If you’re trying to conceive and having trouble, you may be exploring your options for growing your family. In vitro fertilization is an infertility treatment in which your doctor combines the sperm and the egg in a dish and implants the fertilized eggs in the uterus. At least one million babies have resulted from in vitro fertilization in the U.S. alone, and although expensive, the procedure is growing in popularity.

After a consultation with your fertility doctor, the patient begins hormone treatments in preparation for egg harvesting. The doctor will monitor estrogen levels and adjust the dosage as needed. When the eggs are ready to be harvested, the patient is given an hCG injection. The eggs are harvested a few days later with a needle. Sperm will also be collected.

The sperm and eggs are then put together in a dish and incubated. About five days later, fertilized eggs—embryos—are selected for implantation. The embryos are implanted into the patient’s uterus with a catheter, and some may be left for future attempts at implantation. The procedure is outpatient and can result in some cramping, but most patients return to regular physical activities within 24 hours. If more than one embryo is implanted, it raises the chance of a pregnancy, but can also result in a pregnancy with multiple infants.

The potential reward from in vitro fertilization is great, but the process can be long, as well as emotionally and physically taxing. Your fertility clinic can recommend support resources to help you along the way.

You can trust your future to Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu. As Hawaii’s first in vitro fertilization program, these doctors have the experience to guide you through the process and the compassion to support you along your journey. Whether you’re seeking fertility treatments or in vitro fertilization, choose the clinic that Hawaii has trusted since 1985. Call (808) 946-2226 or create an account to send a secure email.