In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In Vitro Fertilization also known as IVF, was first performed in 1978, and has become the standard for treating many fertility disorders. At Saint Mary Fertility Center IVF has helped many happy couples start families, as reflected in our IVF success rates. IVF treatment is a multi-step process involving ovulation induction, follicular aspiration, insemination and embryo transfer. Fertility medications are prescribed to control the timing of the egg ripening and to increase the chance of collecting multiple eggs during one of the woman’s cycles. This is often referred to as ovulation induction. The eggs are retrieved during a minor surgical procedure, using ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle(called follicular aspiration) through the pelvic cavity, under a mild general anaesthesia.

 

the sperm, usually obtained by ejaculation, is prepared for a process called insemination, in which the sperm and the eggs are placed together in incubators in the laboratory enabling fertilization. Once this occurs, the fertilized eggs are considered embryos.
The embryos are usually transferred into the woman’s uterus anywhere from one to six days later, but most commonly between two to three days following egg retrieval. in this simple and painless procedurem the embryo(s) is/are transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter, without the need for sedation os anaesthesia.
these steps are followed by rest and watching for early pregnancy symptoms. A blood test, and potentially and ultrasound, will be used to determine if implantation and pregnancy has occured.