In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the combination of an egg and a sperm outside the body in a test tube, in a specialized laboratory, in order to obtain fertilized embryos and transfer them into a woman's uterus for pregnancy.

Preparation for IVF takes about 2-3 weeks and includes tests for both spouses. Women undergo a gynecological examination, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, and blood tests. Men are also prescribed blood and smear tests for infections, as well as a semen analysis. A whole list of tests is provided below.

After receiving the test results, our doctors will have all the necessary information to determine the cause of infertility and select the appropriate IVF method. IVF usually begins with a hormonal stimulation - a woman takes hormonal medicine, which helps several eggs to be matured in one cycle. Usually the duration of this stage is 2 weeks.

At the time of ovulation, the eggs are removed from the ovaries by puncture (a very thin needle going through the vaginal wall to collect eggs). The process is monitored by ultrasound. The eggs are then fertilized with the partner's sperm or donor sperm. Sperm for fertilization undergoes a certain preparation - the sperm are separated from the seminal fluid. Sometimes a puncture of the testicles is required to obtain sperm.

The egg is combined with the sperm in the laboratory and transferred to an incubator for 5-6 days. If fertilization has occurred, the embryo is checked for viability and absence of pathologies. At this stage, you can use an option to select the sex of your unborn child (Gender (Sex) Selection).

If the embryo meets the requirements, it is inserted into the uterus through a catheter. One or several embryos can be transferred into the uterus, and the rest are frozen in case the first IVF attempt fails or for giving birth to other children in future (Embryo Cryopreservation).

After implantation, some women may need to undergo a hormone therapy again to support the pregnancy and minimize the risk of miscarriage. It is rarely that case, as usually doctors transfer embryos in a woman's natural cycle, following the month when the stimulation and egg collection took place. This allows women to get a pregnancy, which physiologically does not differ from the natural one.

The whole process childbearing after IVF treatment is no different from natural pregnancy and baby delivery.