IVF known as in- vitro fertilization is a process which helps in fertilization, embryo development and implantation. The process of IVF is complicated and requires recombination of medicines for production of eggs, surgical processes for the implantation of sperms and different processes which help the fertilized egg implant in your uterus.
Hence, IVF is a time consuming process which has many steps, and it takes several months to complete the whole process. The IVF treatment can start with the first day of period.
STEP 1: FIRST DAY OF YOUR PERIOD
The first day of your fertility plan is very important and your fertility nurse will help you understand how to identify day 1.
STEP 2: STIMULATION OF OVARIES
Stimulation phase starts from the first day. In this phase you take medication for 8–14 days to encourage the formation of ovaries. The motive is to produce more eggs with the help of injections. The commonly used medicines for the formation of ovaries are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Once this process is on the go, the ovaries are tracked continuously and towards the end of the stimulation process comes the time for ‘trigger injection’. The trigger injection will then get the eggs produced ready for ovulation. The entire process will be systematically followed by your fertility specialist.
STEP 3: ARRIVAL OF THE EGG
This process will be done at the hospital, where your specialist will collect eggs from your ovaries. The given procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes to be completed. Collection of eggs is a very delicate process, it requires an experienced specialist to retrieve the eggs. The number of eggs collected during this process is 8–15.
STEP 4: MEET THE SPERM
The sperm could be collected in the morning or if the couple plans to use donor sperm then it will already be present in the lab, states Dr Gautam Allahbadia, a well-known IVF expert. Only the best sperms are selected to be introduced with the egg.
STEP 5: SPERM-EGG INTERACTION
The retrieved eggs are then handed over to the scientists who with the help of equipment remove the eggs from the fluid. This marks the start of the process of fertilization. The scientists place the eggs and the sperms in a dish as they find each other and fertilize.
STEP 6: THE EMBRYO IS HERE!
When the sperm fertilizes, the egg develops into an embryo. Then the embryo is kept in an incubator which provides suitable conditions for its growth. The embryo is observed for 5–6 days.
This process requires a lot of patience because not all eggs fertilize and the development of an embryo is delayed.
STEP 7: EMBRYO TRANSFRE AND IMPLANTATION
Once you get the news that your embryo has developed, you’re ready for it to be implanted in your uterus. The embryo is transferred within 5 minutes and it is very simple process, says Dr. Gautam Allahbadia.
STEP 8: THE FINAL CALL
The final step will be a blood test which will take place after two weeks of embryo transfer. The test will measure the levels of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) which will determine the success of the process.
IVF can be a draining process both emotionally and physically. Thus, it is important for you to stay patient, positive and trust your fertility specialist.
