With the incredible advancements in science and medicine, there are now more options for those who struggle with infertility. One such option is In Vitro Fertilization, abbreviated as IVF. The IVF process involves five critical steps, each of which plays a crucial role in helping individuals and couples overcome the obstacles of infertility.
With the expertise of medical professionals like Dr. Kevin Doody Bedford, you can easily complete each process and achieve the best possible outcomes. They will also be able to guide you and monitor your progress throughout the IVF process. Here are the five steps to expect during your IVF process.
Ovarian Stimulation
The first step in the IVF process is ovarian stimulation, which involves taking medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This step is typically done using daily follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injections for 10-12 days.
During this time, your doctor will closely monitor you using ultrasound scans and blood tests to track the growth and maturation of your eggs. This monitoring allows your doctor to adjust the medication dosage and timing to optimize the development of your eggs.
Egg Retrieval
Once your eggs have reached the appropriate size and maturity, your doctor will administer a hormone injection called a trigger shot to prepare your eggs for retrieval. Afterward, they will administer sedation or anesthesia to keep you relaxed and comfortable during the egg retrieval.
A minor surgical procedure involves inserting a fine needle through your vaginal wall and into the ovaries to collect the eggs. The needle then aspirates the fluid and follicles containing the mature eggs. This process typically takes around 20-30 minutes, and you can return home the same day.
Fertilization
Fertilization is a critical step in the IVF process, as it involves combining the retrieved eggs with sperm to create embryos. This process is typically performed in a laboratory dish, using either conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) methods.
If the sperm is healthy and there are no concerns about its ability to fertilize your eggs, your doctor may recommend conventional insemination. However, suppose there are issues with the quality or quantity of the sperm or when conventional insemination has been unsuccessful in previous IVF cycles. Your doctor may recommend the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) method.
Embryo Culture
After fertilization, the embryos are cultured in a laboratory for several days until they reach a certain stage of development. Embryo culture helps support the growth and development of embryos and allows the laboratory staff to monitor their progress.
The length of the embryo culture period varies depending on the specific IVF protocol and the stage of development of the embryos. The best-quality embryos are then selected for transfer to the uterus, while any remaining embryos may be frozen for future use or donated to other couples.
Embryo Transfer
The final step in the IVF process is embryo transfer, where the selected embryos are transferred to your uterus. This step is typically performed 3-5 days after fertilization and involves using a catheter to transfer the embryos through the cervix and into the uterus.
The number of embryos transferred depends on several factors, including your age and the quality of the embryos. After the embryo transfer, your doctor will advise you to rest briefly before resuming your normal activities. They will then closely monitor you over the next several weeks to determine if the IVF cycle was successful and if there is a positive pregnancy test.
The journey through the IVF process can be challenging. However, with a supportive network, overcoming the obstacles and achieving the goal of starting or growing a family is possible. Remember that each of the above stages is critical to the success of your IVF cycle.
Before starting your IVF treatment, ensure you are emotionally, physically, and financially prepared. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor if you have any concerns or questions before, during, and after the procedure. They will be able to answer your questions and guide you through each step of becoming a parent.
