In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
What Does IVF Mean?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a widely used and advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) designed to help individuals and couples overcome fertility challenges. The term "in vitro" means "in the lab," highlighting the process where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body in a controlled environment.
The procedure involves several key steps: stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving the eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and transferring a healthy embryo into the uterus to achieve pregnancy. IVF is often recommended for conditions like blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, or for individuals pursuing parenthood through donor eggs or sperm.
IVF has transformed lives, offering hope and success to millions of families worldwide. With advancements in technology and personalized care, it continues to be a beacon of hope for those dreaming of parenthood.
The IVF Treatment Process
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a multi-step process designed to assist individuals and couples in achieving pregnancy. Here’s how it works:
1: Ovarian Stimulation
Fertility medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Regular monitoring through ultrasounds and blood tests ensures optimal response.
2: Egg Retrieval
A minor procedure, performed under sedation, is used to collect mature eggs from the ovaries using a fine needle guided by ultrasound.
3: Fertilization
The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory setting to facilitate fertilization. This can be done conventionally or through a specialized technique like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
4: Embryo Development
The fertilized eggs, now embryos, are cultured in a controlled environment and monitored for quality over several days.
5: Embryo Transfer
A selected healthy embryo is transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter, with the hope of implantation.
6: Pregnancy Test
Two weeks later, a blood test confirms whether the procedure has resulted in pregnancy.
IVF is a highly tailored treatment, and success depends on individual factors such as age, health, and underlying fertility issues.