Question 1

What are the IVF success rates at Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center reports a live‑birth rate of 52.9% for new patients under 35 who used their own eggs in the first IVF cycle in 2022, surpassing the national average of 52.5%. The same year, 38.5% of embryos transferred resulted in live births, compared with a 36.9% national benchmark. Success data are audited annually through SART and published in the clinic’s SART Summary Report, which also includes frozen‑embryo outcomes and donor‑egg cycles. These results reflect the center’s high‑volume program, advanced laboratory protocols, and a strong emphasis on single‑embryo transfer to optimize pregnancy and safety outcomes.

Question 2

What fertility treatments and services does Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis offer?

Accepted Answer

The center delivers a full spectrum of assisted reproduction, including in‑vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic testing (PGD/PGS), and blastocyst culture. It also provides non‑IVF therapies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), ovulation induction, and fertility preservation for cancer patients. Surgical options cover laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and advanced endometriosis or fibroid removal. Additional programs include donor‑egg IVF, donor‑sperm insemination, gestational carrier (surrogacy) coordination, LGBTQIA+ family building, and comprehensive genetic counseling.

Question 3

Who are the fertility doctors and specialists at Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

The medical team is led by board‑certified reproductive endocrinologists including Dr. Valerie S. Ratts, Dr. Kenan R. Omurtag, Dr. Dan I. Lebovic, Dr. Patricia Jimenez, and Dr. Megan Gornet, all of whom hold dual certification in Obstetrics‑Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Male‑factor expertise is provided by Dr. Dane Johnson, a board‑certified urologist. The clinic also includes a women’s health nurse practitioner, a clinical genetic counselor, and a dedicated lab director, Dr. Ali Ahmady, PhD. Fellows in reproductive endocrinology work alongside these physicians, ensuring a multidisciplinary team of more than ten fertility specialists and embryologists.

Question 4

What is the maximum age for IVF treatment at Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

The clinic does not offer non‑donor‑egg IVF to patients aged 45 years or older, reflecting the markedly reduced success rates for own‑egg cycles beyond this age. Patients 45 and older are counseled about donor‑egg options, which have no strict upper age limit for the recipient. For donor‑egg IVF, the center can accommodate patients of any reproductive age, provided they meet overall health criteria. This age policy aligns with the clinic’s commitment to high success rates and patient safety while offering alternatives for older patients.

Question 5

What is the history and background of Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

Founded in 1983 as Missouri’s first IVF program, the center celebrated its first IVF‑born baby in 1985, marking a regional milestone. Over more than 30 years, it has treated over 2,000 families annually and maintains the longest continuous SART membership in the St. Louis area. Recognized as a Center of Excellence and a 2022 Healthcare Equality Leader, the clinic is part of the OPTUM Fertility network and adheres to stringent SART quality and safety standards. Its long‑standing affiliation with Washington University School of Medicine provides access to cutting‑edge research and resources.

Question 6

What IVF laboratory technology does Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis use?

Accepted Answer

The IVF laboratory occupies a 4,900‑square‑foot, CLIA‑ and CAP‑certified facility equipped with state‑of‑the‑art embryology equipment. It offers micromanipulation tools for ICSI, assisted hatching, and embryo biopsy, as well as extended blastocyst culture and vitrification for egg, sperm, and embryo cryopreservation. The lab utilizes time‑lapse imaging and high‑resolution incubators to monitor embryo development, and it partners with external reference labs for preimplantation genetic testing. Oversight is provided by Lab Director Dr. Ali Ahmady, PhD, ensuring rigorous quality‑control standards.

Question 7

Does Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis offer egg donation for IVF treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the center provides a comprehensive egg‑donation program. Patients can choose between fresh donor eggs retrieved and fertilized in‑house or frozen eggs supplied through partnered egg banks such as MyEggBank. Donor screening follows FDA‑compliant protocols, including infectious‑disease testing and psychological evaluation. Using donor eggs raises live‑birth rates to 60‑70% for many recipients, especially those over 40 or with diminished ovarian reserve. The clinic’s reproductive endocrinologists guide patients through cycle planning, embryo creation, and transfer, ensuring seamless integration with IVF or gestational‑carrier cycles.

Question 8

Does Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis provide fertility treatment for same-sex couples?

Accepted Answer

The center is explicitly LGBTQIA+‑friendly, recognized as a 2022 Healthcare Equality Leader, and offers tailored family‑building options for same‑sex couples. Services include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and IVF using donor sperm or donor eggs, as well as coordinated gestational‑carrier programs for male couples. The clinic adheres to FDA guidelines for third‑party reproduction and provides counseling on legal, medical, and emotional aspects of same‑sex parenting. Its inclusive policies ensure that lesbian, gay, and non‑binary patients receive the same high‑quality care as any other patient.

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