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Dec 11, 2023
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure used to help individuals or couples who are struggling with infertility to conceive a child. The procedure involves several steps, which are as follows:
1. Ovarian stimulation: The woman undergoing IVF is given fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the usual one egg per menstrual cycle.
2. Monitoring: The woman's progress is closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasound scans to determine the development of the eggs and the thickness of the uterine lining.
3. Egg retrieval: Once the eggs have matured, a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval is performed. A thin needle is inserted into the ovaries through the vaginal wall, and the eggs are aspirated.
4. Sperm collection: On the same day as the egg retrieval, the male partner provides a semen sample. If needed, sperm can also be obtained through other methods like surgical sperm retrieval.
5. Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are then combined with the sperm in a laboratory dish or a specialized incubator. This process is known as fertilization. In some cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is directly injected into each egg.
6. Embryo development: The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are monitored for several days to allow them to develop. The embryos are typically cultured in a laboratory under controlled conditions.
7. Embryo transfer: After a few days of development, one or more embryos are selected for transfer into the woman's uterus. This is done using a thin catheter that is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The number of embryos transferred depends on various factors, including the woman's age and the quality of the embryos.
8. Pregnancy test: Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test is conducted to determine if the woman is pregnant. If the test is positive, further monitoring and care are provided to support the pregnancy.
It is important to note that the specific details of the IVF procedure may vary depending on the individual's or couple's circumstances and the recommendations of their fertility specialist.
1. Ovarian stimulation: The woman undergoing IVF is given fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the usual one egg per menstrual cycle.
2. Monitoring: The woman's progress is closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasound scans to determine the development of the eggs and the thickness of the uterine lining.
3. Egg retrieval: Once the eggs have matured, a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval is performed. A thin needle is inserted into the ovaries through the vaginal wall, and the eggs are aspirated.
4. Sperm collection: On the same day as the egg retrieval, the male partner provides a semen sample. If needed, sperm can also be obtained through other methods like surgical sperm retrieval.
5. Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are then combined with the sperm in a laboratory dish or a specialized incubator. This process is known as fertilization. In some cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is directly injected into each egg.
6. Embryo development: The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are monitored for several days to allow them to develop. The embryos are typically cultured in a laboratory under controlled conditions.
7. Embryo transfer: After a few days of development, one or more embryos are selected for transfer into the woman's uterus. This is done using a thin catheter that is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The number of embryos transferred depends on various factors, including the woman's age and the quality of the embryos.
8. Pregnancy test: Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test is conducted to determine if the woman is pregnant. If the test is positive, further monitoring and care are provided to support the pregnancy.
It is important to note that the specific details of the IVF procedure may vary depending on the individual's or couple's circumstances and the recommendations of their fertility specialist.
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