Many couples across the world have infertility problems. It is estimated one out of eight couples that have attempted pregnancy have difficulty in conceiving a child. Researchers have embarked on using modern technology to ensure that couples conceive. Doctors are now using modern fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization to make many couples’ dreams of becoming parents come true. In vitro fertilization entails the collection of mature eggs to be fertilized in the lab. The procedure requires a specialist to perform it. If you are considering IVF / embryo transfer in Santa Monica, visit the California Center for Reproductive Health.
Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation
Upon considering the procedure, your doctor will give you an injection of a hormone to stimulate the development of a healthy egg. The procedure will assist you in producing more eggs than you would within a typical month. Your doctor will inject the hormone for stimulation to increase the chances of getting at least one viable embryo. You will possibly require various fertility medications for stimulation, such as follicle-stimulating hormones to aid in the maturation and preparation of your uterus.
Step 2: Egg Retrieval
Egg harvesting is an office-based procedure. Your doctor will then perform minor surgery to retrieve your eggs from your ovaries. The egg retrieval procedure is essential and time-sensitive as it cannot wait more than 36 hours since ovulation will occur and some eggs will be lost.
The egg retrieval procedure starts with your doctor injecting you with intravenous sedation. The doctor then proceeds to use an ultrasound transvaginal guided needle to retrieve the eggs from your follicles. This procedure may take about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Sperm Retrieval
The third stage involves the retrieval of the sperm from either a donor or your partner. If you decide that you would want to use your partner’s sperm, your doctor may ask you to bring a semen sample on the actual morning of the procedure. If you prefer a donor sperm, your doctor will put it through a washing procedure to enable the best sperm to be collected for fertilization.
Step 4: Egg Fertilization
Your doctor will further proceed to combine the sperm and the egg in a lab through a process known as insemination. This is to encourage the fertilization of the egg. Your doctor may either choose conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. After combining the sperm with the egg, you may have to wait close to 20 hours to determine if the fertilization was successful.
Step 5: Embryo Transfer
You may have to wait two to five days before revisiting the doctor for embryo transfer. Your doctor will use a thin tube known as a catheter to transfer the embryo. During the procedure, your doctor inserts the catheter into your uterus using ultrasound guidance and delicately injects the embryos. You can resume normal activities after the procedure.
Contact an IVF Specialist Today
In vitro fertilization has given hope to many couples who want to become parents today and could not conceive. The procedure is safe and reliable. You probably have tried other methods to alleviate your fertility to no avail, but with IVF, you have an excellent tested option. However, with this procedure, you need a certified specialist to ensure its success. The California Centre for Reproductive Health is one of the accredited health facilities you can get started with if you are considering the procedure. Call them today to book your appointment.
