In Vitro Fertilization
IVF is a commonly used treatment for infertility around the globe. IVF first started, as we know it, in the late 1980’s. There have been many advancements over the years so that now, success rates are considered very high.
How Does IVF Work?
In natural conception, the union of egg and sperm occurs spontaneously in the fallopian tube after ovulation. IVF, on the other hand, involves artificially fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory setting. Skilled embryologists meticulously pick out viable eggs, which are then fused with suitable sperm. Subsequently, developing embryos are grown in the lab for three to five days. Nowadays, couples can choose to have these embryos checked for genetic abnormalities that will help reduce miscarriages or increase the chances of a healthy baby. Then, one embryo is chosen to be transferred back into the woman’s womb.
Oftentimes, ICSI is combined with IVF to improve the odds of fertilization.
The IVF 6-Step Process
To initiate the IVF process, medications for fertility and other purposes are administered to stimulate the ovaries so that numerous follicles can develop and mature.
Egg retrieval follows thereafter. During this process, you will be administered conscious sedation while the eggs from your ovaries are collected by the doctor.
The egg is fertilized with sperm in the lab.
Embryos are meticulously monitored and their quality assessed during their growth period in the laboratory.
The best embryo is selected and implanted into the uterus.
Two weeks after implantation, a blood test would be completed at the clinic to confirm the presence of a pregnancy.