subject: How Does Ivf Work? [print this page] If you are experiencing difficulties in becoming pregnant naturally, you may be considering seeking medical assistance in the form of IVF. Many thousands of couples worldwide have become parents using this technique, but before embarking on this journey, you would probably like to know, "How does IVF work?"
Ovarian Stimulation
Usually, the ovaries will release one egg per month. Ideally though, if you have fertility problems, you will need more than one to help you become pregnant. Fertility drugs are used to stimulate the cycle to trigger the release of 5 or more mature eggs to enable embryos to be created and transferred to the womb. Ovarian stimulation least for two weeks and involves the injection of fertility drugs on a daily basis.
Ultrasound
During the final week of the ovarian stimulation phase, the doctor will check the growth of the follicles on each alternate day. Follicles are the tiny sacs within the ovaries which contain an immature egg. When maturity is reached, you will be given an injection which sends a signal to the ovaries to release the eggs in preparation for egg retrieval in 36 hours.
Egg Retrieval
If you want to know, "how does work?" then egg retrieval is a crucial phase. This involves a minor surgical procedure whereby the mature eggs are removed from the ovaries, thereby bypassing the somewhat hazardous journey where the eggs normally go down the fallopian tubes. You may feel some minor cramping after the procedure. During egg retrieval, your partner will be asked to produce a sperm sample.
Fertilization
After a few hours incubation, the eggs are combined with the sperm. This will happen after you and your partner have left the clinic. The eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a culture medium and put in an incubator where they will transform into embryos.
Embryo Transfer
In three to five days, the final part of the IVF procedure will be performed. The embryo transfer will only take a few short minutes. This is performed using a catheter which is placed in the uterus via the vagina and cervix.
Two Week Wait
After two weeks, you can take a pregnancy test. After embryo transfer, it usually takes around a week for implantation and for the body to begin producing the pregnancy hormone, hCG. Try to remain relaxed and avoid stress if possible.
I hope this has answered your question, "How does IVF work."
