How are embryos created during an In Vitro Fertilization cycle?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves stimulating a woman’s ovaries to produce more than one egg through the use of fertility medications. As the eggs are developing, the woman is monitored through blood tests and ultrasound. When her two largest follicles reach the optimal size, she is given an injection of hormones to trigger ovulation. 36 hours later, the eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure performed under light sedation. Using ultrasound guidance, the fluid-filled follicles are aspirated with a needle inserted through the vaginal wall. An embryologist then examines the collected fluids under a microscope to isolate the eggs. The eggs are placed into tissue culture dishes with fertilizing medium and placed into an incubator for several hours prior to attempting fertilization. Fertilization is achieved by introducing prepared sperm into the culture dishes, returning them to the incubator, and allowing nature to take its course. In some cases, eggs are fertilized man
