In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process that helps people get pregnant by combining an egg and sperm outside the body and then implanting the resulting embryo into the uterus. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it works:
Ovarian Stimulation: To increase the chances of success, fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This is done because having more eggs can increase the likelihood of finding a healthy one to fertilize.
Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the ovaries through a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. A needle is inserted through the vaginal wall and into the ovaries to collect the eggs.
Sperm Collection: A sperm sample is collected from the partner or a donor. The sperm is then processed and prepared for fertilization.
Fertilization: The eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish to allow fertilization. In some cases, a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to aid fertilization.
Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured for a few days to allow them to develop. The embryologist monitors their growth and selects the best quality embryos.
Embryo Transfer: One or more healthy embryos are selected and transferred into the uterus through a thin tube called a catheter. This is typically done without anesthesia and is relatively painless.
Pregnancy Test: About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to determine if implantation has occurred and if the woman is pregnant.
IVF can be a complex process, but it offers a viable option for many people facing infertility challengesIVF can be a complex process, but it offers a viable option for many people facing infertility challenges. Each step is carefully monitored to maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy