Embryo Incubation with INVOcell®: How It Works and What to Expect

INVOcell® is a breakthrough in fertility treatment that shifts the first stage of embryo development from outside, in the lab, into the body. With this approach, fertilization and early embryo growth happen inside a small, sealed device that’s placed in the vaginal canal. 

This method allows the body to become a natural incubator, eliminating the need for extensive laboratory equipment and reducing the overall cost of treatment. 

Used by Dr. Kevin Doody and Dr. Kathleen Doody at At Effortless IVF™ Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas, in this innovative approach is at the heart of the Effortless IVF™ approach to simplifying fertility care and making it more available to more families. 

By streamlining the IVF process, our team has created a patient-focused model that removes some of the barriers that often make fertility treatment feel out of reach.

How INVOcell works

The INVOcell process begins much like traditional IVF. You’ll undergo ovarian stimulation with hormone medications to produce multiple eggs. Once the eggs mature, our team retrieves them during an outpatient procedure. We then combine the eggs with sperm inside the INVOcell device, which is about the size of a small tampon.

The device is gently placed inside the vaginal canal, where it remains for about five days. During this time, your body provides a stable environment similar to what a high-tech lab incubator would do. The device is designed to protect and maintain optimal conditions for fertilization and early embryo development.

After the incubation period, we remove the device and assess the embryos. The healthiest embryo is selected and transferred into the uterus, just as in traditional IVF.

What to expect during the process

Many patients are surprised by how comfortable and natural the INVOcell experience feels. The device stays securely in place and doesn’t interfere with normal daily activity. While you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise or sexual activity during this time, most people can go about their normal routines without discomfort.

INVOcell also removes much of the stress from the IVF process. Relying on the body’s natural capabilities and reducing lab time means the procedure becomes more straightforward and accessible without compromising success rates. 

At Effortless IVF™, this method is paired with a simplified treatment cycle, making it easier to focus on what really matters.

Who can benefit from INVOcell

INVOcell can be an excellent option for many individuals and couples facing infertility challenges. It’s often recommended for women with healthy ovarian function and those without severe male factor infertility. 

Because it uses the body’s natural environment for early embryo development, it can be an especially appealing choice for patients looking for a less invasive, more affordable alternative to traditional IVF. 

INVOcell also offers a more personal connection to the fertilization process, which many patients find meaningful. During your consultation at Effortless IVF™, our team will review your health history and fertility goals to determine if INVOcell is the right fit for you.

Effortless IVF™ with heart and innovation

Every detail of the Effortless IVF™ process was designed with your experience in mind. If you're ready to learn more about INVOcell and how we’re making parenthood more accessible, contact your nearest Effortless IVF™ office in Fort Worth or Bedford, Texas, today.