In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a conception procedure for people who need assistance in fertility. This complex fertility treatment involves fertilizing a woman’s egg with sperm outside the body in a laboratory. It is a complex procedure that requires the work of a fertility specialist. Here are four steps of In Vitro Fertilization:
People Suitable for IVF
People with infertility conditions or an existing health issue that prevents pregnancies can opt for the IVF method. If you are approaching the end of your fertility age and all other fertility techniques have failed, IVF can be a suitable option. This method is preferable if you or your partner have obstructed or fractured fallopian tubes or for patients with endometriosis. If a couple has genetic disorders and is at risk of transferring them to the baby, IVF can be a safer option. People with uterine problems, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, or using an egg donor can opt for this reproductive option.
Ovarian Stimulation Step
A healthy, fertile woman produces eggs that mature every month. Only a single egg matures enough for ovulation, leading to the dissolution of the immature eggs. When the IVF cycle begins, you take the hormonal injection medication to enhance the concurrent and complete maturity of all the eggs in the cycle. The hormone specialist customizes the type of medication and dosage depending on your health history, reaction to ovarian stimulation, and age. Your ovaries’ reaction to medication is assessed using ultrasound and blood factor levels. When the eggs get ready for complete maturity, a trigger shot is administered to complete the maturation process as they are prepared for retrieval.
Egg Retrieval
The healthcare specialist inserts a thin extractor tool using an ultrasound to locate the ovaries through the vagina. This tool uses a siphoning device to retrieve the eggs from both follicles. Your eggs are stored in a plate-like container with a unique solution, which is then transferred to the incubator. Your specialist may use medication and moderate anesthesia to reduce discomfort during retrieval. The egg retrieval process takes place 36 hours after the hormonal injection.
Fertilization
After the obtained eggs have been incubated, the specialist fertilizes the mature eggs through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The process allows all mature eggs to be injected with the sperm. If there are immature eggs, the embryologist places them in a dish containing nutrients and sperm to determine if the sperm can fertilize them. The mature eggs are then fertilized and become an embryo. You can freeze some of the eggs you don’t need to be used for fertilization in the future.
The specialist closely assesses your embryo’s growth for six days. Once the embryo is growing and thriving, it can be transferred to the uterus, a stage called the blastocyst. If all embryos are suitable for transfer, they are frozen after fertilization for the future. The embryo transfer requires around 14 days to determine if you are pregnant.
Consult a Competent IVF Specialist
An expert fertility specialist identifies the healthiest embryo for a successful transfer to the uterus. The success rate for IVF depends on genetic factors, as well as how smoothly the procedure goes. If you intend to have a baby using IVF, consult a competent fertility professional to conduct an assessment on the best method.