Ultrasound Monitorig
for Your IVF Cycle
For IVF monitoring cycles that are out-of-state of your location
Starting your cycle
Starting an IVF cycle is stressful enough, doing it with an out-of-state provider just increases that stress. That is why we have developed an out-of state monitoring program to help women that need ultrasound monitoring without having to travel to their provider. We follow your physicians instructions and with be able to accommodate your schedule. Most all cycles, whether retrievals or transfers, will need 2-3 ultrasounds during that cycle. All reports can be faxed or emailed to your physician within 2-3 hours after the exam is finished.
To schedule an appointment
Please Call True Health Acupuncture at 702-475-0870
You can also book online on the True Health Acupuncture website.
1481 W Warm Spring Rd #129
Henderson, Nevada 89014
Testimonials
My name is Michelle Aukerman. And I just have to say that Joyce at True Health Acupuncture is probably the best ultrasound technician I have ever had in my life and I’ve been through several. She’s very personal and talks through everything and if something goes wrong, she says OK how do we make this right? What’s the next step we need to take? You don’t hear that from any other ultrasound tech, they're so jaded. The comfort environment at True Health Acupuncture is unmatchable. It does not feel like a doctor's office and everybody is so warm but when it comes to Joyce, she is completely unmatched. It’s like having your own mother right there with you. I highly highly recommend her.
Thank you, the Aukerman’s
Michelle A.
This is the second pregnancy that I came to Joyce for my outside monitoring. I have been very nervous about the whole process, but Joyce guided me through each and every ultrasound. Although the monitoring went smoothly, upon achieving pregnancy I developed some bleeding. Of course, I panicked. Joyce explained everything that was going on with my bleeding and helped me through this anxious time. I don’t know what I would have done without Joyce’s calm demeanor. And the added bonus is having acupuncture treatment right there at True Health Acupuncture, the office Joyce works out of. I will always be truly thankful for the amazing experience that I received from both Joyce and True Health to be a part of my fertility journey.
Sara P.
Joyce is an exceptional individual who made a significant impact during my IVF journey. I had the privilege of meeting her when I needed support, and she was able to perform ultrasounds when our IVF Dr was unable to accommodate us. Her ability to confirm our twin pregnancy was incredibly reassuring. Joyce took the time to explain everything she was observing, which not only made the experience more memorable but also helped alleviate my anxiety. Her compassionate approach truly made a difference in my experience.
Nicole B
Embryo Freezing, Selection, and Single Embryo Transfer in IVF
🔹 Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)
Embryo freezing has shifted from a backup plan to a mainstream strategy. Today, nearly all embryos are frozen (vitrified) at the blastocyst stage, especially in clinics prioritizing frozen embryo transfer (FET) for improved uterine receptivity and safety.
✅ Why Freeze Embryos?
Time for genetic testing (PGT-A)
Reduce risk of OHSS by delaying transfer
Allow uterus to recover after stimulation
Bank embryos for future use
🔬 Vitrification vs. Slow Freezing:
Vitrification: Ultra-rapid freezing that prevents ice crystal formation → higher survival rates.
Slow Freezing: Older method, mostly phased out.
Success rates with FET now often exceed fresh transfer success due to improved protocols and timing.
🔹 Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET)
eSET is the standard recommendation for many patients under 35 or those with good-quality embryos. The goal is to reduce twin or triplet pregnancies, which carry higher risks for mother and babies.
🔍 When eSET is Recommended:
Age < 38
High-quality day 5 blastocysts available
First or second IVF cycle
Normal uterus and no history of failed transfers
⚖️ Benefits of eSET:
Lower risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia
Comparable cumulative live birth rates with sequential FETs
🔹 Embryo Grading
Grading helps embryologists select embryos with the highest chance of implanting.
Example: Blastocyst Grading System
Expansion stage (1–6): Refers to how expanded the blastocyst is
Inner Cell Mass (ICM): Becomes fetus → graded A, B, or C
Trophectoderm (TE): Becomes placenta → graded A, B, or C
Example Grade: 5AA = highly expanded, excellent ICM, excellent TE
🔸 Note: Even lower-graded embryos (e.g., 4BC or 3BB) can result in healthy pregnancies.
🔹 Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)
PGT-A tests embryos for chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy), helping select euploid (chromosomally normal) embryos.
How it works:
A few cells are biopsied from the trophectoderm on day 5–6.
DNA is analyzed for missing or extra chromosomes.
Only euploid embryos are prioritized for transfer.
When PGT-A is Recommended:
Age > 35
Recurrent miscarriage
Repeated IVF failure
Male factor infertility
Pros:
Higher implantation and lower miscarriage rates
Informs transfer decision (especially with multiple embryos)
Controversies:
Mosaic embryos (part normal, part abnormal) may be viable but are often discarded.
A biopsy may not represent the whole embryo, especially in early stages.
Adds cost and complexity to treatment
✅ Summary Table
IVF Decision Point Standard Today Embryo Freezing Vitrification of blastocysts Number of Embryos Transferrede SET for most patients under 38Selection Method Embryo grading + optional PGT-A Goal One healthy baby at a time
