In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, is a complicated process that requires skill and expertise to be executed properly. Luckily, the fertility doctors at Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute are fully equipped to provide patients with treatment and education to make the process as smooth and easy as possible.

Since there’s a lot to learn about IVF, let’s go over the basics step by step:

• Ovarian Preparation: While it may seem counter intuitive, the IVF cycle typically begins with a round of birth control. This increases the odds of IVF success since it lowers the risk of ovarian cysts and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and also allows the patient and physician to control the timing of the cycle.
• Ovarian Stimulation: The main goal of IVF is to increase the odds of pregnancy, which is done by a process called ovarian stimulation. During ovarian stimulation, injectable medications are used for approximately 8-14 days to stimulate the ovaries and produce eggs. With each round of stimulation, IVF patients are monitored closely with ultrasound testing and blood work.
• Trigger Shot & Egg Retrieval: It’s essential for mature eggs to be produced during IVF. To make this happen, hCG is used to provides final maturation to the growing follicles and starts the ovulation process. Approximately 36 hours after the hCG shot is administered, the eggs should be ready for retrieval.
• Fertilization & Embryo Transfer: In IVF, fertilization can happen in two ways. The conventional method involves exposing healthy sperm to a mature egg for fertilization. The second method, which is used when the quality or quantity of sperm is low, requires the assistance of an embryologist who selects a healthy sperm and injects it directly into the egg. Once successful fertilization occurs, the embryo is transferred via catheter into the uterus after 3-5 days of development in the laboratory.
• Pregnancy Test: About two weeks after the embryo transfer, the doctor will measure hCG levels to confirm pregnancy.

To learn more about In Vitro fertility treatments or to schedule an appointment with the fertility specialists at Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute, give them a call at (808) 946-2226 or visit them online.