In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is designed to prevent genetic abnormalities, improve fertility and help
people in childbirth. The egg is fertilised with sperm in an incubator outside the body, and the best
embryo is transferred back into the woman's uterus. The entire procedure, from start to finish,
normally takes three to four weeks.
IVF is frequently used to treat:
- Women over the age of 50 who are having fertility problems
- Women who have clogged or damaged fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis in women Male infertility induced by low sperm quantity or blockage
IVF treatment consists of five steps:
- Increase your egg production by superovulating –
The patient is given fertility medicines to start a process known as stimulation — or
superovulation (NIH). In other words, the medications, which contain Follicle Stimulating
Hormone, will instruct your body to generate more than the standard one egg each month. - Take out the eggs –
The egg retrieval procedure is carried out in a surgical suite under intravenous sedation. Trans-
vaginal ultrasonography is used to guide the aspiration of ovarian follicles with a needle. - Gather sperm from a spouse or a donor –
Sperm is collected from the spouse while on the other hand egg is being extracted. You may also
choose to use donated sperm. The sperm are then washed and spun at high speeds to identify
the healthiest ones. - Combine sperm and eggs (Fertilization) –
The sperm sample is then cleansed and concentrated before being injected to the eggs four
hours after egg retrieval. The sperm and eggs are placed in an incubator overnight, and the eggs
are inspected for signs of fertilisation the next day. If the sperm sample appears normal, 60 to
70% of the eggs will usually fertilise. - Inject the embryo(s) into your uterus
After the retrieval of the eggs, certain medication is initiated. This medication is designed to
prepare your uterine lining for the embryos that will be transplanted back into you.