|
|
|
|
| Contact PGD Center | PGD Center Home | |
|
|
|
In Vitro FertilizationIVF Process • Advanced Treatment • IVF Success Rates
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) IVF ProcessThere are four major steps in an IVF cycle.Step 1 - Ovulation Induction Hormone injections are given to stimulate multiple egg production rather than the single egg normally produced by the body each month. This stimulation process usually requires the initial use of Lupron to suppress the ovary, preventing ovulation until the desired time. A protocol individualized to your particular hormone levels and history will be provided to you. Daily injections of gonadotropins are then added to stimulate the development of the eggs. These are usually given subcutaneously (under the skin). We then monitor the progress of ovulation induction with ultrasounds and blood estrogen levels over several days. Step 2 - Egg Retrieval An egg retrieval is performed by placing a special needle into the ovarian follicle and removing the fluid that contains the egg. This is a relatively minor procedure and is performed by visualizing the follicles with a vaginal ultrasound probe. A needle is directed alongside the probe, through the vaginal wall, and into the ovary. To avoid any discomfort, strong, short acting intravenous sedation is provided. Step 3 - Fertilization and Embryo Culture Once the follicular fluid is removed from the follicle, the microscopic eggs are identified by the embryologist and placed into an incubator. The eggs are fertilized with sperm by "conventional" insemination or by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This decision is individualized for each case. During "conventional" insemination approximately 50,000 sperm are placed with each egg in a culture dish and left together overnight to undergo the fertilization process. The eggs will be checked the following day to document fertilization and again the next day to evaluate for early cell division. They are now called embryos and are placed in a special culture media to promote growth. If Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis has been scheduled, it is at this point that one or two of the cells are removed through a procedure called Embryo Biopsy and sent to the Center for Preimplantation Genetics for analysis. This analysis will identify which of the embryo(s) are free of genetic abnormalities and recommended for transfer. Until recently, embryos were cultured for three days and then transferred to the uterus and/or cryopreserved (frozen). We now have the ability to grow the embryos for five or six days until they reach the blastocyst stage. For some couples these blastocysts may have a greater chance of implantation, allowing us to transfer fewer embryos and lower the risk of multiple births while increasing the chance of pregnancy. On day two or three after fertilization, the embryos will be evaluated. If there are sufficient numbers of dividing embryos they will be placed in special blastocyst media and grown for two or three additional days. Step 4 - Embryo Transfer Embryos are transferred on day 3, 5, or 6 after egg retrieval. They are placed through the cervix into the uterine cavity using a small, soft catheter. This procedure usually requires no anesthesia. It is similar to an insemination or the Mock Embryo Transfer which is performed prior to the actual IVF cycle. |
|
