This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
For many couples, having a child is a dream that can take time to achieve. However, thanks to advancements in technology, there are now various options available to help couples conceive, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
IVF is a complex process that involves several steps to help couples achieve their dream of having a child. The journey begins with the first day of the woman's period, which marks the start of the IVF treatment cycle.
On the first day of the period, the woman will consult with her nurse to determine the exact date of her cycle. This is followed by the stimulation phase, which lasts for 8-14 days. During this time, the woman will be administered medication to encourage the follicles in her ovaries to produce more eggs. The medication is typically in the form of injections, which can vary from 1-2 per day.
The doctors will closely monitor the woman's ovaries and the development of the follicles through blood tests and ultrasounds. The medication will be adjusted as needed to ensure the optimal development of the follicles. The stimulation phase ends with a trigger injection, which helps to prepare the eggs for ovulation.
Once the eggs are ready, the next step is egg retrieval, which involves collecting the eggs from the ovaries. This is a delicate procedure that typically takes half an hour, and the woman can usually be on her feet within 30 minutes of the procedure.
After the eggs are collected, the sperm is selected and prepared for fertilisation. The sperm can be either fresh or frozen, and the specialists will choose the best quality sperm for the procedure.
The eggs and sperm are then placed in a dish, where they have the opportunity to fertilise naturally. This process is called fertilisation, and it's a crucial step in the IVF process.
Once the eggs are fertilised, they are placed in a special incubator to develop into embryos. This process typically takes 5-6 days, during which time the embryos are carefully monitored to ensure they are developing correctly.
Finally, the embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus through a simple procedure that takes around 5 minutes. This is the final step in the IVF process, and it marks the beginning of the journey to pregnancy.
Two weeks after the embryo transfer, the woman will undergo a blood test to determine whether she is pregnant. If the test is positive, the woman will be pregnant.
IVF may seem like a complex and tedious process, but it has a high success rate and can be a lifeline for couples struggling to conceive.
