IVF Step By Step Process

Aug 06, 2022

In Vitro Fertilization is the act of fertilizing an egg with a sperm outside of the body, in the laboratory. IVF consists of several different steps and procedures each designed to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

Understanding the IVF procedures step-by-step is essential to aligning expectations to that of the success of the technique. Get to know more about one of the best IVF centers in India.

IVF is commonly used to treat:

• Older women with fertility issues
• Women with damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
• Women with endometriosis
• Male infertility caused by low sperm count or blockage.

IVF is a complicated process that requires both timing and steps. The IVF steps involve – ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, fertilization and embryo transfer. One cycle of IVF can take about two to three weeks. More than one cycle can be needed.

1. Ovulation Induction

The start of an IVF cycle begins by using synthetic hormones to stimulate the ovaries producing multiple eggs. Multiple eggs are needed because some eggs won’t fertilize or develop normally after fertilization.

Medication for ovarian simulation – To revitalize your ovaries, you might receive injectable medication containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a luteinizing hormone (LH) or a combination of both.

Medications for oocyte maturation – When follicles are ready for egg retrieval, generally it takes 8 to 14 days’ time.  You will be advised to take human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).

Medications to prepare the lining of the uterus – On the day of egg retrieval, your doctor might recommend that you begin taking progesterone supplements to make uterus lining more receptive to implantation.

If you still have queries, don’t wait, contact the best IVF treatment in India.

2. Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval can be done in your doctor’s office or a clinic 34 to 36 hours after the final injection or before ovulation. In egg retrieval process you will be sedated and given pain medication.  Transvaginal ultrasound is the usual method in use. An ultrasound probe is inserted into your vagina to identify follicles. A thin needle is inserted into follicles to retrieve the eggs from the vagina.

If your ovaries are not accessible to transvaginal ultrasound, an abdominal ultrasound may be used instead. The eggs are then removed from the follicles through a needle connected to a suction device. In around 20 minutes, multiple eggs can be removed. Mature eggs are placed in a nutritive liquid. Eggs that appear healthy will be mixed with sperm to attempt to create embryos.

3. Sperm Retrieval

In this process, your partner’s sperm, a semen sample needs to be provided at your doctor’s clinic. The semen sample is collected through masturbation. Also other methods such as a testicular aspiration - the use of needle or surgical procedure to extract the sperm directly are used.

4. Fertilization

There are two common methods:

Conventional insemination – In this, the healthy sperm and mature eggs are mixed and incubated overnight.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection – In ICSI, a single healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. This method is used when semen quality or if fertilization attempts during prior IVF cycles failed.

In certain situations based on the complications the doctor suggests different procedures before embryo transfer. Get help of the best infertility clinic in India in such a case.

5. Embryo transfer

• Embryo transfer is done at your doctor's clinic and usually takes place two to five days after egg retrieval.
• You might be given a mild sedative. The procedure is usually painless, although you might experience mild cramping.
• The doctor will insert a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter into your vagina, through your cervix and into your uterus.
• A syringe containing one or more embryos suspended in a small amount of fluid is attached to the end of the catheter.
• Using the syringe, the doctor places the embryo or embryos into your uterus.

Talk with your IVF specialists or consult the best IVF centre in India about any factors that apply to you and how they may affect your chances of a successful pregnancy. Your doctor can help you understand how IVF works, the timelines and whether this method of treating infertility is right for you.