What is IVF?

IVF is a fertility treatment in which an egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a laboratory. Once fertilization occurs, the embryo is monitored for development before being transferred to the uterus. If implantation is successful, it results in pregnancy.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Fertility Assessment

The IVF journey begins with a consultation with a fertility specialist. During this visit, the doctor evaluates both partners to understand the underlying causes of infertility. Tests may include:

• Blood tests to check hormone levels (AMH, FSH, LH, Estradiol, and Progesterone).
• Ultrasound to examine ovarian reserve and uterine health.
• Semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Based on these results, the fertility specialist will develop a customized IVF plan.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation & Monitoring

To retrieve multiple eggs for fertilization, the patient undergoes controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) using fertility medications like:

• Gonadotropins (FSH & LH) to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
• GnRH antagonists to prevent premature ovulation.
• hCG (Trigger Shot) to mature the eggs before retrieval.

Frequent ultrasound scans and blood tests monitor follicle development, ensuring optimal response to medication.

Step 3: Egg Retrieval (Oocyte Aspiration)

Once follicles reach the right size, egg retrieval is performed under mild sedation. Using an ultrasound-guided needle, the fertility specialist extracts mature eggs from the ovaries. This procedure is minimally invasive and takes about 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Sperm Collection & Fertilization

On the same day as egg retrieval, sperm is collected from the male partner or a donor. There are two primary fertilization methods:

1. Conventional IVF – Sperm and eggs are combined in a petri dish, allowing fertilization to occur naturally.
2. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – A single sperm is injected directly into an egg to increase fertilization chances, especially in cases of male infertility.

The fertilized eggs (now embryos) are monitored for 3-5 days.

Step 5: Embryo Culture & Selection

Embryologists assess embryo quality based on development and grading. The best-quality embryo(s) are selected for transfer. In some cases, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is done to check for chromosomal abnormalities.

Step 6: Embryo Transfer

The selected embryo is transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. This is a quick, painless procedure performed without anesthesia. Doctors may recommend a fresh or frozen embryo transfer (FET) depending on the patient’s condition.

Step 7: The Two-Week Wait & Pregnancy Test

After the transfer, patients undergo a waiting period of about two weeks before taking a beta-hCG blood test to confirm pregnancy. During this time, progesterone supplements may be prescribed to support implantation.

Success Rates & Factors Affecting IVF Outcomes

IVF success depends on several factors, including:

• Age: Women under 35 have higher success rates.
• Egg & Sperm Quality: Healthy gametes improve embryo viability.
• Uterine Health: A receptive endometrium enhances implantation chances.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol, and stress impact fertility.

Conclusion

IVF is a remarkable medical advancement offering hope to couples struggling with infertility. While the journey may be emotional and physically demanding, a clear understanding of the process empowers couples to make informed decisions.