Over the last two decades, we have lived an explosion of knowledge in basic reproductive biology and in the clinical success of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Artificial Insemination

The Jones Institute has been an active and prolific player since its inception with outstanding contributions to our field. We have now reported over 15,000 ART cyclesA process in which 1) an ART (assisted reproductive technology) procedure is carried out, 2) a woman has undergone ovarian stimulation or monitoring with the intent of having an ART procedure, or 3) frozen embryos have been thawed with the intent of transferring them to a woman. A cycle begins when a woman begins taking fertility drugs or having her ovaries monitored for follicle production. performed that have resulted in the birth of more than 3,000 babies. We are thrilled with our ever-growing success rates in in vitro fertilization An ART procedure that involves removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them outside her body. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the woman’s uterus through the cervix. (IVF) and related techniques. Our IVF program is now reporting a total reproductive potential (combining the impact of “fresh” plus cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer cyclesCryopreservation is freezing embryos. A thawed cycle is one in which frozen embryos are thawed for transfer. that follow a single ovarian stimulationThe use of drugs to stimulate the ovaries to develop follicles and eggs. in a given couple) that allows for a 50-60 percent chance of pregnancy in women of young and intermediate ages.

Silvina Bocca, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor and Sergio C. Oehninger, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology

In addition to IVF, clinicians and scientists from The Jones Institute have pioneered the techniques of embryo cryopreservationThe process of freezing the embryos. (we have one of the best-reported success rates with frozen-thawed embryos in the world) and intracytoplasmic sperm injectionOften referred to as ICSI- a laboratory procedure whereby a single sperm is injected into the cytoplasm of a mature egg. (ICSI) for treating male infertility. We have developed a successful pre-implantation genetic diagnosisA technique to test embryos for genetic disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus. program that has allowed couples with potential transmission of severe/lethal diseases to achieve their goal of having a healthy child. Recently, we have initiated a program of ovarian tissue freezing for future use in transplantation, thereby helping women facing imminent loss of their ovarian function.

Many other aspects of reproductive biology and the abnormalities affecting human fertility are currently being studied at the Institute. Among them, we have prioritized the areas of egg production and hormonal stimulation, increasing the efficiency of embryo selection procedures by improved culture conditions and blastocyst transferThe transfer of a pre-implantation embryo containing 30-150 cells. (also aimed at reducing the incidence of multiple pregnancies), implantation, male infertility, and genetics.

A review of present and expected next achievements underscores the continuous need for:

• re-examination and formulation of new questions related to physiologic and biochemical mechanisms involved in gametogenesisThe development and production of the male and female germ cells required to form a new individual., fertilization and implantation, including the challenge of pre-existing beliefs
• application of strict monitoring criteria for advancement of higher-quality laboratory practices and development of new hormonal preparations and techniques
• improved reporting on clinical successes/failures
• appropriate socio-legal and ethical discussions that may allow novel ideas to be transformed into realities in an expedited and safe manner

There is no doubt that, thanks to the comprehension of infertility specialists and the inquisitiveness of the public in general, more and more couples arrive at the IVF scenario earlier and in increasing numbers. The cost-efficiency of the more advanced ART appears to be consolidated and most of the techniques are proven to be safe and with increasing success. The possibility of diagnosing genetic disease in the embryo is here, and genetic bankingA method of storing a DNA sample for possible future use., gene therapy, and the growth of embryonic stem cells to be used in multiple areas of medicine are in the immediate horizon. Consequently, our efforts should be geared to introducing more scientific and technological advances while resting on a solid philosophical and ethical foundation and dedicated to serving society as a whole.

Our History

The list of research and treatment discoveries at the Jones Institute is long. The Institute is considered the "birthplace" of IVF and ovulation induction in the United States.

The Jones Institute conducted groundbreaking research in the clinical applications of pituitary gonadotropinsThe two sex hormones (LH and FSH) made by the pituitary gland, essential for fertility in both men and women. (Pergonal) to induce the development of multiple folliclesA follicle is a structure in the ovaries that contains a developing egg. for use in IUI and IVF. This original research, conducted prior to 1981, is still in general use throughout the world.

The first IVF baby born at the Jones Institute was also the first born anywhere in the world as a result of a stimulated (gonadotropin) cycleA stimulated cycle is an ART cycle in which a woman receives oral or injected fertility drugs to stimulate her ovaries to produce more follicles.. The ability to induce the development of multiple eggs in a cycle was a major breakthrough and has allowed thousands of otherwise infertile couples to produce healthy children.

Another widely accepted technique that was pioneered at the Jones Institute is ICSI. In the ICSI procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. ICSI is used in patients who have inadequate numbers of sperm, those of advanced age, and sometimes in cases of infertility of unknown causes.

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis

We are conducting novel research in the area of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Couples who have certain genetic disease risks, such as Tay-Sachs disease, can pass the condition to their offspring. The couple's embryos are biopsied prior to transfer back into the uterus to ensure no genetic disease is present. Only normal pre-embryos are replaced and allowed to implant and grow.

Another exciting area of current research is ovarian transplantation. The ovaries of women receiving high-dose chemotherapy or radiation are often destroyed. In primates, we have demonstrated that it is possible to preserve ovarian function by removing the ovaries prior to treatment and freezing them. After treatment, the ovaries are re-implanted and egg production resumes.

Clinical service and research are fundamental to the life of the Institute but, as befits an academic institution, training of young people in reproductive medicine, including the techniques developed at the Institute, has been an additional goal.

Physicians or embryologists who were trained at the Jones Institute staff many successful infertility programs in the United States and abroad. Our clinical and research staffs are full-time academic, clinical, and basic scientists whose sole goal is to provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and therapy to overcome the diseases that cause infertility.

Part of our history and mission is to provide individualized, personal, compassionate care to our patients. We believe that the best results are achieved when patients and their physicians work as a team. While we continue to focus research on exciting new frontiers, we never forget that each couple has unique needs that must be met in their quest to create a family.

New Locations

In addition to our Norfolk location, we now have satellite offices in Newport News and Virginia Beach.

We have also established an affiliation with Fertility Associates of Idaho. We anticipate future expansions as patient needs dictate.