In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been helping people achieve their dreams of parenthood since the late 70s. And, not surprisingly, a lot has changed since then, including improvements in lab techniques.
The New York Fertility Center was one of the first IVF centers in Queens, New York, and our team has seen how this technology has continued to develop over the years. We also know the process can seem a bit overwhelming for someone going through it for the first time.
In this blog post, we break down the four key steps of in vitro fertilization to help demystify this procedure.
Over 500,000 babies conceived through IVF get delivered worldwide each year. In the United States, they account for approximately 2% of births.
During IVF, eggs get fertilized in a laboratory and then are transferred to a woman’s uterus.
A full cycle of IVF usually takes 2-3 weeks, but it can take longer in some cases. Our team can perform the procedure using the couple’s eggs and sperm or donor eggs and donor sperm.
The IVF cycle involves four specific steps.
First, IVF requires eggs for fertilization.
During this part of the process, the person producing the eggs takes fertility drugs that stimulate the body to make more than the single egg it typically creates each month. That’s because the more eggs produced for retrieval, the higher the chances of successful fertilization later in the process.
Once the ovaries produce the eggs, they must mature sufficiently and reach a certain size before IVF can proceed. This usually takes 8-14 days, and our team monitors the eggs closely with transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests.
Once the eggs develop sufficiently, it’s time to take medication that triggers ovulation — earning it the name “trigger shot.” This causes the ovaries to release the eggs.
Approximately 36 hours later, our team can retrieve the eggs during a procedure called follicular aspiration. This involves an ultrasound-guided needle connected to a suction device. We insert this tool through the vagina and remove eggs out of each follicle of an ovary.
The person undergoing follicle aspiration receives medication and mild sedation to reduce discomfort during the process.
Once retrieved, the eggs get placed in a special solution and are stored in an incubator.
The goal of this next step is to fertilize the eggs with ICSI — or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. ICSI doesn’t work with immature eggs, however, so these developing eggs get placed in a dish with sperm and nutrients, and the sperm can attempt to fertilize eggs that continue to mature there. Approximately 70% of mature eggs successfully fertilize.
It’s also possible to freeze eggs before fertilization for use at a later date.
Our team watches the development of the embryos over 5-6 days to determine which ones are suitable to transfer to the uterus. On average, half of fertilized eggs reach the most suitable stage for this step.
At this point, the prepared embryos get transferred into the uterus or are frozen for future use.
Whether an egg transfer involves fresh, frozen, or donor embryos, this last step of IVF is the same. The person receiving the fertilized eggs takes hormones to prepare their uterus for implantation.
Preparing the uterus for an embryo often requires 14-21 days of oral medication along with six days of injections. Our team also monitors the uterus during this time with ultrasounds and blood tests. Once the uterus is ready, the embryo transfer can occur.
Undergoing embryo transfer is similar to having a Pap smear or pelvic exam, and it doesn’t require anesthesia. A doctor inserts a speculum in the vagina and uses a catheter on a syringe to insert one or more embryos into the uterus. It usually takes less than 10 minutes.
If the embryo implants itself into the uterus, pregnancy occurs. It usually takes 9-14 days to determine pregnancy status with a blood test after an embryo transfer.
Are you considering IVF? The New York Fertility Center can guide you through the process and determine if you’re a good candidate. Contact us to schedule a visit in Downtown Flushing Queens or Flatiron in Manhattan today.
