IVF is one of the most well-known and effective treatments for infertility, yet many people find the process overwhelming and confusing. If you’re considering it or just want to learn more about it, this blog will walk you through each step of the process.
What is IVF?
IVF is a fertility treatment where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body, in a lab. Once fertilization occurs, the embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus, where it can implant and grow. IVF is often recommended for couples facing infertility due to factors like blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, male infertility, or unexplained infertility.
The IVF Process Step-by-Step
- Ovarian Stimulation
The first stage of IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of just one. This is done using hormone injections over a period of 8-14 days. The goal is to increase the number of mature eggs available for fertilization, which improves the chances of a successful pregnancy.
- Monitoring and Egg Maturation
Throughout the stimulation phase, you’ll undergo regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds to track the growth of the follicles (where eggs develop). Once the follicles have reached the appropriate size, a trigger injection is given to help the eggs mature and get ready for retrieval.
- Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under sedation. A fertility specialist uses a thin needle to collect the eggs directly from the ovaries. The procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes, and most women can return home the same day. The eggs are then taken to the lab for fertilization.
- Sperm Collection and Fertilization
On the same day as egg retrieval, a sperm sample is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor. The sperm is then combined with the eggs in the lab. Fertilization can occur through standard IVF, where sperm and eggs are placed together, or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.
- Embryo Culture
Once fertilized, the eggs become embryos. The embryos are cultured in a lab for 3-5 days while they grow and develop. During this time, embryologists carefully monitor their progress to determine which embryos are the healthiest and most likely to result in a successful pregnancy.
- Embryo Transfer
After 3-5 days, one or more of the healthiest embryos are selected for transfer into the woman’s uterus. The transfer procedure is simple and typically does not require sedation. A thin catheter is used to place the embryo in the uterine cavity, where it can implant and begin to grow.
- The Two-Week Wait
After the embryo transfer, you’ll enter the "two-week wait" period before taking a pregnancy test. During this time, you’ll be monitored with blood tests to check hormone levels and ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
- Pregnancy Test
About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, you’ll take a blood pregnancy test to determine if the IVF cycle was successful. If the test is positive, your fertility clinic will continue to monitor the early stages of your pregnancy through blood tests and ultrasounds.
Who is IVF For?
IVF can be a solution for a variety of infertility issues, including:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Ovulation disorders like PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Unexplained infertility
- Male infertility factors like low sperm count or motility
IVF can also be used by same-sex couples, single parents, and individuals using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos to build their families.
While IVF may seem complex, understanding each step of the process can help reduce some of the anxiety around fertility treatments. With the support of a skilled fertility team, IVF offers hope to those who have struggled to conceive.
If you’re considering IVF or have questions about your fertility, contact Gen 5 Fertility today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to guide you through every step of your fertility journey.