Most people know the term ‘test tube baby’ but the correct name for this process is ‘In Vitro fertilization’. Eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory dish before being placed in the woman’s womb. When other fertilization techniques have failed, the mother may be older or there is no apparent reason for infertility, then In Vitro Fertilization is frequently recommended.

The In Vitro Fertilization process should go something like the method set out below but may differ slightly between clinics. At the start of your treatment your doctor gives you drugs to block the hormones your pituitary gland usually produces during your monthly cycle. This will help them have improved control as to when your eggs will be produced. Once this has been done further drugs are given to multiply the number of eggs your ovaries produce.

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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. Once the time is right, another hormone will be injected 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. 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. After a short storage period the sperm are washed and spun at high speed to enable the most active and healthiest to be chosen. Sperm which has been donated is kept in a freezer but the same method for preparation 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. Successfully fertilized embryos are then left for a further day to two days before the last inspection is carried out.

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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