In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF , mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab.
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method where sperm and egg are combined in the laboratory, and after fertilization, the embryos are then implanted into the walls of the uterus.
What are the chances of getting pregnant with IVF?
Most women typically see success rates of 20-35% per cycle, but the likelihood of getting pregnant decreases with each successive round, while the cost increases. The cumulative effect of three full cycles of IVF increases the chances of a successful pregnancy to 45-53%.
Is in vitro the same as IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) commonly referred to as IVF. IVF is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
- A woman whose fallopian tubes are obstructed or destroyed.
- A man with sperm problems, such as low sperm count and motility.
- A couple who have been unable to conceive after three years and where there is no known cause for the infertility.
- A couple that has undergone intrauterine insemination (IUI) and were unable to conceive.
IVF PROCEDURE
- The doctor will insert an ultrasound probe into your vagina to retrieve a suitable egg. Local anesthesia is administered to prevent pain. This procedure takes about 30 minutes and after the retrieval you will be given hormone vaginal suppositories or injections to prepare for the transfer of embryos into your uterus.
- The collected eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then observed closely for the next two days.
- The next day the fertilized egg becomes an embryo and is ready to be transferred on the third or fifth day after retrieval. The embryo transfer does not require that you fast, or the administration of anesthesia. The procedure takes 30 minutes.
Embryo transfer can be done three or five days after fertilization.
- Blastocyst transfer is a new technology where the embryos are cultured in the laboratory until they become blastocysts before they are transferred to the uterus. This takes five days after fertilization. This procedure prepares the embryo for implantation and improves the chances of pregnancy.
- Day-3 embryo transfer is a method where the embryos are cultured in the laboratory until they divide into six to eight cells, which takes three days after fertilization. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus.
One IVF cycle takes four to six weeks to complete. Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer a blood test will be done to test for pregnancy.
How long does it take to get pregnant with IVF?
How long does it take to get pregnant with IVF? One cycle of IVF takes about two months. Women younger than age 35 will get pregnant and have a baby with their first IVF egg retrieval and subsequent embryo transfer(s) about half the time.
Why is IVF bad?
Risks of IVF include: Multiple births. IVF increases the risk of multiple births if more than one embryo is transferred to your uterus. A pregnancy with multiple fetuses carries a higher risk of early labor and low birth weight than pregnancy with a single fetus does.
