Test tube babies, as they are commonly known, are created using IVF or In Vitro Fertilization which literally means fertilization in glass. 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.

The In Vitro Fertilization process should go something like the method set out below but may differ slightly between clinics. At first your physician will halt the release of hormones that are produced during your monthly cycle by giving you some drugs. The reason for this is so the physician has improved control over when your eggs are produced. To ensure you ovaries produce more than a single egg, further drugs are given.

IVF Injections...

Blood Tests and vaginal ultrasound scans are used to monitor the estrogen level produced by the eggs. Another hormone injection will be given when the tests show the time is right to help the eggs mature. The timing for this injection is crucial and must be carried out no earlier that 34 or later than 38 hours before your eggs are collected. 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 not until this time that the man gets involved and needs to produce a sample of 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. 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. Any embryo’s that have fertilized abnormally or not at all, are discarded, then those remaining are left for another 24 to 48 hours prior to a final check.

The womb needs to be ready to accept the fertilized egg so a gel, injection or pessaries are given to ensure the lining of the womb is prepared.

IVF Injections

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