What is the process for a cycle of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?
IVF, like all other forms of assisted reproductive technology is summed up by the fact that the joining together of the male sperm and the female egg takes place out of the body and within a laboratory setting. The eggs are removed from the body and are then inseminated with the sperm of the partner, or in certain cases, the donor. Once this union has been successfully accomplished the embryos are then transferred back into the womb in the hope that a successful pregnancy will be achieved. Before any of this takes place however the woman is administered drugs that aid the release of mature eggs by stimulating the ovaries. There is usually a period of 24-36 hours between the drugs being administered and the egg retrieval process beginning. The eggs are retrieved through a process of ultrasound retrieval, or sometimes a laparoscopy is required where an incision is made in the navel. When a fresh sperm sample is acquired the fertilization process can begin within the laboratory and is per
