The in vitro fertilization (IVF) process consists of five main stages, which are:
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Ovarian Stimulation: This stage involves using medication to help the ovaries produce more eggs. The medication used is often a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) .
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Egg Retrieval: This is a quick, outpatient procedure in which the doctor uses a needle to remove eggs from the ovaries. The eggs are then fertilized with sperm in the lab and allowed to grow for a few days before being transferred to the uterus-process).
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Sperm Collection/Retrieval: Sperm is collected from the male partner on the same day as egg retrieval-process).
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Fertilization & Embryo Development: Once the sperm and egg have been combined, the medical team waits up to 20 hours to determine if fertilization has taken place. The fertilized eggs may then be allowed to grow in the lab for up to six days before moving on to step five-process).
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Embryo Transfer: This is the final stage of the IVF process, where the fertilized eggs are transferred to the uterus. The number of embryos placed in the uterus often depends on the age of the woman and the number of eggs collected.
It is important to note that there may be additional techniques that a doctor may recommend before step five, such as assisted "hatching" to increase implantation. The entire IVF process typically takes up to two months to complete successfully, and the success rate depends on various factors, including the age of the woman and the reason for infertility.
