What is the process for conceiving through IVF?
IVF consists of numerous steps, they are: • Ovulation Induction: Injectable medication is used to stimulate development of multiple mature follicles. The eggs develop in structures in the ovaries called follicles. Some women do not develop mature follicles without help from medication. Each follicle contains one egg and can be seen through ultrasound. • Retrieval: When the womans follicles are mature, the egg aspiration procedure is performed to remove the eggs. With the woman under powerful drugs to prevent pain, a needle is passed through the top of the vagina under ultrasound guidance to retrieve the ovary and follicles. • Fertilization: Sperm is mixed with the eggs about four hours after the egg aspiration, and can be checked the following day to see if fertilization has occurred. • Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs, now embryos, are cultured in the laboratory for up to five days and then an appropriate number are selected for transfer to the womans uterus. • Transferring Embryos
