IVF Explained

In vitro fertilization is a little more complicated than IUI. I have to take more medicines to control ovulation and generate as many eggs as I can. Eggs are then surgically removed, fertilized and then embryos are transferred back into my uterus. Below is a breakdown of the steps:
1. Ovulation Induction
• Taking medications to produce several eggs in one cycle
• Go in for frequent ultrasounds to monitor how my follicles are growing to determine when they are mature enough for egg retrieval

2. Egg Retrieval (possibly late Oct. sometime between 10/28 to 11/1)
• Doctor surgically removes the eggs
• A vaginal ultrasound is used to locate the follicles and guide the needle for egg collection
• A needle is inserted through the wall of the vagina, into the ovary and follicles to retrieve the eggs

3. Fertilization and Embryo Culture
• Embryologist mixes eggs and sperm
• ICSI-Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, one sperm selected and injected directly into one egg
• If fertilization occurs, eggs will be incubated and monitored for 2-5 days

4. Embryo Transfer (possibly one day between 10/31 to 11/6)
• The embryos are transferred to the uterus
• We’ll discuss with the doctor how many embryos to transfer
• Transfer is similar to IUI, using a catheter to insert into the uterine cavity

5. Embryo Implantation
• Approximately 2 weeks after the transfer a pregnancy test is taken to determine if the embryo has implanted in the endometrial lining of the uterus

This is what we’re working towards, but we have to have success with each step and even then the possibility of pregnancy based on our circumstances is only 40%