Steps Involved In IVF Treatment From Start To End

The process of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves several distinct steps, typically from the initial consultation to embryo transfer. Here’s a comprehensive list of the processes involved in IVF treatment:

1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation:

• Discuss medical history and fertility concerns.
• Conduct physical examinations and tests (blood tests, ultrasound, semen analysis, etc.).

2. Ovarian Stimulation:

• Administer fertility medications (gonadotropins) to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
• Monitor ovarian response through blood tests and ultrasound scans.

3. Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up – OPU):

• Schedule the egg retrieval procedure once follicles containing mature eggs are detected.
• Perform egg retrieval under ultrasound guidance using a thin needle through the vaginal wall.
• Collect eggs from the follicles in the ovaries.

4. Sperm Collection and Preparation:

• Collect semen sample from the male partner or donor.
• Process the semen sample in the laboratory to isolate high-quality sperm.

5. Fertilization:

• Prepare sperm and eggs for fertilization.
• Fertilization can occur through conventional insemination (placing sperm and eggs together in a culture dish) or through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg.

6. Embryo Culture:

• Monitor fertilized eggs (embryos) as they develop in the laboratory.
• Typically, embryos are cultured for 3 to 5 days before transfer, during which time they undergo cell division.

7. Embryo Selection:

• Assess embryos for quality based on developmental progress and appearance.
• Select one or more embryos for transfer, based on criteria such as morphology and developmental stage.

8. Embryo Transfer:

• Prepare the woman’s uterus for embryo transfer.
• Transfer selected embryos into the uterus using a thin catheter inserted through the cervix.
• This procedure is usually guided by ultrasound.

9. Luteal Phase Support:

• Administer medications (such as progesterone) to support the uterine lining and embryo implantation.

10. Pregnancy Test:

• Conduct a blood test to determine if implantation and pregnancy have occurred.

11. Cryopreservation (if applicable):

• Freeze remaining embryos (if any) for future use.

12. Follow-up:

• Monitor early pregnancy through blood tests and ultrasound scans.
• Provide ongoing support and care as needed.

Throughout the entire IVF process, close monitoring and adjustments may be made based on individual responses and circumstances to optimize chances of success.