In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which an egg and sperm are combined outside the body to create an embryo, which is then transferred into the woman's uterus. IVF is one of the most widely used assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and has helped many couples achieve pregnancy, especially when other fertility treatments have not been successful.
Ovulation Stimulation:The woman undergoes hormonal stimulation to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This involves the use of fertility medications such as gonadotropins or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds is performed to track the development of follicles in the ovaries.
Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up): Once the eggs are mature, a minor surgical procedure is performed to retrieve them from the ovaries. This is typically done using transvaginal ultrasound guidance, and a thin needle is used to aspirate the fluid from the follicles, which contains the eggs.
Sperm Collection: On the same day as the egg retrieval, a sperm sample is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor. The sperm is processed and prepared for fertilization.
Fertilization: The eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish for fertilization. This can be done through conventional insemination, where sperm is added to the eggs, or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs develop into embryos, and they are cultured in a special incubator for a few days. The embryologist monitors their development and selects the healthiest embryos for transfer.
Embryo Transfer: One or more selected embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus through the cervix. This is a relatively simple and painless procedure that does not require anesthesia.
Luteal Phase Support: Hormonal medications, such as progesterone, are often prescribed to support the uterine lining and improve the chances of embryo implantation.
Pregnancy Test: Approximately 10 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to determine if the woman is pregnant.
IVF success rates can vary depending on various factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and the quality of the embryos. Multiple IVF cycles may be needed before achieving a successful pregnancy.
