IVF PROCESS EXPLAINED
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. IVF is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.
IVF can be used for male and female infertility, including endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and male factor infertility.
The first IVF baby was born in 1978. Since then, more than 5 million babies worldwide have been born using IVF and other assisted reproduction technologies (ART).
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.
IVF can be used for male and female infertility, including endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and male factor infertility.
The first IVF baby was born in 1978. Since then, more than 5 million babies worldwide have been born using IVF and other assisted reproduction technologies (ART).
How is the IVF process performed?
There are four basic steps to the IVF process:
- Ovulation induction – Medications are given to the woman to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Egg retrieval – The eggs are removed from the ovaries using a needle.
- Fertilization – The eggs are mixed with sperm in a lab, and the resulting embryos are cultured for 5-6 days.
- Embryo transfer – The embryos are transferred to the uterus via a catheter, and any remaining embryos may be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.
What are the success rates of IVF?
The success rates of IVF depend on many factors, including the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the number of embryos transferred.
In general, the success rates of IVF are about 40-50% per cycle.
However, the success rates are much higher in women under 35 years old (about 60-70% per cycle) and much lower in women over 40 years old (about 20-30% per cycle).