A typical IVF cycle consists of the following vital phases:
Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring
During your IVF cycle, a combination of medications will be given to encourage the growth of several eggs and ensure their final development. Eggs will be retrieved thirty-five to thirty-six hours later.
Egg Retrieval
Under the guidance of vaginal ultrasound, a physician will extract the mature eggs. During this short procedure, intravenous sedation will be provided to minimize any discomfort.
Semen Collection, Processing and Insemination
Shortly before or after egg retrieval, a semen sample will be collected. This sample will undergo processing to identify the strongest, most active sperm to combine with the mature eggs. Sperm and eggs are then placed together in the laboratory to accomplish fertilization.
Fertilization
After initial incubation, the eggs will be examined to verify fertilization. If fertilization is achieved and the embryos appear healthy, they will be transferred to the uterus. Healthy embryos that are not used during the current cycle may be cryopreserved for subsequent use.
Embryo Transfer
This brief, painless procedure is accomplished by placing the embryos into a small Teflon tube that is passed through the cervix and into the uterus. Hormonal medication will be prescribed to encourage implantation and pregnancy.