In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most often used method for treating infertility. The first IVF baby was born in 1978 and since then over 8 million children have been born. One IVF treatment consists of three parts:
- Hormonal stimulation of the ovaries
- Ovum aspiration
- Embryo transfer, putting back the fertilized embryo to the uterus
- Hormonal stimulation of the ovaries
Each month, during ovulation, one egg cell is released. The aim of a stimulation is to obtain more mature eggs in order to increase the chances of pregnancy. The ovaries are stimulated for ten days with the same hormones that are produced in a woman’s body, only in a higher concentration. The dose is determined individually according to each patient.
Egg cells are 0.1 mm in size and develop in follicles whose growth is monitored by ultrasound examinations. Abdominal bloating and chest tightness are expected during the stimulation process.
- Egg aspiration
When the gynecologist assesses that the follicles are of adequate size, the so-called “stop injection” is given which helps the maturation and release of the egg from the follicle wall. It is very important to get that injection at the exact agreed time. Egg aspiration takes 10-15 minutes and is performed under short-term general or local anesthesia by aspirating the fluid from the follicle containing the eggs..
On the same day when the aspiration is done, the partner gives a sperm sample.
The eggs are then fertilized with the partner’s sperm in an IVF laboratory. There are two methods: classic IVF, when the sperm fertilizes the egg by themselves, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), when the sperm is “injected” into the egg. The day after egg aspiration, progesterone therapy begins, usually in the form of vaginal tablets.
- Embryo transfer
The fertilized egg then develops into an embryo. On the second, third or fifth day, the embryo is returned to the uterus with using a thin catheter.
Most often, one embryo is put back, but sometimes two embryos can be transferred on the second or third day. The remaining embryos that are of good quality are frozen. A pregnancy test is done 12-14 days after the embryo is transferred. After the embryo transfer, the woman can return to her normal activities.
Thawed embryo transfer
The embryo is first thawed in the laboratory, and then returned to the uterus with a special thin catheter. Embryo transfer can be done in a completely natural or in a stimulated cycle when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is treated with pills, by applying patches onto the skin or by a spray containing the hormone estrogen.
Insemination
Insemination is a method of treating infertility in which a sperm sample is inserted into the uterine cavity using a catheter.
Women who have regular periods usually ovulate every month. The day of ovulation can be determined with the help of urine tests or blood tests for luteinizing hormone (LH). Insemination is done on the day when the urine test is positive or when the LH hormone level rises in the blood, possibly a day later. After insemination, the woman can carry out her regular activities.
Contact
For all information about In vitro fertilization (IVF) contact us on our phone numbers on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or write us an email.
