IVF & Fertility: Top Procedures, Stats, and How to Find the Right Specialist (2026 Guide)
February 8, 2026 · by the Help Me Find A Doctor editorial team
Stats refreshed September 2026
A patient-friendly guide to ivf & fertility — what specialists do, the most common procedures (in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, egg freezing), and what to look for when choosing one.
Reproductive endocrinologists guiding you through every step of family planning. Below: the procedures patients ask about most, the numbers that put the field in context, and the questions worth raising at a first consultation with a ivf & fertility specialist.
Top procedures & treatments
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Controlled ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer — single-embryo transfer is now standard.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
First-line treatment for unexplained infertility, mild male factor, and same-sex couples.
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation)
Increasingly used for fertility preservation in patients in their early-to-mid 30s.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A / PGT-M)
Embryo biopsy to screen for chromosomal abnormalities or known genetic disease.
Reciprocal IVF and donor cycles
Eggs, sperm, or embryos from a donor for individuals and same-sex couples.
By the numbers
Updated September 2026- Approximately 2.3% of all infants born in the U.S. annually are conceived using assisted reproductive technology (CDC).
- U.S. clinicians performed over 413,000 ART cycles in the most recent reporting year, a growth of 14% year-over-year (SART).
- The use of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has risen to accompany nearly 50% of all IVF cycles to improve implantation success rates (ASRM).
- Annual elective egg freezing cycles have surged by over 30%, reflecting a significant shift toward planned fertility preservation (SART).
- Single embryo transfers (SET) now account for over 80% of all transfers, drastically reducing the risk of multiple births (CDC).
Trending this month: Patients in 2026 are increasingly prioritizing egg freezing and PGT-A to optimize long-term family planning. Reciprocal IVF is also seeing record growth as more LGBTQ+ couples seek inclusive biological paths to parenthood.
How to choose the right specialist
Verify board certification, ask how many of your specific procedure the clinician performs each year, and review patient outcomes — not just star ratings. A ivf & fertility provider who clearly explains your options, the evidence, and the realistic recovery timeline is worth more than the most heavily advertised name.
Use our directory to filter ivf & fertility specialists by city, then bring this article (and the FAQ below) to your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare IVF clinic success rates?
Use the SART and CDC ART databases, which report live-birth rates per cycle stratified by age — never compare clinics on aggregate numbers alone.
Does insurance cover IVF?
21 U.S. states have some level of fertility insurance mandate; coverage outside those states is highly employer-dependent.
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