How is it done? : Know the complete procedure
huangyan Jun 27, 2023
Although it has been 42 years since the introduction and development of IVF as a successful assisted reproductive technology, people are not very clear about what it is and the process involved in IVF. IVF stands for in-vitro fertilization and is essentially a treatment in which the egg and sperms are mixed. The egg selects the sperm that fertilizes it ,similar to the process occurring naturally in the body.2-5 days after this, the fertilized egg, now called the embryo, is put back into the uterus.
However, in the 21st century, things are improving as people have started becoming more open to the idea of IVF, with many top-notch hospitals becoming specialty treatment centers, with the best doctors/embryologists and technology, that cater specifically to problems related to infertility. We will discuss a step by step procedure of a single cycle of IVF treatment.
Step by Step IVF Procedure
IVF is essentially the process of manually infusing an egg with sperm and then implanting this fertilized egg into the uterus. This is done is six main steps.
Hormone regulation: The first step in initiating IVF treatment is hormone regulation. Often, the first step for IVF treatment involves the intake of birth control pills. In women with irregular menses, they make the periods come on time and help in planning the treatment cycle.
Stimulation of the production of eggs: Hormone regulation is followed by stimulating the production of eggs in the female body through hormone injections. Women usually produce one egg per month.. However, during IVF treatment, hormone injections are given to the women which increases the number of eggs produced in a month, which increases the number of eggs available for fertilizing with the sperm
Retrieving the eggs: After the stimulation of egg production, these eggs are recovered from the ovaries, through a minor surgery called ‘follicular aspiration’. The woman is put to sleep during the procedure, and the eggs are retrieved from her ovaries under ultrasound guidance.
Fertilization of the eggs: This is followed by the fertilization of the egg with sperm. Depending on the doctor’s assessment of the fertilization rate, the sperm can either be placed in a petri dish with the eggs to inseminate on its own(IVF) or directly injected into the egg(ICSI).
Maturing the embryo: The fertilized egg is then left to divide and form an embryo in the lab and within 3 to 5 days, the embryo is ready for transfer.
Implanting the fertilized egg into the uterus: The mature embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus 3 to 5 days after the process of egg retrieval and fertilization.
Must Read: Step-By-Step: A Spotlight on the IVF Process
This mature embryo then goes on to implant itself into the uterine lining and leads to pregnancy. Now, IVF has a success rate of 50-72%. So, one cycle of IVF may not be enough to succeed in impregnation. Some cases require multiple cycles of IVF treatment and therefore have to go through the entire six-step process multiple times. However, IVF has the highest success rate among all assisted reproductive technologies in the market currently.
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