Infertility affects millions of people worldwide, and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) has become a beacon of hope for those struggling to conceive. IVF is a complex process, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help alleviate anxiety and uncertainty. In this article, we’ll delve into the IVF process, exploring each stage in detail.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Testing (Weeks 1-4)
Before beginning IVF, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist. This appointment will involve:
- Medical history assessment
- Physical examination
- Semen analysis (for male partners)
- Hormone level checks (for female partners)
- Ultrasound examination (for female partners)
- Discussion of treatment options and success rates
Step 2: Ovulation Induction (Weeks 5-8)
To stimulate egg production, you’ll start taking medications, typically injectables, to induce ovulation. This process involves:
- Daily injections of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH)
- Regular ultrasound monitoring to track follicle growth
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
Step 3: Egg Retrieval (Day 10-14 of stimulation)
Once follicles are mature, egg retrieval is scheduled. This procedure involves:
- Light sedation or anaesthesia
- Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of eggs
- Retrieval of 8-15 eggs (average)
Step 4: Sperm Collection and Fertilisation (Day of egg retrieval)
On the day of egg retrieval, your partner will provide a semen sample. The sperm will be:
- Washed and prepared for fertilisation
- Combined with eggs in a laboratory dish (conventional IVF) or via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- Monitored for fertilisation (typically 16-18 hours)
Step 5: Embryo Culture and Transfer (Days 3-5 after fertilisation)
Fertilised eggs (now embryos) will be cultured in a specialized medium. The best embryo(s) will be selected for transfer:
- Embryo growth and development monitoring
- Transfer of 1-2 embryos (average) into the uterus
- Remaining embryos can be frozen for future use
Step 6: Luteal Phase Support (Days 6-14 after transfer)
To support implantation, you’ll take:
- Progesterone supplements (oral or vaginal)
- Estrogen supplements (oral or patch)
Step 7: Pregnancy Test (Approximately 2 weeks after transfer)
A blood test will confirm whether the IVF cycle was successful:
- Positive result: Pregnancy confirmed
- Negative result: Cycle failed (consult with your fertility specialist)