In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to help individuals and couples conceive. At Midstream Fertility Clinic, we follow a meticulous and supportive approach to IVF, ensuring you receive personalized care throughout the entire process. Here’s a detailed explanation of how IVF works:
1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation
Comprehensive Assessment: The IVF journey begins with an extensive evaluation, including a review of your medical and fertility history, physical exams, blood tests, ultrasounds, and possibly a semen analysis for your partner. Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and fertility goals.
2. Ovarian Stimulation
Hormone Therapy: You will be prescribed fertility medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These medications, usually Gonadotropins, are taken via injections over a period of 8-14 days. Monitoring: Regular monitoring through blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds is essential during this phase. These tests track the growth and development of the follicles (egg-containing sacs in the ovaries).
3. Trigger Shot
Final Maturation: Once the follicles have reached an optimal size, a trigger shot of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or another medication is administered. This triggers the final maturation of the eggs and prepares them for retrieval.
4. Egg Retrieval
Outpatient Procedure: Approximately 34-36 hours after the trigger shot, the egg retrieval procedure is scheduled. This is done under sedation in a minor surgical setting. Ultrasound Guidance: Using ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovaries to retrieve the eggs from the follicles. This procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
5. Sperm Collection and Fertilization
Sperm Collection: On the same day as the egg retrieval, a sperm sample is collected from your partner or a donor. The sample is processed to isolate the healthiest sperm. Insemination: The retrieved eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory. This can be done through traditional insemination, where the sperm and eggs are mixed together, or through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg.
6. Embryo Culture
Development: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in the lab for 3-5 days. During this time, embryologists monitor their development and select the healthiest embryos for transfer. Genetic Testing (Optional): Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can be performed on embryos to screen for genetic abnormalities, ensuring only the healthiest embryos are selected for transfer.
7. Embryo Transfer
Procedure: The selected embryo(s) are transferred into your uterus through a simple procedure using a thin catheter. This is typically done 3-5 days after egg retrieval. Luteal Phase Support: After the transfer, you may be prescribed progesterone supplements to support the uterine lining and promote implantation.
8. Monitoring and Pregnancy Test
Waiting Period: About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, you will return to the clinic for a blood test to measure levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG. Follow-Up: If the test is positive, further ultrasounds and monitoring will be scheduled to confirm and support early pregnancy. If the test is negative, we will discuss the results and potential next steps, which might include another IVF cycle or exploring alternative treatments.
Support and Care
Throughout the IVF process, the team at Midstream Fertility Clinic is dedicated to providing compassionate care, support, and guidance. We aim to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, ensuring you are well-informed and supported at every stage.
IVF is a complex and emotionally demanding process, but it offers a high success rate for many individuals and couples facing infertility. Our goal is to help you achieve a successful pregnancy and ultimately build the family you desire.