In-Vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex and yet worthwhile series of procedure used to help with fertility or to prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. IVF is the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology. The procedure can be done using a couple’s own eggs and sperm or IVF may involve eggs, sperms or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. The steps include;
- Stimulating a woman’s ovaries so eggs can be obtained this is done using synthetic hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs-than the single egg that usually develop each month. Multiple eggs are needed because some eggs will not fertilize or develop normally after fertilization.
- Egg and Sperm retrieval; Transvaginal ultrasound aspiration is the usual retrieval method. An ultrasound probe is inserted into your vagina to identify follicles and retrieve the eggs. However, if your ovaries aren’t accessible though transvaginal ultrasound, an abdominal ultrasound may be used to guide the needle. Mature eggs are usually placed in a nutritive liquid and incubated. Sperm is usually your partner’s or a donor. The semen is collected through masturbation or testicular aspiration- a surgical procedure where a needle is used to extract sperm directly from the testicle.
- Fertilization; This can either be the conventional insemination where the healthy sperm and mature eggs are mixed and incubated overnight or through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), which involves injecting a single healthy sperm directly into each mature egg. This is often used when number or quality of sperm is a problem or also if there had been failed attempt at fertilization during previous cycle.
- Embryo transfer involves inserting a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter, into your vagina. One or two embryos suspended in a small amount of fluid is attached to the end of the catheter and placed into your vagina, through your cervix and into your uterus. Embryo transfer is particularly delicate and requires ideal and optimal conditions to increase the chances of implantation and pregnancy. Upon successful transfer to embryo, Implantation in the lining of your uterus will take about 6 to 10 days.