In Vitro Fertilization literally means ‘fertilization in glass’, hence the familiar name of ‘test tube baby’. Essentially, a woman’s eggs are removed from her ovaries and sperm from her partner or donor is used to fertilize them before being inserted into her womb. Many older women use In Vitro Fertilization as it is a recommended procedure for them, also if there is a blockage in the tubes, unexplained infertility or if other methods have failed.

The In Vitro Fertilization process should go something like the method set out below but may differ slightly between clinics. Initially your physician will give you hormone blocking drugs normally produced during your menstrual period. The reason for this is so the physician has improved 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.

IVF Calculator...

Estrogen levels produced by the eggs are monitored to ensure they rise, using vaginal ultrasound scans and blood tests. To help the eggs mature a different hormone will be injected once all the tests say the time is right. 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 is now the male’s job to ensure that a fresh sperm sample is ready. This will be stored for a short time before the sperm are washed and spun at a high speed, so that the healthiest and most active can be selected. Donated sperm is kept in the freezer but the same method to prepare it 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. Any that haven’t, or any that have fertilized abnormally, are discarded and the remaining embryos are then left for another 24-48 hours before being checked again.

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.

IVF Calculator

Technorati Tags: ivf atlanta, genetics & ivf institute, ivf embryos