If you and your partner are not able to conceive after one year or more of unprotected sex when under the age of 35 years then you can undergo the IVF process. It is an infertility treatment in which the egg and sperm are fertilized in the laboratory and then the embryo is transferred to the uterus for further growth and development. If you want to know more about it, so we are here to help you with a detailed process.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex medical procedure that helps couples struggling with infertility conceive a child. The process involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body and then implanting the resulting embryo into the uterus. While it may seem daunting, understanding the step-by-step process can be empowering for those considering IVF.
Initial Consultation And Testing
The journey begins with a consultation with a fertility specialist. This involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and various tests to assess both partners’ fertility potential. Based on the evaluation, the specialist will recommend the most suitable IVF approach.
- Ovarian Stimulation
This is the initial step of the IVF process. During Ovarian stimulation, you’ll take injectable hormone medications to stimulate eggs to mature properly. Instead of having just one egg you may have many matured eggs. In the natural ovulatory cycle, natural hormones are responsible for the maturation of eggs.
Still, in some women, this process does not occur naturally so medications or injections are given to a woman. Monitoring of matured eggs is done through ultrasounds and tests of blood hormone levels. Most follicles greater than 14 millimeters contain mature eggs whereas those less than 14 millimeters are more likely to be immature and won’t fertilize.
- Egg Retrieval
During the egg retrieval step, the needle is connected to a suction device used to pull your eggs out of each follicle. Your eggs are placed in a special solution and then in an incubator. This step is performed after 36 hours of ovarian stimulation last injection.
- Sperm Collection
This step is usually performed before the egg retrieval process. The sperm sample is usually collected through the ejaculation of a male partner through masturbation. Some males lack sperm in their semen or are unable to ejaculate then male infertility specialist takes viable sperm from the testis or epididymis in through quick procedures.
- Fertilization
An Egg and sperm are fertilized under special conditions in the laboratory. Immature eggs are not used for this step and that’s why eggs are monitored before fertilization. During fertilization, the monitors the health condition of a woman and provides top-notch healthcare facilities to increase the chances of successful conception. It takes approximately 18 hours to determine whether fertilization has occurred or not and another 2 to 4 days to establish whether the embryo is optimally developing.
- Embryo Transfer
The IVF embryo transfer is the last step in the entire IVF process. The fertilized egg that is the embryo is transferred into the uterus for implantation. In fresh embryo transfer, the embryo is freshly fertilized, they are cultured for about two days to 5 days. They are safely transferred into the uterus.
Whereas in the frozen embryo transfer process, The frozen embryo is thawed after getting the body ready for the transfer. The endometrial lining is artificially prepared with the help of some medications. About 9-11 days after the transfer a blood test is performed to find out whether a woman is pregnant or not.
- Embryo Culture:
The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are cultured in a controlled environment for several days. During this time, they are monitored for healthy development and cell division.
- Pregnancy Test and Beyond:
After a two-week wait, a pregnancy test is performed to determine if implantation has occurred. If successful, prenatal care continues to monitor the developing baby’s health throughout the pregnancy.
Conclusion
is higher in women who undergo this process before 35 years of age. It also depends on many other factors like the quality of the egg and sperm, the endometrial lining of the uterus, lifestyle factors, and more. Just like other medical procedures, IVF treatment also needs advanced techniques, the right facilities, and healthcare services. If you are an infertile couple and want to conceive a baby then you can consult with a fertility specialist to find out the cause behind infertility and its treatment to increase your chances of successful conception.
Before undergoing any infertility treatment, discuss the steps with your fertility specialist to reduce the complications. This is a simplified overview, and the specific details of your IVF journey may vary depending on individual circumstances and the chosen protocol. Consulting with a qualified fertility specialist is crucial for personalized guidance and support throughout the process.