Overview
IVF is the most widely used assisted reproductive technology. Eggs are retrieved from stimulated ovaries, fertilized in the laboratory, cultured for several days, and transferred to the uterus fresh or after cryopreservation.
Common Indications
- Tubal factor infertility
- Significant male-factor infertility
- Failed prior treatment cycles
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Genetic testing needs
- Age-related fertility decline
How It Works
- Ovarian stimulation with injectable medications (approx. 8–14 days).
- Monitoring via bloodwork and ultrasound.
- Trigger injection followed by egg retrieval under sedation.
- Laboratory fertilization (conventional insemination or ICSI).
- Embryo culture typically 3–5 days.
- Embryo transfer (fresh) or cryopreservation for later transfer.
Considerations
- Outcomes vary substantially by age and diagnosis.
- Most patients plan around the possibility of more than one cycle.
- Risks include ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancy (mitigated by single embryo transfer).
Educational content only. No procedure guarantees an outcome. Decisions must be made with a licensed specialist.