IVF
http://www.sharedjourney.com/ivf.html
What is IVF?
IVF is simply the uniting of egg and sperm in vitro (in the lab). Subsequently the embryos are transferred into the uterus through the cervix and pregnancy is allowed to begin. The process is done inconjunction with ovulation induction through drugs, monitoring of hormone levels and follicle scans with ultrasound.
Will I Get Pregnant?
The average couple will need 3 attempts before obtaining a pregnancy through IVF, all depending on their diagnosis. Some couples will have more than one cause of infertility making IVF the only realistic option for achieving pregnancy.
Who is Suited to IVF? Below are some factors for using IVF:
Tubal problems can mean a woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, which can make it difficult for the egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus.
Male factor can include a low sperm count, problems with sperm function or motility which can inhibit sperm from fertilizing an egg on its own.
Severe Endometriosis affecting both fertilization of the egg and implantation of the embryo in the uterus.
Ovarian issues which prevent the release or production of eggs.
Abnormal uterus shape, fibroid tumors, or exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a fetus.
Unexplained infertility
How is IVF Done?
The steps of IVF are as follows:
Ovulation Induction
Retrieval
Collecting and preparing the sperm
Insemination of eggs and embryos culture
Transferring embryos to the uterus
While there are a number of assissted reproductive technologies (ART) available to infertile couples, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is by far the most utilized of these methods. In fact, IVF accounts for more than 95% of all ART procedures.
To gain a better understanding of the procedure, though, you may want to read our more detailed descriptions of each stage of the IVF procedure, including retrieval, embryo culture, and transfering of the embryo. Our Timetable & Embryo Grading guide will help you understand just how your embryo develops before it is transfered back to you. Embryo Development will give you a detailed look at how a fertilized egg divides before being trasnfered.
It is important to note that there are two types of transfers that can occur in an IVF procedure: the standard 3-day transfer or a blastocyst transfer. Both types of transfer have advantages and disadvantages, as outlined in 3 Day Transfer vs. Blastocyst Transfers.
While your embryos are still in the lab, there are a number of techniques that IVF specialists can perform to improve the health your embryos. One such technique is assisted hatching, which may improve your embryos ability to implant in your uterus. Some couples also ask that their embryos receive a preimplantation genetic diagnosis before being transfered. This diagnositic test allows specialists to transfer only those embryos which are healthiest.
Since many eggs are retrieved and fertilized during IVF, you may be wondering what happen to those embryos that are not transfered back to you. A common procedure for numerous couples is to have the extra embryos cryo-preserved so that they can be used in future IVF cycles if necessary. This is known as frozen embryo transfer.
For couples who aren't sure that IVF is the right form of ART for them, there are alternatives. Some other types of ART include GIFT, ZIFT, and TET.
