Northstar Fertility
Core treatments

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Eggs are retrieved and combined with sperm in our lab to create embryos; one is then gently placed in the uterus.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

For People with blocked tubes, ovulation issues, male-factor, unexplained infertility, or when other treatments haven’t worked.

This may be right if…

  • Other treatments haven’t led to pregnancy
  • Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
  • Significant male-factor infertility
  • You want to screen embryos genetically
  • Diminished ovarian reserve or age-related decline

What to expect

Step by step, here’s how it tends to go — your team adjusts everything to you.

01

Stimulation

About 9–12 days of nightly injectable medication encourages several eggs to mature at once.

02

Monitoring

Quick morning blood draws and ultrasounds — every couple of days — let us fine-tune your dose.

03

Egg retrieval

A 15–20 minute procedure under light sedation. Most people are back to normal the next day.

04

Fertilization & embryo growth

Our embryologists fertilize the eggs and watch the embryos develop over 5–6 days. Optional genetic testing happens here.

05

Embryo transfer

A quick, painless procedure places one embryo in the uterus — or we freeze embryos for a later transfer.

06

Pregnancy test

About 10–14 days later, a blood test confirms the result, and we’re with you for whatever comes next.

What’s included

  • Personalized stimulation protocol
  • All cycle monitoring visits
  • Egg retrieval under sedation
  • On-site embryology & fertilization (ICSI available)
  • Single embryo transfer
  • A nurse coordinator through every step

Common questions

When should I see a fertility specialist?
A good rule of thumb: if you’re under 35 and have been trying for 12 months, or 35 and over and have been trying for 6 months, it’s time. Come sooner if you have irregular cycles, a known condition, or simply want answers. You never need a referral to ask — an assessment is just information.
What’s the difference between IUI and IVF — and which is right for me?
IUI places prepared sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation; it’s simpler and lower-cost, and is often a first step for mild factors or donor sperm. IVF retrieves eggs, fertilizes them in our lab, and transfers an embryo; it’s more involved but more effective for many diagnoses. Your REI recommends the right starting point for your specific situation — there’s no one answer.
How much does treatment cost, and will insurance cover it?
Costs vary by treatment — an IUI cycle is illustratively around $1,000–$1,500, while an IVF base cycle is around $13,000–$16,000 plus medications. Washington and many states mandate some coverage, and our financial counselor verifies your specific benefits for free before you commit. You always get a written estimate first, and we’ll review financing, multi-cycle, and grant options with you.
How many embryos do you transfer?
Usually one. Single-embryo transfer is the modern standard because it dramatically reduces the risks that come with twins or triplets — for both you and your baby. We follow ASRM guidelines and discuss the right choice for you individually.
Related treatments
Take the first step

Wherever you are, start here.

Book a consultation with a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. No commitment — just honest answers and a plan that fits your life.

New patients welcome · (206) 555-0150 · Board-certified REIs · On-site embryology lab · Inclusive, judgment-free care