In Vitro Fertilization also known as IVF, was first performed in 1978, and it has become the standard for treating many fertility disorders. At Saint Mary Fertility Center IVF has helped many happy couples start families, as reflected in our IVF success rates. IVF treatment is a multi-step process involving ovulation induction, follicular aspiration, insemination and embryo transfer. Fertility medications are prescribed to control the timing of the egg ripening and to increase the chance of collecting multiple eggs during one of the woman's cycles. This is often referred to as ovulation induction. Your eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure which uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity. The eggs are removed from the ovaries using the hollow needle, which is called follicular aspiration. 

Follicular aspiration and egg retrieval

Sperm, usually obtained by ejaculation is prepared for combining with the eggs. In a process called insemination, the sperm and eggs are placed in incubators located in the laboratory which enables fertilization to occur. In some cases where fertilization is suspected to be low, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used. Through this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg in an attempt to achieve fertilization. The eggs are monitored to confirm that fertilization and cell division are taking place. Once this occurs, the fertilized eggs are considered embryos.

The embryos are usually transferred into the woman's uterus anywhere from one to six days later, but most commonly it occurs between two to three days following egg retrieval. At this point, the fertilized egg has divided to become a two-to-four cell embryo. The transfer process involves a speculum which is inserted into the vagina to expose the cervix.

These steps are followed by rest and watching for early pregnancy symptoms. A blood test and potentially an ultrasound will be used to determine if implantation and pregnancy has occurred.