In vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is simply the uniting of egg and sperm in vitro (in the lab). Subsequently the embryos are transferred into the uterus through the cervix and pregnancy is allowed to begin. The process is done inconjunction with ovulation induction through drugs, monitoring of hormone levels and follicle scans with ultrasound.

The average couple will need 3 attempts before obtaining a pregnancy through IVF, all depending on their diagnosis. Some couples will have more than one cause of infertility making IVF the only realistic option for achieving pregnancy.

Who would need IVF?
Tubal problems can mean a woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, which can make it difficult for the egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus.

Male factor can include a low sperm count, problems with sperm function or motility which can inhibit sperm from fertilizing an egg on its own.

Severe Endometriosis affecting both fertilization of the egg and implantation of the embryo in the uterus.

Ovarian issues which prevent the release or production of eggs.

Abnormal uterus shape, fibroid tumors, or exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a fetus.

The steps of IVF are:
Ovulation Induction
Retrieval
Collecting and preparing the sperm
Insemination of eggs and embryos culture
Transferring embryos to the uterus

It is important to note that there are two types of transfers that can occur in an IVF procedure: the standard 3-day transfer or a blastocyst transfer. Both types of transfer have advantages and disadvantages.

While your embryos are still in the lab, there are a number of techniques that IVF specialists can perform to improve the health your embryos. One such technique is assisted hatching, which may improve your embryos ability to implant in your uterus. Some couples also ask that their embryos receive a preimplantation genetic diagnosis before being transfered. This diagnositic test allows specialists to transfer only those embryos which are healthiest.

Since many eggs are retrieved and fertilized during IVF, you may be wondering what happen to those embryos that are not transfered back to you. A common procedure for numerous couples is to have the extra embryos cryo-preserved so that they can be used in future IVF cycles if necessary. This is known as frozen embryo transfer.

Source: Sharedjourney.com