In Vitro Fertilization(IVF)

The IVF process generally involves several stages. The exact medicines, monitoring schedule and procedures are personalised according to the patient’s needs.

1. Initial Fertility Assessment

Before beginning IVF, the fertility specialist reviews the patient’s medical history, previous pregnancy history, menstrual cycle, previous fertility treatments and other relevant factors.

Investigations may be recommended to understand ovarian reserve, uterine health, ovulation and sperm parameters.

This assessment helps the fertility team determine whether IVF is appropriate and which treatment approach may be suitable.

2. Ovarian Stimulation

During a natural menstrual cycle, usually one egg becomes available for ovulation. IVF treatment commonly uses fertility medicines to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple follicles.

The ovaries are monitored using ultrasound examinations and, when appropriate, blood tests. Monitoring helps the fertility team determine how the ovaries are responding to medication and when the eggs are ready for collection.

3. Egg Retrieval

When the follicles reach the appropriate stage of development, medication is used to prepare the eggs for collection.

Egg retrieval is performed using a specialised procedure in which eggs are collected from the ovaries. The retrieved eggs are then transferred to the embryology laboratory for evaluation and fertilisation.

4. Sperm Collection and Preparation

A sperm sample is generally collected around the time of egg retrieval. In certain situations, sperm may be obtained or preserved in advance.

The laboratory prepares the sperm sample for fertilisation. Depending on the clinical circumstances and laboratory plan, conventional IVF or a related fertilisation technique may be considered.

5. Fertilisation and Embryo Development

The collected eggs are fertilised with sperm in the laboratory. Following fertilisation, embryos are monitored as they develop.

Not every retrieved egg will fertilise, and not every fertilised egg will continue developing into an embryo suitable for transfer. This is an important part of understanding IVF because treatment outcomes can vary between individuals and cycles.

6. Embryo Transfer

When an embryo is considered appropriate for transfer, it may be placed into the uterus using a thin catheter.

The number of embryos transferred is an important clinical decision. In many situations, transferring a single embryo is preferred because multiple pregnancies can increase pregnancy and birth-related risks.

7. Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up

Following embryo transfer, the patient is given instructions about medication, monitoring and when to take a pregnancy test.

If pregnancy occurs, follow-up appointments and ultrasound monitoring are used to assess early pregnancy development.