In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) which means ‘fertilization in a glass’ is often more commonly referred to as a test tube baby. The woman’s eggs are taken from her ovaries and then in a laboratory dish, fertilized with sperm 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.

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. Further drugs are given to ensure your ovaries create more than a single egg.

IVF Com...

Blood Tests and vaginal ultrasound scans are used to monitor the estrogen level produced by the eggs. Once the time is right, another hormone will be injected to help the 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.

It’s about this time that the man must produce some fresh 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. Once that has been completed the sperm is mixed with the eggs in a dish and left for between 16 to 20 hours and then checked to see if they have been fertilized. Only those embryos that have fertilized successfully are kept and left for a further day to two days before a final inspection.

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

IVF Com

Technorati Tags: ivf success rate, ivf due date calculator, ivf embryo