IVF Procedure Step By Step

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a multi-step fertility treatment that assists with conception by combining sperm and eggs outside the body in a laboratory setting.

• Initial Consultation : - You'll have an initial consultation with a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist. During this appointment, your medical history will be reviewed, and any necessary tests or evaluations will be conducted to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Ovarian Reserve Testing : - This involves assessing the quantity and quality of your eggs. Tests may include blood tests for hormone levels (such as FSH, LH, and estradiol) and an ultrasound to count the follicles in your ovaries.
• Ovarian Stimulation : - You will undergo ovarian stimulation to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This typically involves hormone injections over a period of about 8-14 days. During this time, you'll have regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds to track the development of follicles.
• Egg Retrieval : - Once the follicles are mature, an egg retrieval procedure is scheduled. This is usually done under sedation or anesthesia. A needle is inserted through the vaginal wall into each ovary to retrieve the eggs. The eggs are then collected and taken to the laboratory.
• Sperm Collection : - On the same day as the egg retrieval, sperm is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor.
• Fertilization : - The retrieved eggs and sperm are combined in a petri dish in the laboratory for fertilization. In some cases, a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.
• Embryo Culture : - Fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are cultured in the laboratory for a few days. During this time, they are monitored for signs of healthy development.