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.

Methods of IVF will invariably differ a little from clinic to clinic but should proceed along these lines. The first thing your doctor will do is to stop the hormones released by the pituitary gland during your period by the use of other drugs. Blocking the hormones helps the doctor have greater control over your egg production. Further drugs are given to ensure your ovaries create more than a single egg.

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Vaginal ultrasound scans are carried out to monitor your developing eggs along with blood tests to chart the rising levels of estrogen produced by the eggs. As soon as the tests show that the time is right, you will have another injection of a different hormone to help your eggs mature. The reason for this is that the eggs will be collected between 34 and 38 hours later, even if it is the middle of the night. Collecting the eggs takes about 30 minutes and is carried out using ultrasound guidance so often either drugs or a general anesthetic is given to make you feel more relaxed.

Around the time the woman’s eggs are collected, the male produces a fresh sample of sperm. 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. The process can take between 16 and 20 hours during which time the sperm and eggs are allowed to mix in a laboratory dish before they are inspected to find out if the fertilization was successful. 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.

Two days after your eggs have been collected; you are given an injection, gel or pessaries to help prepare the lining of your womb.

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