What is involved with in vitro fertilization?
There are basically five steps in the IVF and embryo transfer process which include the following: • Monitor and stimulate the development of healthy egg(s) in the ovaries. • Collect the eggs. • Secure the sperm. • Combine the eggs and sperm together in the laboratory and provide the appropriate environment for fertilization and early embryo growth. • Transfer embryos into the uterus. Step 1: Fertility medications are prescribed to control the timing of the egg ripening and to increase the chance of collecting multiple eggs during one of the woman’s cycles. This is often referred to as ovulation induction. Multiple eggs are desired because some eggs will not develop or fertilize after retrieval. Egg development is monitored using ultrasound to examine the ovaries and urine or blood test samples to check hormone levels. Step 2: Your eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure which uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity. Sedation and local a
