Conventional In Vitro-Fertilization first took place in mammals more than 50 years ago. The first successful IVF baby was born on 1978.
IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which sperm and eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. One or more fertilized eggs (embryos) may be transferred to the woman's uterus after 72 hours.
Treatment Procedures
Ovarian stimulation
In assisted reproduction, the fertility drugs (almost injections) are used to produce multiple eggs, in order to have enough embryos for transfer. Ultrasound and serial hormonal analysis are monitored during egg developments.
Egg retrieval
Egg retrieval, or so-called “ovum pick up”, is typically performed by transvaginal ultrasound aspiration under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
Sperm processing
Sperm are collected and processed on the same day of egg retrieval in preparing for in vitro culture.
Fertilization and embryo culture
The concentrated motile sperm are incubated overnight together with the eggs. Fertilization is documented 16 to 18 hours later on. Then embryos are cultured under the quality control condition.
Embryo transfer
After being cultured for 3-5 days, the embryos will be transferred into the uterus, await for implantation.
Luteal support
Vaginal progesterone supplementation is to prescribe routinely in order to strengthen endometrium for implantation.
Pregnancy testing
The test will be performed within 10-14 days after the embryo transfer.
