If you’re considering having a baby through in vitro fertilization and have just begun to explore the process, you probably have more questions than answers. The health care professionals at the Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu, HI, will guide and support you through every step of the way.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Your Period Begins

The beginning of your menstrual cycle is also the beginning of your IVF cycle. You might take birth control pills for a couple of weeks to control the timing of your period. Then, you will begin daily Lupron injections for two weeks.

2. Ovarian Stimulation

This next phase of in vitro prepares your ovaries to release multiple eggs. You will use an injectable medicine for eight to 12 days while stepping down your Lupron injections. Estrogen levels will be tested and an ultrasound will be done to determine when the egg follicles are mature. When they’re ready, you’ll get a human chorionic gonadotropin injection (HCG). This will stimulate your ovaries to release your eggs.

3. Egg Retrieval

Your fertility doctor will perform the egg retrieval procedure 36 hours after your HCG injection. This procedure is also called ultrasound directed follicular aspiration (UDFA) and is performed under anesthesia. The sperm sample from your partner or a donor will need to be supplied at this stage as well.

4. Fertilization

The fertility doctor will use the sperm sample to fertilize the retrieved eggs on the same day they are retrieved. Then, you wait three days for the embryos to mature so your doctor can test them for viability. If a viable embryo is found, it’s time to move on to the next step.

5. Embryo Transfer

Around the fifth day of the embryo’s growth, it is transferred to the uterus via a small tube. If there is more than one viable embryo, it can be frozen and used later. You do not need anesthesia for this procedure, but some patients opt for a sedative. Nine to 12 days later you can take a pregnancy test.

If you have more questions about in vitro fertilization, visit Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute’s FAQs or call (808) 946-2226. Hawaii’s first in vitro clinic is open seven days a week and ready to help you get started. You can also attend a free twice-monthly IVF seminar to learn more.