The In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation
Initial Consultation: A thorough examination and discussion with a fertility specialist to understand your medical history and assess fertility potential.
Ovarian Reserve Testing: Blood tests and an ultrasound are performed to evaluate ovarian reserve (egg quantity and quality).
Ovarian Stimulation: Daily injections of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and/or luteinizing hormone (LH) are administered over 8-14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Step 2: Egg Retrieval
Trigger Injection: A trigger injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a GnRH agonist triggers the final maturation of the eggs.
Egg Retrieval: Approximately 36 hours after the trigger, the eggs are retrieved using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle aspiration. The procedure is typically performed under sedation.
Step 3: Fertilization and Embryo Culture
Sperm Collection: On the same day as the egg retrieval, the male partner provides a semen sample.
Fertilization: In the laboratory, the retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm through conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected into each egg.
Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in the laboratory for 3-5 days, monitored for growth and development, and graded based on quality.
Step 4: Embryo Transfer
Embryo Selection: The highest-quality embryos are selected for transfer based on their appearance and development.
Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter inserted through the cervix. The number of embryos transferred depends on several factors, including age, embryo quality, and previous IVF success.
Step 5: Post-Transfer
Progesterone Supplementation: To support the early stages of pregnancy, progesterone supplementation may be prescribed.
Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation): Any high-quality embryos not transferred may be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.
Step 6: Pregnancy Testing
About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test measures levels of hCG (pregnancy hormone) to determine if pregnancy has occurred.
The specific details and variations of the IVF process can differ depending on the individual's situation and the protocols used by the fertility clinic. It's important to have thorough discussions with your fertility specialist to understand your unique treatment plan and the steps involved.
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