In vitro fertilization (IVF) aids in fertilization, embryo development and implantation, thereby enabling conception
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) aids in fertilization, embryo development and implantation, thereby enabling conception.
IVF uses a combination of medication and surgical procedures to help the fertilized egg implant in the uterus. If any of the embryos implants in the inside of the uterus, pregnancy occurs.
While IVF may work on the first try, it may require more than one round of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) to get pregnant. Although there is no guarantee, IVF definitely increases the chance of pregnancy if there are fertility problems. Everyone’s body is different and IVF may not suit everyone.
How Does the IVF Treatment Process Proceed?
In the IVF process, first of all, fertility drugs are taken for several months to ensure that the ovaries produce several eggs that are mature and ready to be fertilized. This is called ovulation induction. By having regular ultrasound or blood tests, the hormone level is measured and egg production is monitored.
The doctor retrieves the eggs when the ovaries produce enough mature eggs, this is the egg retrieval phase. Egg retrieval is a surgical procedure done in a doctor’s office or an obstetrics clinic.
You will receive medications to help you feel comfortable during the procedure. Using ultrasound, the doctor inserts a thin, hollow tube through your vagina into the roots that hold your ovaries and eggs. The needle is connected to a suction device.
In the lab, the eggs are combined with the retrieved sperm cells, this is insemination. Sperm and eggs are kept together in a special container and fertilization is ensured. For sperm with lower motility, they can be injected directly into the eggs to promote fertilization. Those in the lab monitor the progress of fertilized eggs as cells divide and become embryos.
About 3-5 days after egg retrieval, 1 or more embryos are placed in the uterus, this is called embryo transfer. The doctor slides a thin tube from the cervix into the uterus and places the embryo directly through the tube. If any of the embryos attach to the lining of the uterus, pregnancy occurs.
After the embryo transfer, you should rest for the rest of the day. You can return to normal activities the next day. You can also take pills or daily doses of a hormone called progesterone for the first 8-10 weeks after embryo transfer. Hormones facilitate the survival of the embryo in the womb.