Steps Involved in the IVF Process

In vitro fertilization or IVF is a kind of assisted reproductive technology that is extensively used as a treatment option for infertile couples. The IVF process has created a profound impact on the lives of millions as by May 2019, over 8 million babies have been born through it.

A fertility expert suggests the couples undergo this treatment when they, despite having unprotected intercourse for over a year, fail to conceive. 

The write-up enlists the steps in the IVF process.

Initial consultation

Any IVF process, obviously, starts with an initial consultation in which an IVF specialist assess all the medical information shared by you to understand your situation and come up with the best way to proceed.

Testing and ovary stimulation

In this step, the fertility specialist will conduct some initial tests, and then the process of ovary stimulation will start on the very first day of your monthly cycle. The doctor will prescribe medications for around 8-14 days to help the women produce more eggs than usual. For stimulation, the doctor uses follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

Egg retrieval

With the help of highly advanced ultrasound technology, the fertility specialist will retrieve eggs from the ovaries with the help of a tiny needle. On average, 8-15 eggs are collected during the process. To ensure the woman does not face any discomfort or problem, the doctor may give mild sedatives or anesthesia.

Sperm retrieval

If the couple wants to use fresh sperm for the process, then the retrieval is done on the same day of egg retrieval. If the eggs are frozen or of donor’s, sperm is then kept ready in the lab. To ensure quality, sperm is chosen on 4 quality parameters.

Fertilization

In this step, the doctor will keep the eggs and sperm in a dish in vitro to allow fertilization to take place.

Embryo development

If the fertilization happens successfully, then it results in a zygote which after development, turns into an embryo. For observation and final selection, the doctor then keeps the embryos into a special incubator where the growth and development conditions are similar to a mother’s womb.

Embryo transfer

In this step, the doctor uses a small tube called a catheter to implant the embryo through the cervix into the uterus. The fertility expert carries out this procedure as it requires to be done precisely.  

Final pregnancy test

After two weeks of embryo transfer, the doctor will prescribe a blood test to measure hCG levels to confirm pregnancy.

So, it was all about the step-by-step IVF process. IVF treatment is no less than a boon for couples who want to be a parent of a child.