Understanding IVF: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Journey of Hope
Posted on August 14th, 2024
Whether you’re struggling with fertility, are an aspiring single parent, or are part of the LGBTQ+ community, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. Fortunately, IVF is safe and highly effective, especially when you have an experienced and compassionate fertility team on your side. Let’s break down the IVF journey step by step so you can grow your family with confidence.
1. Diagnostic Testing and Evaluation
Before starting IVF, your fertility team will conduct comprehensive diagnostic testing to evaluate your reproductive health. This may include blood tests, ultrasounds, and a semen analysis to identify any underlying conditions that could affect your treatment. These evaluations help your doctor tailor the IVF protocol to your specific needs, optimizing your chances of success.
2. Ovarian Stimulation
The goal of ovarian stimulation is to promote the maturation of ovarian follicles. These follicles contain eggs that are released during ovulation. During this stage, you’ll take fertility medications to stimulate follicle growth, and your fertility team will closely monitor your progress.
3. Egg Retrieval
Once your follicles are mature, you’ll take what’s called a “trigger shot” of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which stimulates ovulation. Approximately 36 hours later, your fertility doctor will retrieve the eggs from your ovaries. The egg retrieval procedure involves using an ultrasound-guided aspiration technique. The procedure is quick and painless, as it’s performed under anesthesia.
4. Fertilization and Cell Division
Your fertility doctor will collect the sperm — either from a male partner or a donor — for fertilization in a lab. The fertilized eggs are called embryos. Starting as a single cell, the embryo undergoes rapid cell division. By the fifth day, the embryo has approximately 100 cells and is known as a blastocyst. At this point, you can opt for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to ensure only the healthiest embryos are transferred.
5. Embryo Transfer
Finally, your fertility doctor will transfer one or two embryos to your uterus via a slim catheter. You’ll decide ahead of time how many embryos you’d like to transfer. Hopefully, the embryo(s) will implant and result in a successful pregnancy.
Are You a Good Candidate for IVF?
Is IVF the right option to grow your family? IVF is often recommended in a wide range of scenarios, including:
IVF is also a suitable option for aspiring single parents or LGBTQ+ couples and individuals.
Learn More About IVF and Get Started Today
IVF is a multi-step process that involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization and cell division, and embryo transfer. If you think IVF may be the right fertility treatment for you and your family-building goals, you should consult with an experienced fertility team. At Aspire HFI, our reproductive specialists can answer any questions regarding IVF and create a personalized treatment plan. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at our Houston, Willowbrook, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, Memorial City, Beaumont, Kingwood, or Clear Lake locations.
