| In Vitro Fertilization |
WELCOME!
The following information is a brief overview of the IVF procedure and was designed to provide a basic understanding of IVF and help answer questions that
may arise during treatment. We encourage your questions always as you make your decision to proceed with treatment. During your next visit we can discuss
any concerns you might have. All couples who wish to be considered for IVF must have an initial consult with our physician. Your prior clinical history will be
reviewed to determine whether IVF is a suitable option. It is important that your medical records be made available at the time of this consultation.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE IVF PROCEDURE
An injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), commonly known as Ovidrel is administered to induce the final maturation of the ova. Approximately 35.5
hours following the administration of the hCG, the oocyte retrieval is performed.
The day of the embryo transfer the outcome of your IVF cycle is reviewed with you by the physician. You will receive a photograph of the embryos chosen for
transfer. You will be able to watch the embryos being loaded into the a fine plastic catheter which is then immediately inserted through the cervix and the
embryos are placed within the uterus. Implantation occurs about day 6 or 7 of the embryo's development.
The following information is a brief overview of the IVF procedure and was designed to provide a basic understanding of IVF and help answer questions that
may arise during treatment. We encourage your questions always as you make your decision to proceed with treatment. During your next visit we can discuss
any concerns you might have. All couples who wish to be considered for IVF must have an initial consult with our physician. Your prior clinical history will be
reviewed to determine whether IVF is a suitable option. It is important that your medical records be made available at the time of this consultation.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE IVF PROCEDURE
An injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), commonly known as Ovidrel is administered to induce the final maturation of the ova. Approximately 35.5
hours following the administration of the hCG, the oocyte retrieval is performed.
The day of the embryo transfer the outcome of your IVF cycle is reviewed with you by the physician. You will receive a photograph of the embryos chosen for
transfer. You will be able to watch the embryos being loaded into the a fine plastic catheter which is then immediately inserted through the cervix and the
embryos are placed within the uterus. Implantation occurs about day 6 or 7 of the embryo's development.
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| Please click a link below to learn more about the treatments and procedures East Coast IVF offers that contribute to our success stories. |
The first step involves using a GnRH agonist (Lupron) in
stimulate the ovaries for the production of several mature
monitored by serial ultrasounds to observe the
development of the follicles. Follicles are collections of
fluid within the ovary in which the ova are found.
Additionally, serial blood tests are performed to monitor
the serum Estradiol response to these medications. By
interpreting the results of the ultrasounds and blood
tests, the physician is able to accurately determine the
best time to harvest or remove the ova.
stimulate the ovaries for the production of several mature
monitored by serial ultrasounds to observe the
development of the follicles. Follicles are collections of
fluid within the ovary in which the ova are found.
Additionally, serial blood tests are performed to monitor
the serum Estradiol response to these medications. By
interpreting the results of the ultrasounds and blood
tests, the physician is able to accurately determine the
best time to harvest or remove the ova.
The oocyte retrieval is performed with light general anesthesia
using ultrasound guided aspiration. This procedure uses an
ultrasound probe inserted into the vagina and a needle is
guided through the vaginal wall into the ovary. Using the
needle, the ova are aspirated from the ovary using a suction
device. The follicular fluid is removed and an embryologist
examines the fluid to locate and grade the maturity of the
ovum. After their identification, the ova are transferred to a
culture dish containing IVF culture medium and placed in an
incubator. The incubator is set at specific conditions that mimic
the natural environment of the female body.
using ultrasound guided aspiration. This procedure uses an
ultrasound probe inserted into the vagina and a needle is
guided through the vaginal wall into the ovary. Using the
needle, the ova are aspirated from the ovary using a suction
device. The follicular fluid is removed and an embryologist
examines the fluid to locate and grade the maturity of the
ovum. After their identification, the ova are transferred to a
culture dish containing IVF culture medium and placed in an
incubator. The incubator is set at specific conditions that mimic
the natural environment of the female body.
A fresh sperm sample is obtained and processed to obtain
the most healthy and motile sperm. The sperm are then
added to the culture dish containing the ovum to allow for
fertilization.
In cases of severe male factor, a intracytoplasmic sperm
injection (ICSI) can be performed to directly inject a single
sperm into the egg to achieve fertilization.
Men who have sperm surgically removed or who have
difficulty collecting a sample can opt to have sperm frozen
After the sperm and eggs are combined they are placed
into the incubator overnight and checked in the morning to
see if they have fertilized.
Fertilized oocytes, called zygotes are evaluated on day
three and possibly five of development before being
transferred back to the woman for implantation.
the most healthy and motile sperm. The sperm are then
added to the culture dish containing the ovum to allow for
fertilization.
In cases of severe male factor, a intracytoplasmic sperm
injection (ICSI) can be performed to directly inject a single
sperm into the egg to achieve fertilization.
Men who have sperm surgically removed or who have
difficulty collecting a sample can opt to have sperm frozen
After the sperm and eggs are combined they are placed
into the incubator overnight and checked in the morning to
see if they have fertilized.
Fertilized oocytes, called zygotes are evaluated on day
three and possibly five of development before being
transferred back to the woman for implantation.
| DAY 5 - BLASTOCYST |
| DAY 3 - 8 CELL CLEAVED EMBRYO |
| DAY 1 - FERTILIZATION |
A blood pregnancy test is performed fourteen days
following the oocyte collection to determine if pregnancy
has occurred.
If the test is negative Dr. Damien will call you with the
results and recommend when you are ready, to return to
the office for a follow up consult.
If the test is positive a second test is done to confirm the
level is rising appropriately. It should double every other
day.
If both blood test results are good, an ultrasound is
scheduled for approximately 6 weeks gestation.
REMEMBER -You are two weeks pregnant at the time of
your transfer, so your 1st ultrasound is approximately four
weeks from your transfer. At this ultasound a fetal heart
should be detected. If not, you will be asked to return for a
second ultrasound a few days later.
If all is well, CONGRATULATIONS and we hope you will
send us a birth announcement!!
following the oocyte collection to determine if pregnancy
has occurred.
If the test is negative Dr. Damien will call you with the
results and recommend when you are ready, to return to
the office for a follow up consult.
If the test is positive a second test is done to confirm the
level is rising appropriately. It should double every other
day.
If both blood test results are good, an ultrasound is
scheduled for approximately 6 weeks gestation.
REMEMBER -You are two weeks pregnant at the time of
your transfer, so your 1st ultrasound is approximately four
weeks from your transfer. At this ultasound a fetal heart
should be detected. If not, you will be asked to return for a
second ultrasound a few days later.
If all is well, CONGRATULATIONS and we hope you will
send us a birth announcement!!
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