What Are The Steps Involved In The IVF Process?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely used assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps individuals and couples overcome infertility challenges. The IVF process involves several steps, each crucial for the potential success of achieving a healthy pregnancy. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the stages of IVF, breaking down the complex procedure into manageable and understandable parts.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Your IVF journey begins with an initial consultation with a fertility specialist. During this consultation, the doctor will review your medical history, and recommend a series of fertility tests for both partners. These tests typically include blood work to check hormone levels, ultrasound scans to assess ovarian reserve and uterine health, and semen analysis for the male partner. However, more testing can be recommended based on medical history, lifestyle, and previous fertility results. The purpose of these tests is to identify any underlying fertility issues and develop a personalised treatment plan based on your results.

Ovarian Stimulation

Once the treatment plan is established, ovarian stimulation begins. This phase typically involves daily injections of fertility medications, to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds tracks the growth and development of the follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing the eggs).

This is usually for 8-14 days. The purpose of this stage is to produce multiple eggs to give you the best chance at success.

Trigger Shot

When the follicles reach the optimal size, a trigger shot of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a similar medication is administered. This injection triggers the final maturation of the eggs and prepares them for retrieval.

Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under mild sedation. Using an ultrasound-guided needle, the doctor retrieves the mature eggs from the ovaries. This process typically takes about 20-30 minutes.

Post-Procedure: Patients may experience mild cramping and spotting.

Depending on your treatment plan, often on the same day as egg retrieval, a sperm sample is collected from the male partner.

Fertilisation

The retrieved eggs and processed sperm are combined in our lab. Fertilisation can occur through conventional insemination, where the eggs and sperm are mixed together, this is IVF, or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg. ICSI may be recommended depending on your treatment plan and male fertility results.

Embryo Culture

Fertilised eggs (now embryos) are cultured in a specialised incubator for several days. During this time, embryologists monitor their development and select the best-quality embryos for transfer. Typically, embryos are cultured for 5 days, reaching the blastocyst stage.

What's next?

Depending on your treatment plan, embryos may be frozen or transferred.

An embryo transfer is a simple procedure performed in the clinic. One high quality embryo is selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter.  Approximately 14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and determine if implantation has occurred and pregnancy is achieved.

The IVF process is a multi-step journey that requires careful planning, precision, and patience. Each stage, from the initial consultation to the pregnancy test, plays a vital role in the overall success of the treatment. While the path to parenthood through IVF can be challenging, advancements in technology and personalised care continue to improve outcomes, offering hope to many individuals and couples striving to build their families.

Thinking of starting your IVF journey? Contact us today to book an appointment.