 Jones
Institute for Reproductive Medicine
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).
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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
cycles 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 (IVF) and related techniques. Our IVF program is now reporting a total
reproductive potential (combining the impact of “fresh” plus
cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer cycles
that follow a single
ovarian stimulation in a given couple) that
allows for a 50-60 percent chance of pregnancy in women of young and intermediate ages.
The Jones Institute offers a
friendly, compassionate, and caring environment where infertile
couples can undergo diagnosis and treatment with cutting-edge,
state-of-the-art techniques. Our multi-disciplinary approach provides
a formidable team of highly qualified nurses, laboratory personnel,
and psychological and genetic counselors, as appropriate.
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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 cryopreservation
(we have one of the best-reported success
rates with frozen-thawed embryos in the world) and
intracytoplasmic sperm injection
(ICSI) for treating male infertility. We have developed a successful
pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
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 transfer
(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
gametogenesis,
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 banking,
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 gonadotropins
(Pergonal) to induce the development of multiple
follicles
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) cycle.
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.
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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. Top |
