What is IVF ?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Step 1
Ovarian stimulation is achieved by gonadotropins injections that contain follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These stimulate the growth of multiple follicles in the ovaries. FSH injections are given for about 10 days before the patient is ready for the oocyte retrieval.
Oocyte Retrieval
Step 2
During this procedure, an ultrasound probe is inserted into your vagina to identify follicles, and a needle is guided through the vagina and into the follicles. The eggs are removed from the follicles through the needle, which is connected to a suction device.
Egg and Sperm Preparation
Step 3
During IVF , mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer.
Egg Fertilization
Step 4
During in vitro fertilization, eggs are removed from mature follicles within an ovary . An egg is fertilized by injecting a single sperm into the egg or mixing the egg with sperm in a petri dish. The fertilized egg (embryo) is transferred into the uterus.
Embryo Transfer
Step 5
The mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer.
Pregnancy
Step 6
About 12 days to two weeks after egg retrieval, your doctor will test a sample of your blood to detect whether you’re pregnant. If you’re pregnant, your doctor will refer you to an obstetrician or other pregnancy specialist for prenatal care.
Additional Steps
Preimplantation Genetic Screening
Testing of Oocyte or Embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF) before possible transfer to a woman’s uterus for a range of genetic problems that can cause implantation failure, miscarriage and birth defects in a resulting child.
Oocyte or Embryo Cryopreservation
It is a process in which a woman’s eggs (oocytes) are extracted, frozen and stored as a method to preserve reproductive potential in women of reproductive age. The first human birth from a frozen oocyte was reported in 1986.
