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. In Vitro Fertilization is recommended if you are an older woman, have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, those whose tubes are blocked, or if other techniques have been unsuccessful.

Whilst every clinic works slightly differently, the main procedure is a fairly routine one. At first your physician will halt the release of hormones that are produced during your monthly cycle by giving you some drugs. This allows them better control over when your eggs are produced. Once this has been done further drugs are given to multiply the number of eggs your ovaries produce.

Genetics 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. When it is time to collect the eggs, you may be given a general anesthetic or drugs to make you feel drowsy as they are collected by ultrasound guidance and it takes about 30 minutes.

Around the time the woman’s eggs are collected, the male produces a fresh sample of sperm. The health of the sperm is important so after a short storage period they are spun at high speed after being washed so only the healthiest and most active are used. If you are using donated sperm, the sample is taken from the freezer and prepared in the same way. The process then continues with the eggs and sperm left for 16 to 20 hours in a laboratory dish to mix and after that period, checked to see if they have fertilized. Successfully fertilized embryos are then left for a further day to two days before the last inspection is carried out.

In order to help prepare your womb, pessaries, gel or an injection are given two days after your eggs have been collected.

Genetics And IVF

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