
What is IVF treatment and how does it work?
What to Expect Along the Path to Conceiving With IVF
- In Vitro Fertilization Basics. IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. ...
- IVF Success Rates. IVF is pretty successful. ...
- IVF Costs and Risks. IVF is expensive. ...
- Safety and Risks of IVF. ...
- The Cycle Before Treatment. ...
- When You Get Your Period. ...
- Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring. ...
- Final Oocyte Maturation. ...
- IVM vs. ...
- Egg Retrieval. ...
What are the unethical sides of IVF treatments?
- All assisted reproductive procedures should be performed upon married couples only. ...
- The wife must contribute the egg and the husband must contribute the sperm. ...
- Masturbation must not be required. ...
- Fertilization must take place inside the woman’s body. ...
Are there different IVF treatment techniques?
This allows people who are having problems with fertility to conceive. IVF includes a number of different techniques that can be used depending on the situation. There are different types of IVF treatments available, though not all are suitable for every couple due to certain factors being considered in the selection process.
How to prepare for successful IVF treatment?
“IVF can increase the chance of pregnancy by increasing the number of eggs to statistically improve the odds of ending up with a normal embryo,” Bendikson adds, “bypassing the fallopian tubes when there is a tubal issue and improving fertilization of the egg.” How much does IVF cost?

How is IVF done step by step?
IVF Step-by-StepStep 1: Control Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) ... Step 2: Egg Retrieval. ... Step 3: Fertilization and Embryo Culture. ... Step 4: Embryo Quality. ... Step 5: Embryo Transfer. ... Laser Assisted Hatching. ... Cryopreservation. ... Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA) or Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)More items...
How long does it take to get pregnant with IVF?
How long does it take to get pregnant with IVF? One cycle of IVF takes about two months. Women younger than age 35 will get pregnant and have a baby with their first IVF egg retrieval and subsequent embryo transfer(s) about half the time.
How painful is IVF procedure?
It is similar to a vaginal ultrasound appointment or even a pap smear. In this procedure, one or more embryos are transferred to the uterus using ultrasound guidance and an embryo transfer catheter. You will be able to see the entire procedure take place on an ultrasound screen. This process is not painful.
What are the 4 stages of IVF?
The IVF process includes five key steps:Ovarian stimulation.Egg retrieval.Sperm collection/retrieval.Fertilization & embryo development.Embryo transfer.
Is IVF injection painful?
Are IVF Injections Painful? IVF injections are a critical piece in the IVF process. These injections help stimulate your ovaries to produce mature eggs that are then harvested and fertilized with sperm. In the majority of circumstances, IVF injections don't involve much pain.
Can IVF babies have babies?
Multiple births If more than 1 embryo is replaced in the womb as part of IVF treatment, there's an increased chance of producing twins or triplets. Having more than 1 baby may not seem like a bad thing, but it significantly increases the risk of complications for you and your babies.
What is the best age for IVF?
With that said, IVF success rates are highest for women under the age of 35 but women in their late 30s and early 40s can also have successful pregnancies. Accordingly, the early 40s tends to be the general upper age limit for most women considering IVF.
Is IVF successful first time?
The national average for women younger than 35 able to become pregnant by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) on the first try (meaning, the first egg retrieval) is 55%.
What are the side effects of IVF?
The Possible Side Effects of IVFMild cramping.Mild bloating.Breast tenderness.Constipation.Leaking a small amount of clear or blood-tinged fluid after the procedure.Headaches.Abdominal pain.Abdominal bloating.More items...
How do I prepare myself for IVF?
Before you start your IVF journey, we recommend that you prepare your body for treatment in the following ways:Eat a healthy, well balanced diet.Start taking prenatal vitamins.Maintain a healthy weight.Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and recreational drugs.More items...•
How long is IVF surgery?
IVF is not a single treatment but a series of procedures. An average IVF cycle takes about 6 to 8 weeks from consultation to transfer, but depending on the specific circumstances of each the path is similar for every patient.
On which day of period IVF is done?
An IVF treatment cycle begins on Day 1 of your period, and ends with your pregnancy blood test roughly four weeks later. Remember - it can take more than one IVF cycle to get that positive pregnancy test.
What is IVF in biology?
Effectively, IVF is an assisted reproductive technique (with various complex stages) that ‘copies’ the natural conception process (a female egg and male sperm are fertilised artificially outside of the body in order to form an embryo).
How long does it take to complete an IVF cycle?
The process is commonly referred to as ‘a cycle of IVF’. One cycle can take about two weeks to complete the series of procedures in an attempt to artificially stimulate a successful conception. IVF is one of the most successful means of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures.
Why do people have assisted conception?
The most common reasons for having the procedure relate to medical problems causing a hiccup in the natural ability to conceive a baby.
What does in vitro fertilization mean?
Derived from the Latin word ‘vitrum’ meaning ‘glass’, ‘in vitro fertilisation’ quite literally means ‘fertilised in glass’ (in this instance, in a laboratory dish) – hence the term, ‘test-tube babies’. For more than three decades, this fertility procedure has been an available option in assisted conception for a variety of different reasons.
When was the first IVF baby born?
The world’s first IVF baby was born in the UK (United Kingdom) in 1978. IVF has been a standard treatment procedure for infertility problems since 1983. IVF success rates have contributed to more than 5 million babies having been born since.
Is IVF a risk?
IVF carries risk and some challenges, even though it can result in a successful and healthy pregnancy experience (and baby / babies). Treatment can be time-consuming and costly. One of the biggest challenges, other than time and expense, is the invasive nature of the procedure.
Can a woman use her own eggs?
A woman can use her own eggs, or those of a donor. A woman may use her own eggs and the sperm of her partner, or opt to use an anonymous donation. Eggs, sperm or embryos from either known or anonymous donors can also be used allowing a woman to be a gestational carrier (without being biologically related to a child).
How does IVF work?
IVF works by using a combination of medicines and surgical procedures to help sperm fertilize an egg, and help the fertilized egg implant in your uterus. First, you take medication that makes several of your eggs mature and ready for fertilization. Then the doctor takes the eggs out of your body and mixes them with sperm in a lab, ...
What is it called when you remove eggs from your body?
Once your ovaries have produced enough mature eggs, your doctor removes the eggs from your body (this is called egg retrieval). Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure that’s done at your doctor’s office or at a fertility clinic. You’ll get medicine to help you be relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
How long does it take for an embryo to be put in the uterus?
About 3-5 days after the egg retrieval, 1 or more embryos are put into your uterus (this is called embryo transfer). The doctor slides a thin tube through your cervix into your uterus, and inserts the embryo directly into your uterus through the tube. Pregnancy happens if any of the embryos attach to the lining of your uterus.
How many rounds of IVF do I need to get pregnant?
It sometimes works on the first try, but many people need more than 1 round of IVF to get pregnant. IVF definitely increases your chances of pregnancy if you’re having fertility problems, but there’s no guarantee — everyone’s body is different and IVF won’t work for everyone.
How does a pregnancy happen?
Pregnancy happens if any of the embryos attach to the lining of your uterus. Embryo transfer is done at your doctor’s office or at a fertility clinic, and it’s usually not painful. Plan on resting for the rest of the day after your embryo transfer. You can go back to your normal activities the next day.
What is it called when you mix eggs and sperm?
In a lab, your eggs are mixed with sperm cells from your partner or a donor — this is called insemination. The eggs and sperm are stored together in a special container, and fertilization happens. For sperm that have lower motility (don’t swim as well), they may be injected directly into the eggs to promote fertilization.
What is the purpose of in vitro fertilization?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) helps with fertilization, embryo development, and implantation, so you can get pregnant .
What is IVM treatment?
IVM treatment is slightly different. IVM stands for in vitro maturation. It's a relatively new technology that is similar to IVF but significantly differs at this point in the process.
What is the next step in IVF?
The next step in your IVF treatment is triggering the oocytes to go through the last stage of maturation. The eggs must complete their growth and development before they can be retrieved.
How long does progesterone last after transfer?
Sometimes, though, progesterone supplementation can be taken as a pill, vaginal gel, or vaginal suppository. Besides the progesterone, there really isn't much going on for the next 2 weeks. In some ways, the two weeks after the transfer may be more difficult emotionally than the 2 weeks of treatment.
What is IVF in the lab?
IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. In vitro means “in the lab” and fertilization refers to conception. Usually, IVF involves taking many eggs (retrieved via a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle) and placing them in a petri dish with specially washed sperm cells (retrieved via masturbation.)
What to take after ovulation?
Sometime after ovulation, the fertility clinic may then have you start taking a GnRH antagonist (like Ganirelix ) or a GnRH agonist (like Lupron). These are injectable drugs, but some are available as a nasal spray or implant.
What is the purpose of injectable fertility drugs?
Injectable fertility drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries to mature a dozen or more eggs for retrieval. 3 . This isn’t always the case, however. With minimal stimulation IVF (aka mini IVF), oral fertility drugs or very low dose injectable drugs may be used to stimulate just a few eggs.
How long after embryo transfer can you get a pregnancy test?
About 9 to 12 days after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is ordered. 27 This is usually a serum pregnancy test (more blood work) and also will include progesterone levels testing. The test may be repeated every few days.
How does in vitro fertilization work?
The in vitro fertilization process is incredibly effective at helping patients bypass a range of fertility challenges and fulfill their dream of parenthood.
Why do women need in vitro fertilization?
Issues with the fallopian tubes are one of the most-common reasons a woman needs in vitro fertilization. These issues can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg, or the fertilized egg from entering the uterus.
What is IVF in Indiana?
IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is an effective treatment that makes parenthood possible. At our Indianapolis fertility center, IVF is a highly effective fertility treatment. This type of assisted reproduction consists of combining a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm in the laboratory.
How does IVF work?
IVF is a straightforward process that involves a series of steps. First, the intended mother takes ovulation induction medications that cause multiple eggs to mature. After the eggs have grown to the ideal size, a doctor retrieves them during a short outpatient procedure.
Can a woman have multiple miscarriages?
Multiple miscarriages or unsuccessful fertility treatments. If a woman has had numerous miscarriages or has undergo ne a variety of unsuccessful fertility treatments, she’s likely a candidate for in vitro fertilization.
Can I conceive at 35?
As the quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs decrease with age, some women over the age of 35 have difficulty conceiving without fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization. Ovulation challenges. This treatment can correct issues from disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affect the regulation of reproductive hormones ...
What is the treatment for ovulation disorders?
Medication is the primary treatment for women with ovulation disorders and an important part of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Typically, a patient will start an IVF cycle by taking birth control for a number of days, then injectable medication to stimulate ovaries and produce eggs, followed by a trigger shot and egg removal;
What is the biggest risk with taking IVF medications?
The biggest risk with taking medications for IVF is ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS), in which a woman’s ovaries are over stimulated by fertility drugs that cause the ovaries to produce more eggs than normal ovulation. Most cases of OHSS are mild, but some patients may experience a severe reaction.
How does IVF work?
Fertility drugs work by causing the release of hormones that either trigger or regulate ovulation.
What is the best medicine for ovulation?
Lupron (#1 ): This medication enables the body to produce a higher number of quality eggs. Antagon (Ganirelx): Ganirelx helps prevent premature ovulation. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): These injections increase the growth of follicles in the ovaries.
What is the best antibiotic for sperm?
Doxycline: An oral antibiotic used to treat infections, such as reducing bacteria in sperm. It also reduces the risk of infection following aspiration of the follicles at the time of egg retrieval. Novarel: A synthetic human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection used to trigger ovulation.
What happens if you get IVF shots?
That might leave you irritable, bloated, or even turned on.
What is the goal of IVF?
The goal for anyone undergoing IVF is to have plenty of healthy embryos to choose from. More healthy embryos means more chances to implant those embryos and a greater likelihood of becoming pregnant and giving birth.
How are eggs removed during IVF?
During IVF treatment, a woman’s eggs are removed from her body and fertilized in a lab. Once they’ve started to grow, the embryos are returned to the woman’s uterus or frozen for use in the future. Of course, that’s a very basic overview of a process that is long and complicated.
How long does it take for a baby to grow in a lab?
Those shots are a hormonal stimulant designed to help her body produce more mature eggs. The eggs are then retrieved and fertilized. The embryos grow for one week in the lab before being sent for genetic testing (if the couple chooses), which takes another week.
What is Styer's advice?
Styer advises that patients make their mental health a priority. “Emotional support and open and honest dialogue about the stressors of infertility should be established. This can be with each other, with close family or friends, support groups, or with therapists.”. 4. You might need it after conceiving naturally.
What is assisted reproductive technology?
Any process that involves a woman’s egg or embryos (fertilized eggs) being handled falls under the umbrella term assisted reproductive technology (ART). In 2015, the most recent year for which data is available, nearly 73,000 babies were born in the United States with the help of ART. The most common type of ART is in vitro fertilization, ...
Can IVF take a toll on my mental health?
For eager parents, that’s a very long time. 3. IVF can take a toll on your mental health. Dealing with infertility and undergoing IVF are hugely stressful events, so it’s no wonder that depression and anxiety are commonly reported among parents—particularly mothers—who are undergoing IVF.

Why It's Done
Set of fertility procedures that help conceiving by artificially fertilizing the retrieved ovaries with sperm.
Treatment for: Infertility
Type of procedure: Minimally invasive
Recovery time: About one day
Duration: Few minutes
Hospital stay: Not typically needed
Risks
How You Prepare
What You Can Expect
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. If IVF is performed to treat infertility, you and your partner might be able to try less-invasive treatment options before attempting IVF, including fertility drugs to increase production of eggs or intrauterine inseminati…
Results
- Risks of IVFinclude: 1. Multiple births. IVFincreases the risk of multiple births if more than one embryo is transferred to your uterus. A pregnancy with multiple fetuses carries a higher risk of early labor and low birth weight than pregnancy with a single fetus does. 2. Premature delivery and low birth weight. Research suggests that IVFslightly increases the risk that the baby will be …
Clinical Trials
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology provide information online about U.S. clinics' individual pregnancy and live birth rates. A clinic's success rate depends on many factors. These include patients' ages and medical issues, as well as the clinic's treatment population and treatment approaches. Ask for detailed informati…