Initial Consultation:

The IVF process begins with an initial consultation with a fertility specialist. During this appointment, the specialist will review the patient’s medical history, perform a physical examination, and recommend any necessary testing to determine the underlying causes of infertility.

Pre-IVF Testing:

Depending on the results of the initial consultation, both partners may undergo additional testing to assess their fertility and identify any potential issues that may affect the success of the treatment. These tests may include blood tests, semen analysis, ultrasound imaging, or hysterosalpingography (HSG).

Hormone Stimulation:

Once IVF is recommended, the female partner will begin taking hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. This process typically takes around 10-14 days and is monitored through regular ultrasounds and blood tests.

Egg Retrieval:

When the eggs are ready, they will be retrieved from the ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure under light sedation or general anesthesia. The eggs are then transferred to the laboratory for fertilization.

Sperm Collection:

At the same time as the egg retrieval, the male partner will provide a semen sample, which will be processed in the laboratory to isolate the healthiest sperm for fertilization.

Fertilization:

The eggs and sperm will be combined in a petri dish and left to fertilize overnight. In some cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used to directly inject a single sperm into the egg to increase the chances of fertilization.

Embryo Development:

After fertilization, the embryos will be monitored for development and quality. Typically, embryos will reach the blastocyst stage 5-6 days after fertilization.

Genetic Testing:

If desired, genetic testing may be performed on the embryos prior to transfer to identify any genetic abnormalities that may affect the health of the baby.

Embryo Transfer:

One or two of the best embryos will be selected for transfer into the uterus through a thin catheter, with the goal of implantation and pregnancy. The transfer is typically performed 3-5 days after fertilization.

Embryo Cryopreservation:

Any additional embryos of good quality can be cryopreserved for future use, such as for a subsequent IVF cycle or for embryo donation.

Pregnancy Testing:

About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test will be performed to determine if the treatment was successful.

Follow-Up Care:

If the treatment is successful, the patient will continue to receive care throughout the pregnancy. If the treatment is not successful, the patient and doctor will discuss further options, which may include additional IVF cycles or other fertility treatments.