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What Are the 5 Stages of IVF?

Introduction 

The IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) process is a remarkable journey that offers hope and solutions to individuals and couples facing infertility challenges. This intricate medical procedure involves several critical steps, from the initial IVF consultation, where individuals meet with fertility specialists, to the ultimate goal of achieving a successful pregnancy. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this transformative process, beginning with the essential IVF consultation.

Steps of IVF

The IVF procedure contains five steps. They are:

  • Ovarian Stimulation
  • Egg Retrieval
  • Sperm Collection or Retrieval
  • Egg Fertilization & Embryo Development and
  • Embryo Transfer

These simple five serial stages will take you on your journey towards the promised child.

After this ivf doctor will test a sample of your blood in 12 days to two weeks following embryo transfer to see if you’re pregnant. A single IVF cycle might take two to three weeks. It is possible that more than one cycle will be required. Ready below to know about the each steps

All the Best for your IVF Journey !

As a fertility Doctor, I understand how you feel, and I’m here to help. Check out my IVF guide to support you on this journey.

Ovarian Stimulation

An IVF cycle begins with the use of synthetic hormones to encourage the ovaries to create numerous eggs rather than the single egg that matures each month. Because some eggs will not fertilise or develop normally following fertilisation, many eggs are required.

For this purpose, hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), etc. that help in follicle maturing will be injected into the woman’s body.

These hormones will help almost all the follicles to mature and release eggs during the particular menstrual cycle.

Egg Retrieval

Around 10 to 14 days after ovarian stimulation doctors will scan the uterus using vaginal ultrasound to measure the size of the eggs. If the eggs are of optimal size which is around 15-18 mm in diameter, they will be retrieved.

The patient will be sedated intravenously. A transvaginal ultrasound instrument will guide a needle-like equipment that will suck the eggs out of the uterus.

The eggs are to be retrieved within 36 hours after the final shot to mature the follicles. Beyond this time frame, ovulation will be risked and the eggs may get lost.

The collected eggs would then be placed in a culture medium.

Sperm Collection/Retrieval

The sperm are either collected while the eggs are being collected or before the egg collection and kept at freeze. 

There exists an option to use donor sperm as well.

Egg Fertilization & Embryo Development

Fertilization is then executed in either of the two ways:

  • Conventional Insemination: The collected eggs and sperm are left in a petri dish to fertilize overnight.
  • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): The collected sperm is individually injected into the eggs in the petri dish using an injection pipette if they are immotile. 

After fertilization, the embryo is observed to divide from two to more cells. The observation goes around from at least 20 hours to 5 days.

Embryo Transfer

After fertilization, the embryos are transferred to the uterus this process is said to be embryo transfer. A simple catheter is let through the cervix to help transfer the eggs to the uterus under constant ultrasound observance.There are two types of embryo transfer, which is Fresh and Frozen Embryo Transfer

The remaining embryos in the lab will be preserved through cryopreservation if any need arises in the future.

After 10 to 12 days blood tests will be run to test pregnancy.

You can resume your normal activities after embryo transfer. Just make sure not to do strenuous activities and keep your body and mind relaxed.

Conclusion

The IVF time can be hard. Yet hold out with hope until the end. The rate of success for IVF is higher. However, it may vary with a person’s age, health, and fertility rate.

Surround yourself with enough physical and emotional strength and stay positive. You are doing your best!

To know more about the IVF procedure in detail contact a fertility specialist.

FAQ

How long does IVF treatment take?

IVF takes around 6 to weeks. It will begin with testing for fertility possibilities, blood tests, and other medical checkups. The ovarian stimulation will take around 10 to 12 days. Egg collection can be done within 30 minutes. Embryo fertilization and development may take up to five days. After egg transfer, you may have to wait for two weeks before testing for pregnancy.

Can we borrow sperm for IVF?

Yes, you can borrow sperm for IVF. If your partner’s sperm has infertility factors, you can use the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) option as well. Through ICSI quality sperm can be selected and individually injected into the eggs in the petri dish. 

Is there a need to collect more than one egg for IVF?

Yes, it is required to stimulate the ovaries to produce more than one egg and collect them. There may arise a situation wherein the collected egg may go unfertilized or when there is insufficient embryo development. At such times instead of waiting for the egg from the next menstrual cycle the already collected eggs can be used.

What happens to the remaining embryos?

The remaining embryos after fertilization are frozen through cryopreservation. The frozen embryos can be utilized in the future if any need arises.

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Dr Niveditha

Dr. Niveditha is the co-founder of The Hive Fertility and Research Centre. She is a young and passionate fertility expert who aims to provide high-quality fertility treatments to her patients. During her 10+ years of service as a fertility expert, she has helped several hundreds of patients overcome their infertility and become parents. She also specializes in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology

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