What is the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is currently the most powerful way in order to achieve pregnancy. It involves the woman taking hormonal medication in the form of small injection under the skin over an approximately ten day time period. During these ten days the female’s eggs grow and mature and are monitored by periodic ultrasound and blood examination. After the end of this stimulation period, a retrieval is performed. This retrieval is done in our office. During the retrieval procedure an IV is established and medication is provided intravenously so the patient falls asleep. The patient breathes on her own, and no breathing tube is required. Once sleeping, a vaginal ultrasound probe with needle attached is placed into the vagina and the needle is advanced under ultrasound guidance through the back of the vagina into the ovary. While in the ovary, suction is applied and all of the eggs that have been produced are removed. These eggs are then placed together with the male partner’s sperm and allowed to fertilize. The fertilized eggs are embryos, and these embryos grow in laboratory incubators for approximately 3-5 days. After that period of time the best appearing embryos can be placed into a catheter and transferred back into the woman’s uterus. This embryo transfer is an easy procedure that typically does not require any anesthesia or sedation. It is done in a Pap smear-like fashion very similar to the intrauterine insemination. (Here, however, a small number of embryos are placed into the uterine cavity and then allowed to naturally implant). Risks of IVF include multiple births and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Degree of risk is age and diagnosis dependent. Please speak with your physician for more information regarding your specific clinical situation.