IVF Process

The IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) process is a multi-step fertility treatment aimed at helping individuals or couples conceive a child when natural conception is not successful.

• Initial Consultation : - The process begins with an initial consultation with a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist. During this consultation, the medical history of the individual or couple is reviewed, and any necessary tests or evaluations are conducted to determine the cause of infertility and the appropriate course of treatment.
• Ovarian Reserve Testing : - This involves assessing the quantity and quality of the eggs in the ovaries. Tests may include blood tests to measure hormone levels (such as FSH, LH, and estradiol) and an ultrasound to count the number of follicles in the ovaries.
• Ovarian Stimulation : - The woman undergoing IVF is given medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This typically involves a combination of injectable hormones administered over a period of about 8-14 days. Regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds is conducted during this time to track the development of follicles in the ovaries.
• Egg Retrieval : - Once the follicles are mature, an egg retrieval procedure is scheduled. This is usually done under sedation or anesthesia to minimize discomfort. 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.
• Fertilization : - The retrieved eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish for fertilization. In standard IVF, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish and left to fertilize naturally. In some cases, a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg to facilitate fertilization.
• Pregnancy Test : - Approximately 10-14 days after embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is performed to determine if the IVF procedure was successful.