Starting the process of IVF treatment can be both nerve-racking and exciting. IVF is typically pursued after other fertility treatments have failed. Many people who opt for this treatment have been trying to conceive for months, or even years. However, this is not always the case, and in some situations, IVF might be the first treatment option; for example, if a gestational carrier is needed, if an egg donor is being used, or if previously cryopreserved eggs are being used. IVF may also be the first option in cases of serious male infertility or blocked fallopian tubes. If you are considering IVF or have had it recommended to you as a fertility treatment option, here\u2019s what you need to know about the process.<\/p>\n
IVF stands for In-Vitro Fertilization and involves taking several eggs that are usually retracted using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle before placing them in a petri dish with sperm cells that have been specially washed and prepared. If the process is successful, the eggs are fertilized by the sperm, becoming embryos. Then, one or two of the healthy embryos will be transferred to the uterus.<\/p>\n
Before the eggs can be retrieved, the ovaries will typically require stimulation. Your body will only typically mature one or two eggs each month, but you will need lots of eggs for conventional IVF. This is achieved using injectable fertility drugs that will stimulate the ovaries to mature at least a dozen eggs for retrieval. However, there are alternatives to consider, including minimal stimulation IVF, which uses oral drugs or low dose injectable drugs to stimulate just a few eggs. If you\u2019re interested in discussing your IVF treatment options, MCRM Fertility is a Saint Louis Fertility Clinic<\/a> that can help.<\/p>\nHow Successful Is IVF?<\/h2>\n