Updated by: John D. Editorial team. In vitro fertilization IVF. There are five basic steps to IVF: Step 1: Stimulation, also called super ovulation Medicines, called fertility drugs, are given to the woman to boost egg production.
Normally, a woman produces one egg per month. Fertility drugs tell the ovaries to produce several eggs. During this step, the woman will have regular transvaginal ultrasounds to examine the ovaries and blood tests to check hormone levels. Step 2: Egg retrieval A minor surgery, called follicular aspiration, is done to remove the eggs from the woman's body. The surgery is done in the doctor's office most of the time. The woman will be given medicines so she does not feel pain during the procedure.
Using ultrasound images as a guide, the health care provider inserts a thin needle through the vagina into the ovary and sacs follicles containing the eggs. The needle is connected to a suction device, which pulls the eggs and fluid out of each follicle, one at a time. The procedure is repeated for the other ovary. There may be some cramping after the procedure, but it will go away within a day.
In rare cases, a pelvic laparoscopy may be needed to remove the eggs. If a woman does not or cannot produce any eggs, donated eggs may be used. Step 3: Insemination and Fertilization The man's sperm is placed together with the best quality eggs. The mixing of the sperm and egg is called insemination. Eggs and sperm are then stored in an environmentally controlled chamber. The sperm most often enters fertilizes an egg a few hours after insemination.
If the doctor thinks the chance of fertilization is low, the sperm may be directly injected into the egg. This is called intracytoplasmic sperm injection ICSI. The method of fertilisation will be directed by your specialist in discussion with your situation to optimise your fertilisation and pregnancy chances in each cycle.
After the insemination procedure, we place the inseminated egg s into our specialised culture incubators to assess for fertilisation approximately 17 hours later the next day.
These pronuclei are the genetic nucleus from the egg and sperm, so we need to see only two pronuclei. One from the egg and one from the sperm. If the egg does not present with 2 pronuclei, then the egg has not fertilised and will not produce an embryo. Ideally, after combining a sperm with the egg, approximately17 hours later it will fertilise and begin forming an embryo.
Our scientists will culture the developing embryo s in a special incubator, where the conditions for growth and development are optimised to grow the best possible embryos. We create these perfect growing conditions using a special mix of amino acids, and nutrients similar to the ones your own body would use to nurture the embryo.
Our goal is to grow all embryos to the blastocyst stage. We know that transferring more robust and developed embryos into the uterus boosts your chances of a successful pregnancy. Unfortunately, not all eggs will fertilise and reach each embryo stage. In the meantime, if you have any questions—our friendly team are just a phone call away.
The embryo transfer is a very simple process—similar to a pap smear. The procedure itself only takes about five minutes.
A scientist prepares your embryo by placing it in a small tube called a catheter. Your nurse will let you know exactly when to have your blood test, as it may vary for some patients. We understand that the lead-up to this final blood test can be an anxious time. A weekend away or a special lunch can ease stress and give you something to look forward to. Our expert fertility nurses can answer any questions you may have and offer guidance on next steps.
Around the time your partner's eggs are collected, you'll be asked to produce a fresh sperm sample. The sperm are washed and spun at a high speed so the healthiest and most active sperm can be selected. If you're using donated sperm, it's thawed before being prepared in the same way. Once the embryos have been transferred into the womb, you'll be advised to wait around 2 weeks before having a pregnancy test to see if the treatment has worked.
Some clinics may suggest carrying out a normal urine pregnancy test at home and letting them know the result, while others may want you to come into the clinic for a more accurate blood test. This 2-week wait can be a very difficult period because of the anxiety of not knowing whether the treatment has worked.
Some people find it the hardest part of the treatment process. During this period, you may find it useful to speak to a counsellor through the fertility clinic, or to contact other people in a similar situation to you through the HealthUnlocked IVF community. If you do become pregnant, ultrasound scans will be carried out during the following weeks to check things are progressing as expected.
You'll then be offered the normal antenatal care given to all pregnant women. Unfortunately, IVF is unsuccessful in many cases and you should try to prepare yourself for this possibility. You may be able to try again if treatment doesn't work, although you shouldn't rush straight into it. You may find counselling or fertility support groups helpful during this difficult time. Read more about the support available during IVF.
Page last reviewed: 18 October Next review due: 18 October The results of this test will give your doctor information about the size and quality of your eggs. Your doctor will also examine your uterus.
This may involve doing an ultrasound , which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of your uterus. Your doctor may also insert a scope through your vagina and into your uterus. These tests can reveal the health of your uterus and help the doctor determine the best way to implant the embryos.
Men will need to have sperm testing. This involves giving a semen sample, which a lab will analyze for the number, size, and shape of the sperm. If the sperm are weak or damaged, a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection ICSI may be necessary. During ICSI, a technician injects sperm directly into the egg. Choosing to have IVF is a very personal decision. There are a number of factors to consider.
A woman normally produces one egg during each menstrual cycle. However, IVF requires multiple eggs. Using multiple eggs increases the chances of developing a viable embryo. During this time, your doctor will perform regular blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the production of eggs and to let your doctor know when to retrieve them.
Egg retrieval is known as follicular aspiration. Your doctor will use an ultrasound wand to guide a needle through your vagina, into your ovary, and into an egg-containing follicle. The needle will suction eggs and fluid out of each follicle. The male partner will now need to give a semen sample.
0コメント