All about IVF

Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS)

• COS aims to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of creating an embryo
• The doctor will prescribe fertility drugs to help support the growth of the follicles (which contain immature eggs)
• Once they reach the right size, a "trigger shot" will be given to mature the eggs for retrieval

Egg Retrieval

• Pain medication or sedation is provided before the doctor uses a vaginal probe to retrieve the eggs from the ovarian follicles
• This procedure typically takes less than an hour in the doctor’s office

Keep in mind… Your fertility specialist may prescribe progesterone any time between now and the embryo transfer to prepare the uterus for implantation and support pregnancy. This medication may be continued for 10 weeks after a positive pregnancy test.

Sperm Collection

• Sperm is typically collected via masturbation or a special condom used during intercourse
• Sperm is separated from the semen
• If no sperm is present in the semen, it may be obtained from the testicle

Fertilization

• Partner or donor sperm will be mixed with the eggs
• The next day, an embryologist checks for fertilized eggs and will monitor their development

Embryo transfer

• The doctor will help decide how many embryos to transfer, balancing pregnancy chances with the possibility of multiples (twins or triplets)
• The selected embryo(s) will then be transferred into the uterus using a catheter