In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) which means ‘fertilization in a glass’ is often more commonly referred to as a test tube baby. Eggs are fertilized in a laboratory dish with sperm and then place inside the woman’s womb. Women who use In Vitro Fertilization are often recommended this method when others have failed or because they are older.

The In Vitro Fertilization process should go something like the method set out below but may differ slightly between clinics. Your doctor will give some drugs to block the hormones normally released during the menstrual cycle. Blocking the hormones helps the doctor have greater control over your egg production. Once this has been done further drugs are given to multiply the number of eggs your ovaries produce.

Acupuncture And IVF...

Estrogen levels produced by the eggs are monitored to ensure they rise, using vaginal ultrasound scans and blood tests. All these tests are designed to show when the time is right for an injection of another hormone to help the eggs mature. The eggs are collected between 34 and 38 hours after the injection is given so the timing for it is crucial. Ultrasound guidance is used to help collect the egg but it means you have to be given drugs or a general anesthetic to help you relax because it takes about 30 minutes.

It’s about this time that the man must produce some fresh sperm. Once this has been done the sperm are stored for a short period before they are washed and then spun at high speed to ensure only the healthiest ad most active sperm are used. Sperm which has been donated is kept in a freezer but the same method for preparation is used. Your eggs are then mixed with your partner’s sperm and left in a laboratory dish for 16-20 hours before they are checked to see if any have fertilized. During the next stage, only successfully fertilized embryos are kept and left for a further 24 to 48 hours before a final check is done.

To ensure the womb is ready for the fertilized egg, two days after they have been collected, the womb lining is prepared by giving you pessaries, gel or an injection.

Acupuncture And IVF

Technorati Tags: cornell ivf, after ivf transfer, ivf drugs