This is an innovative treatment often described as a more natural or accessible form of IVF. When people compare fertility treatments today, the conversation usually includes both conventional IVF and the INVOcell approach.
The Traditional IVF Process
The traditional in vitro fertilization process has been used for decades and involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body in a lab. It typically includes several key steps:
- Ovarian Stimulation: The patient takes hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs in one cycle.
- Egg Retrieval: A minor surgical procedure is performed to collect the eggs from the ovaries using an ultrasound-guided needle.
- Fertilization and Incubation: In a laboratory, each retrieved egg is combined with sperm and then kept in an incubator. Embryos are cultured for several days in this controlled environment.
- Embryo Transfer: One or more of the resulting embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus. Any high-quality extra embryos can be frozen for future use. After transfer, the couple waits ~2 weeks to take a pregnancy test.
IVF success rates per cycle vary based on age and other factors, but IVF is considered the gold standard with relatively high success probabilities. It is also known for being expensive and demanding. A single IVF cycle can cost tens of thousands of dollars in the U.S. when you factor in medications and lab fees. IVF also requires frequent clinic visits for monitoring, and some patients find the hormone injections and procedures physically and emotionally taxing. These have motivated researchers to develop the best IVF alternatives that might be more affordable or patient-friendly.
How INVOcell Works (Intravaginal Culture)
INVOcell is a newer fertility treatment that offers a different spin on IVF by using the body as the incubator. With INVOcell, the initial steps are similar to IVF. The woman still takes fertility medications to produce multiple eggs, and those eggs are collected via a minor surgical retrieval. The big difference comes after the eggs are retrieved. Instead of placing eggs and sperm in a lab incubator, they are placed together in a small capsule device called the INVOcell. The doctor then inserts this sealed capsule into the woman’s vagina, where it remains for a few days to allow fertilization and early embryo development to occur inside her body. INVOcell for infertility treatment uses the vagina’s environment as a natural incubator rather than relying on an external laboratory machine.
The INVOcell device itself is about the size of a large thimble or a small walnut. It consists of a culture chamber that holds the eggs, sperm, and culture medium, plus a second outer shell or retention mechanism that keeps it securely positioned in the upper vaginal cavity. Once in place, the patient carries on with normal daily activities, with a few precautions. She must avoid heavy exercise, hot tubs/saunas, or inserting anything into the vagina during the incubation period. The embryos are left undisturbed in the INVOcell device for 3 to 5 days. During this time, fertilization occurs, and the embryos begin to divide and grow just as they would in an IVF lab incubator.
After the incubation period, the patient returns to the clinic and the doctor removes the INVOcell device. The embryos are then taken out of the capsule and examined. Just like in IVF, the best-quality embryo is selected for transfer into the uterus. Any additional viable embryos can be frozen for future use. The embryo transfer procedure for INVOcell is the same as in IVF, and the woman’s body hopefully accepts the embryo to establish a pregnancy. One advantage of the INVOcell approach is that it usually involves milder ovarian stimulation. Because the device has limited capacity and the goal is a few good embryos rather than as many as possible, doctors often retrieve fewer eggs (perhaps <10) for INVOcell. Women undergo fertility testing and stimulation protocols that use lower doses of hormones compared to traditional IVF. This means a reduced risk of side effects like ovarian hyperstimulation.
Success Rates and Outcomes
One of the most important questions when comparing treatments is how effective they are. So, how do INVOcell success rates stack up against traditional IVF? Early data and clinical studies are encouraging. INVOcell’s success rates are very similar to those of standard IVF, on the order of about 55% vs 60% in couples with good prognoses. For appropriate patients, INVOcell can achieve pregnancy rates comparable to conventional IVF. These findings suggest that using the woman’s body as an incubator does not significantly compromise the outcome in terms of achieving a live birth.
Cost Comparison: INVOcell vs Traditional IVF
When comparing INVOcell vs. IVF cost, the difference is one of the biggest factors that draws couples to INVOcell. Traditional IVF is well-known for being expensive: a single standard IVF cycle in the U.S. often costs around $15,000 or more. This high price tag puts IVF out of reach for many people, especially since insurance coverage for IVF is limited in many places. By contrast, one of INVOcell’s major appeals is its affordability. The INVOcell cost is typically about half the cost of a conventional IVF cycle. This dramatic reduction comes largely from lower laboratory expenses. Instead of needing an advanced incubator and daily lab oversight for the embryos, the incubation is happening inside the patient’s body.
Several factors contribute to the lower INVOcell treatment cost. The amount of fertility drugs used is less, which saves on medication costs. Second, the lab workload is reduced. Embryologists do handle the eggs and embryos briefly, but the embryos aren’t in culture dishes that require continuous monitoring in expensive incubators for days. The INVOcell device itself is relatively low-cost and single-use. The streamlined process cuts down on clinic resource use, and those savings are passed on to patients. If a traditional IVF cycle might cost $15–20k, an INVOcell cycle might be on the order of $6–10k, depending on the clinic.
Who Should Consider INVOcell vs IVF?
Deciding on INVOcell for infertility treatment versus conventional IVF comes down to a couple’s individual situation. Fertility specialists will evaluate various factors to see if INVOcell is a good option or if standard IVF would be more effective. You might be a strong candidate if:
- Age and Ovarian Reserve: The woman is in her mid-30s or younger and has a fairly good ovarian reserve. Younger women tend to produce enough quality eggs with mild stimulation, making INVOcell viable. Women over ~40 may be steered toward full IVF, which maximizes egg yield.
- Healthy BMI: Body composition plays a critical role in fertility and treatment success. Women with a healthy body mass index are ideal candidates for INVOcell, as the treatment involves internal incubation of the fertilized eggs. Excess body weight can interfere with hormone balance, reduce egg quality, and create an unfavorable environment for vaginal incubation. Additionally, obesity is linked to lower pregnancy rates and increased risks during stimulation and retrieval. Many fertility clinics have BMI limits in place for INVOcell procedures to ensure both patient safety and optimal outcomes. Maintaining overall wellness through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress reduction can also enhance the chances of success.
- Cause of Infertility: The infertility issues are mild or moderate. Ideal scenarios for INVOcell include unexplained infertility, ovulation disorders, or mild male factor infertility. Suppose the male partner’s sperm is severely compromised. In that case, IVF with advanced lab techniques might be needed. Doctors can use ICSI with INVOcell (injecting a sperm into each egg before putting them in the device) if there are sperm issues. Cases involving tubal factor or endometriosis can be treated with INVOcell, provided that sufficient eggs can be retrieved. However, if a couple needs extensive lab intervention, standard IVF might be more straightforward.
- Desire for Fewer Medications: Some patients are specifically interested in avoiding high doses of fertility drugs for personal or medical reasons. INVOcell’s mini stimulation protocol appeals to those who want a gentler approach, even if it yields fewer eggs. It can also be suitable for patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, since the milder meds lower that risk.
- Emotional Preference: Couples who feel uncomfortable with the idea of their embryos growing in a lab across town may prefer INVOcell, which keeps the process intimate. This is more of a personal value factor than a medical criterion, but it can sway the decision if all medical factors are suitable for either choice.
In terms of real-world availability, INVOcell is gradually being adopted by fertility clinics, but it’s not yet as commonplace as traditional IVF. Some pioneering clinics have led the way in offering this option. For example, the Fertility Institute of Hawaii was the first clinic in its state to introduce INVOcell, describing it as a way to make IVF more accessible while greatly reducing costs. This type of accessible IVF program demonstrates that clinics are acknowledging the demand for more affordable alternatives. If your local IVF clinic for couples offers INVOcell, it’s definitely worth discussing in a consultation.
Planning Your Fertility Journey: Next Steps
Whether you are leaning toward traditional IVF or considering INVOcell, the next steps should involve careful planning and professional guidance. Begin by completing all recommended fertility testing. A clear diagnosis will inform what treatments are viable. Testing results might reveal, for instance, that you have plenty of eggs or indicate factors that point toward one approach over another. Arrange a consultation or fertility planning session with a reproductive endocrinologist at an IVF clinic that offers a range of treatments. During this session, discuss IVF vs. INVOcell in the context of your specific situation. Ask about success rates in cases like yours, and have the doctor explain the process and requirements of each option. If INVOcell is available, the doctor will outline the protocol and evaluate if you meet the criteria.
Undergoing fertility treatments can be emotionally challenging. It may be helpful to engage in infertility counseling, speak with a counselor, or join a support group that specializes in fertility issues. Counseling can provide emotional coping strategies and help you and your partner align on decisions. This support is valuable whether you choose IVF, INVOcell, or any other path, as stress management is an essential aspect of the journey. Sometimes the decision might be straightforward, or you might have options to choose from. For some, the higher success per cycle of IVF might outweigh cost concerns. For others, the affordability and involvement of INVOcell might be more appealing. There’s no universally right answer in the invocell vs. IVF comparison. The best choice will depend on your unique medical and emotional priorities. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel unsure. Choose the treatment plan that gives you the highest confidence and peace of mind moving forward.
Both traditional IVF and INVOcell are valuable techniques that help people achieve pregnancy. INVOcell’s advent has expanded the landscape of fertility care, offering a middle-ground solution that addresses some of IVF’s barriers. Couples now have more options than ever to build their families. By understanding the differences in process, invocell vs. IVF cost, and success likelihood, you can make an informed decision in collaboration with your fertility specialist. Remember that both paths share the same goal, and with the right support and guidance, you can choose the route that feels right for your family’s journey.
Sources:
- World Health Organization – 1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility who.int
- Fertility Institute of Hawaii – FIH is the First Clinic to Offer the INVOcell ivfcenterhawaii.com
- Penn Medicine – INVOcell® Intravaginal Culture Procedure (fertility treatment overview) pennmedicine.orgpennmedicine.org
- Aspire Fertility (Blog) – What Is INVOcell, and Is It Right for Me? (success rates comparison) aspirefertility.com
- The IVF Center (Blog) – INVOcell Offers Couple a More Affordable Option with IVF (patient experience) theivfcenter.com