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In simplest terms, the IVF procedure involves stimulating the woman's ovaries with medication, to produce multiple eggs. First, the eggs are removed by a needle through the vagina while the woman is placed under a light anesthesia. Next, the man's sperm and the woman's eggs are combined in the laboratory, typically in a petri dish. The resultant embryo is then implanted into the woman's uterus through the cervix in hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy. Usually two to four embryos are implanted each time IVF is performed (called a cycle). Results of IVF vary by the woman's age, reason for performing IVF, and the egg quality.

Initially developed in 1978 for women with blocked, damaged, or missing fallopian tubes, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is now used to overcome infertility caused by endometriosis, male factor issues, sperm antibodies, ovulatory problems, or other unexplained reasons. In the United States, more than 17,000 healthy babies are born each year through successful IVF procedures.

Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation with Medication
Rather than a single egg normally developing each month, various medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval under Ultrasound Guidance
Eggs may be recovered by ultrasound-directed procedures, under sedation. Ultrasound allows for accurate aspiration of the egg. We guide a needle into each follicle and aspirate its contents, then the eggs are transferred to a sterile container to await fertilization. The process is repeated until all the mature follicles have been aspirated.

We monitor the ovarian response and time the administration of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which causes the release of the egg in a woman like Luteinizing Hormone (LH) does in a normal cycle.

Step 3: Semen Collection, Processing, and Insemination
Shortly before or after the egg retrieval, a semen sample will be collected. The semen sample is then processed to isolate the strongest, most active sperm. Thousands of these sperm will then be placed with each mature egg. For partners who are concerned about producing a specimen on demand or who may not be available at the time of egg retrieval, a semen specimen is frozen several weeks before the egg retrieval.

Step 4: Fertilization
A semen sample is obtained from the male partner and processed. Once the eggs are retrieved, many prepared sperm are placed with an egg in a laboratory dish and allowed to incubate at body temperature. After approximately 48 to 72 hours, if the eggs have successfully fertilized and are growing normally, they are then transferred to the uterus. This is called embryo transfer.

If there are issues with sperm quality, then single sperm injection may be done using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

Step 5: Embryo Transfer under Ultrasound Guidance
Embryo transfer is performed without anesthesia with the help of ultrasound. The embryos are placed in a catheter for transfer into the uterus. The use of ultrasound assures a more precise placement of the embryo.

In Vitro Fertilization

Illustration courtesy: Organon, Inc.

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				Treatment: In Vitro Fertilization In simplest terms, the IVF procedure involves stimulating the woman's ovaries with medication, to produce multiple eggs. First, the eggs are removed by a needle through the vagina while the woman is placed under a light anesthesia. Next, the man's sperm and the woman's eggs are combined in the laboratory, typically in a petri dish. The resultant embryo is then implanted into the woman's uterus through the cervix in hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy. Usually two to four embryos are implanted each time IVF is performed (called a cycle). Results of IVF vary by the woman's age, reason for performing IVF, and the egg quality. Initially developed in 1978 for women with blocked, damaged, or missing fallopian tubes, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is now used to overcome infertility caused by endometriosis, male factor issues, sperm antibodies, ovulatory problems, or other unexplained reasons. In the United States, more than 17,000 healthy babies are born each year through successful IVF procedures. In Vitro fertilization (IVF) is best described in five steps: Step 1 - Ovarian stimulation with medication Step 2 - Egg retrieval under ultrasound guidance Step 3 - Semen collection Step 4 - Fertilization Step 5 - Embryo transfer under ultrasound guidance Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation with Medication Rather than a single egg normally developing each month, various medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Step 2: Egg Retrieval under Ultrasound Guidance Eggs may be recovered by ultrasound-directed procedures, under sedation. Ultrasound allows for accurate aspiration of the egg. We guide a needle into each follicle and aspirate its contents, then the eggs are transferred to a sterile container to await fertilization. The process is repeated until all the mature follicles have been aspirated. We monitor the ovarian response and time the administration of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which causes the release of the egg in a woman like Luteinizing Hormone (LH) does in a normal cycle. Step 3: Semen Collection, Processing, and Insemination Shortly before or after the egg retrieval, a semen sample will be collected. The semen sample is then processed to isolate the strongest, most active sperm. Thousands of these sperm will then be placed with each mature egg. For partners who are concerned about producing a specimen on demand or who may not be available at the time of egg retrieval, a semen specimen is frozen several weeks before the egg retrieval. Step 4: Fertilization A semen sample is obtained from the male partner and processed. Once the eggs are retrieved, many prepared sperm are placed with an egg in a laboratory dish and allowed to incubate at body temperature. After approximately 48 to 72 hours, if the eggs have successfully fertilized and are growing normally, they are then transferred to the uterus. This is called embryo transfer. If there are issues with sperm quality, then single sperm injection may be done using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Step 5: Embryo Transfer under Ultrasound Guidance Embryo transfer is performed without anesthesia with the help of ultrasound. The embryos are placed in a catheter for transfer into the uterus. The use of ultrasound assures a more precise placement of the embryo. In Vitro Fertilization Illustration courtesy: Organon, Inc. (back to top)				Contact Information: Baylor Medical Plaza Barnett Tower, Suite 502 3600 Gaston Avenue Dallas, TX 75246 214-823-2692 214-887-8244 (fax) For driving directions: (opens new window) Dallas Office Contact Numbers: Appointments: ext. 111 & 117 Nurses Station: ext. 114 & 123 Billing Office: ext. 119 & 113 Surgery Information: ext. 120