In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method where sperm and egg are combined in the laboratory, and after fertilization, the embryos are then implanted into the walls of the uterus.
Who is suitable for this procedure?
- A woman whose fallopian tubes are obstructed or destroyed.
- A man with sperm problems, such as low sperm count and motility.
- A couple who have been unable to conceive after three years and where there is no known cause for the infertility.
- A couple that has undergone intrauterine insemination (IUI) and were unable to conceive.
IVF Procedure
- The doctor will insert an ultrasound probe into your vagina to retrieve a suitable egg. Local anesthesia is administered to prevent pain. This procedure takes about 30 minutes and after the retrieval you will be given hormone vaginal suppositories or injections to prepare for the transfer of embryos into your uterus.
- The collected eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then observed closely for the next two days.
- The next day the fertilized egg becomes an embryo and is ready to be transferred on the third or fifth day after retrieval. The embryo transfer does not require that you fast, or the administration of anesthesia. The procedure takes 30 minutes.
