In vitro fertilization, or IVF, has come such a long way since the first successful in vitro baby was born just 30 short years ago. When IVF first became a reality, the procedure was very different. There were no fertility drugs given, instead women were monitored closely to figure out when they were going to ovulate. When the doctors thought ovulation was about to occur they would perform surgery to collect the eggs. Nowadays, the procedure is practically non-invasive and can be performed in the doctor's office.
How does IVF work?
There are several steps to the process of
in vitro fertilization. The first is the administration of hormones to get your eggs ready to be harvested. It is at this time that the doctor will perform a "test run" to ensure that he or she can transplant the embryo without harming your cervix or uterus.
After all the hormones have been administered, and the eggs are ready to be harvested, the doctor will get you set up for the egg retrieval procedure. During this procedure you will be given a light anesthetic, to ensure you feel no discomfort. After the doctor is sure you are comfortable, he or she will insert a needle through the top of the vagina. This needle is guided via ultrasound to the ovary, where he or she will aspirate the egg. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes, and then about an hour and a half rest time in the recovery room.
A fresh semen sample should be provided on the day of the egg retrieval. This is because the eggs will be inseminated a few hours after extraction. After the egg retrieval and prior to the embryo transfer, you will be given a series of injections and pills to ensure your uterus is ready for implantation of the embryo.
The actual transfer of the embryo is said to feel exactly like a routine pelvic exam. During this part of the procedure a small plastic catheter is inserted through the cervix, and into the uterus. At this time a drop of fluid is inserted through the catheter. Inside this fluid are the tiny embryos. Embryo transfer takes place about three days after the retrieval of the eggs. Now, all that is left is to wait 17 days and take the pregnancy test, then at two weeks you will have an ultrasound to see how many little embryos implanted.
To learn more about IVF, contact our at our
Lubbock fertility center today.