What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment where fertilization occurs outside the body. It offers a pathway for those facing challenges in conceiving naturally to achieve their dreams of parenthood.

How IVF Works
Natural conception relies on timing and biology. Sperm must meet the egg in the fallopian tubes, and once fertilized, the egg needs to travel to the womb for an implantation. IVF can bypass some of these natural steps and address obstacles that may prevent pregnancy.

Your IVF Journey with IVF Vision
Our team at IVF Vision is here to support you every step of the way. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what the IVF process entails:

Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a conversation with one of our fertility specialists to discuss your health, medical history and options for IVF. If you’re ready to proceed, we’ll schedule your initial consultation and arrange any necessary fertility tests to help personalize your treatment plan.

Step 2: Fertility Tests
Prior to starting IVF, several health and fertility assessments are conducted. These tests provide insight into reproductive health and help us create a tailored treatment approach. For women, tests will give us information for your ovarian reserve, while sperm health is assessed for men. Additional tests may be suggested for those with recurrent miscarriage or previous IVF attempts.

Step 3: Consultation and Treatment Plan
Once your test results are available, our fertility specialists will guide you through your options and recommend the best treatment path. This consultation is an ideal opportunity to ask questions and get clarity on any aspects of the process. Your personalized treatment plan will outline each step, helping you make informed decisions as you move forward.

Step 4: Ovarian Stimulation
The procedure of stimulation starts on second or third day of menstrual cycle. To prepare for egg retrieval, fertility medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. This phase is monitored closely through ultrasounds and blood tests to adjust medication as needed. Our team is available to answer any questions and provide support throughout this critical stage.

Step 5: Monitoring for Ovarian Maturation
Regular monitoring helps determine the optimal time for egg collection. Ultrasound scans and blood tests over 3-7 days track follicle growth, with a final trigger injection timed to induce egg maturation.Usually the egg retrieval procedure is done on day 12-13-14 of the menstrual cycle (but this always depends on the individual development of the follicles and the body’s reaction during the treatment).

Step 6: Egg and Sperm Collection
Following ovulation induction, eggs are retrieved at our clinic. If partner sperm is being used, a sample is collected on the same day. Egg retrieval is a short, minimally invasive procedure performed under sedation. After the procedure of egg retrieval, the embryologist will proceed with ICSI procedure (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) to fertilize eggs with sperm cells.

Step 7: Fertilization and Embryo Development
After the ICSI procedure, the embryologist will give you information about the number of fertilized eggs which will be closely monitored until the 5th or 6th day of embryo development.

 In case of fresh embryo transfer, the embryos will be transferred directly into your uterus. The rest of the embryos will be frozen for future use.

On the 5th or 6th day of embryo development, if genetic test of the embryos is required, the embryologist will proceed with the biopsy procedure and then freeze the embryos, until we have received the result of the genetic test of embryos. After receiving the result, you will begin the preparation of the endometrium for the embryo transfer procedure. On the day of Embryo transfer, our embryologist  will thaw and prepare the embryos to be transferred.

Step 8: Embryo Transfer
When ready, the selected embryo is transferred to the uterus in a quick, simple procedure, without the need for sedation. Following the transfer, you’ll be advised to rest briefly, after which normal activities can be resumed with certain limitations.

Step 9: The Two-Week Wait
Following the embryo transfer, a 12-14 day wait ensues to determine if pregnancy has occurred. During this time, you’ll take progesterone to support uterine lining preparation. The protocol of medications and the advices after the procedure will be provided you by the doctor.

Step 10: Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up
Around two weeks post-transfer, an blood test (Beta-HCG) can reveal initial results. A positive test will be followed by an ultrasound scan at the clinic after approximately two weeks after the result. During the ultrasound scan, we expect to see the gestational sac and fetal heartbeat.

Success Rates and Suitability of IVF
IVF is used for a range of fertility issues, including blocked tubes, endometriosis, PCOS, and low ovarian reserve. Success rates vary, with younger patients generally experiencing higher rates of success. Factors like age, underlying fertility challenges, and general health also play a role.

The process typically takes around two weeks from starting stimulation to egg retrieval procedure. Up to 5-6 days will be needed for Embryo development. For the procedure of Endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer, will be needed around three weeks to proceed with transfer. After Embryo Transfer to the pregnancy test, will be needed 12-14 days. After the blood tests will be needed around two weeks for the ultrasound scan to check fetal heartbeat. However, the timelines can change and are individual, depending on the medical protocol and the progress of the procedure for each case.

Potential Risks and Side Effects
IVF may carry certain risks, including:

  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
  • Emotional stress and potential for complications during egg retrieval
  • Multiple births, with associated health risks for mother and babies

Side effects from IVF medications can include mild abdominal pain, bloating, headaches, and mood changes. Our team is here to provide guidance on managing any symptoms and supporting you throughout the process.

At IVF Vision, patient well-being is our top priority. We are dedicated to making your IVF journey as supportive, comfortable, and successful as possible.

 

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