In vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to help people with infertility who want to have children . It is  a type of assistive reproductive technology (ART). It involves retrieving eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm. During this procedure, sperm is transferred directly into a woman’s egg. This fertilized egg is called an embryo. The embryo can then be  transferred to a woman’s uterus.

Depending on the situation, IVF can utilize mother eggs and her husband’s sperm or  mother  eggs and donor sperm or donor eggs and husband’s sperm or donor eggs and sperm or donated embryos.

Some of the reasons for infertility  may be due to  reduced fertility in women over the age of 40  , blocked or damaged fallopian tubes ,reduced ovarian function, endometriosis ,uterine fibroids ,male infertility, such as low sperm count or abnormalities in sperm shapeunexplained infertility.

Before beginning IVF, women will have ovarian reserve testing done. This involves testing a blood sample for the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The results of this test will give the doctor information about the size and quality of  eggs.

IVF Procedure :

There are five steps involved in IVF:  Stimulation , egg retrieval, insemination, embryo culture, transfer.

Normally, a woman produces one egg during each menstrual cycle. However, IVF requires multiple eggs. Using multiple eggs increases the chances of developing a viable embryo. Therefore, fertility drugs will be given to increase the number of eggs. During this time, regular blood tests and ultrasounds will be done to monitor the production of eggs and let your doctor know when to retrieve them.

Egg retrieval  is a surgical procedure. The  doctor will use an ultrasound to guide a needle through the vagina, into the ovary, and into an egg-containing follicle. The needle will suction eggs and fluid out of each follicle.

The male partner will  give a semen sample. The sperm will be mixed with the eggs in a Petri dish.

The fertilized eggs will be monitored to ensure that they are dividing and developing. The embryos are tested for genetic conditions at this time.

When the embryos are big enough, they can be implanted. This normally occurs three to five days after fertilization. Implantation involves having a thin tube called a catheter inserted into the vagina, past the  cervix, and into the uterus.

Pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants itself in the uterine wall. This can take six to 10 days. A blood test will determine if  pregnant or not.