INVOcell®: What Is It and How Does It Work?

For many people, in vitro fertilization, or IVF, is an effective way to overcome infertility. But traditional IVF can be expensive, complex, and out of reach for many.

At Effortless IVF™ in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, infertility specialists Kevin Doody, MD, and Kathleen Doody, MD, have developed a smarter, more accessible IVF approach that maintains high-quality care while reducing cost and complexity.

INVOcell®, a device that changes where and how early fertilization happens, is one of the key innovations behind this approach.

What is INVOcell?

INVOcell is a small medical device used during a modified IVF process. Instead of fertilizing eggs in a traditional laboratory incubator, the INVOcell device allows fertilization and early embryo development to occur inside your body.

The device is placed in the vagina, where it stays for several days. During that time, your body acts as a natural incubator, providing the stable environment needed for embryos to develop.

This approach combines key elements of IVF with a more simplified process.

How INVOcell works, step by step

The INVOcell process follows some of the same initial steps as traditional IVF, with the exception being where fertilization takes place. Here’s what to expect after your pre-cycle evaluation:

Ovarian stimulation

You are given medicine at the start of your menstrual cycle to assist your body in developing eggs. INVOcell takes fewer eggs, so you use less hormone medicine than standard IVF.

Egg retrieval

We use ultrasound and lab tests to identify when your eggs are ready to be retrieved. We then insert a small needle through your vagina and into an ovary to extract one egg at a time. 

Fertilization

The egg, sperm, and culture fluid are placed in the INVOcell device. The fresh or frozen sperm can be from your partner or a donor. 

Incubation in the body

After we’ve filled the small INVOcell capsule with your eggs and your partner’s or a donor’s sperm, your doctor gently inserts it into your vagina, where it remains for three to five days. You can continue most normal daily activities during the incubation period. 

Embryo transfer

We remove the INVOcell capsule and examine the embryos under a microscope. We select a high-quality embryo and place it in your uterus for implantation and continued growth.

Because your body provides the incubation environment, the process reduces the need for complex laboratory equipment.

How is INVOcell different from traditional IVF?

The biggest difference is where embryo development happens. In standard IVF, fertilization and early growth occur in a lab using specialized incubators. With INVOcell, this step happens within your body. This difference has several advantages, including:

• Lower overall cost compared to traditional IVF
• Fewer laboratory interventions
• A more natural-feeling process for some patients
• Increased accessibility 

It’s important to note that while the process is simplified, it still follows the same scientific principles as conventional IVF.

Am I a good candidate for INVOcell?

INVOcell isn’t the right option for everyone, but it can be a good fit for many individuals and couples. You may be a candidate if you:

• Have a relatively good ovarian reserve
• Don’t require more advanced lab-based techniques
• Prefer a less intensive treatment approach

A full fertility evaluation is the best way to determine whether the Effortless IVF™ approach with INVOcell aligns with your specific needs.

A more accessible path to parenthood

Fertility treatment shouldn’t feel out of reach. Innovations like INVOcell are helping expand access to IVF by offering effective alternatives that reduce cost and complexity without compromising care.

If you’re exploring your options and considering whether INVOcell could be right for you, scheduling a consultation with our team at Effortless IVF™ is a great next step. 

At Effortless IVF™ in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, we’re proud to be at the forefront of redefining the future of fertility care. Contact us by phone or online today to set up your visit. With the right guidance, you can find a path toward starting or expanding your family.