IVF is a procedure to help with fertility and the conception of a child and it can be done with a series of steps which are highly complicated. The IVF process takes around 6-8 weeks and the procedure is not at all painful. You can see the entire procedure with the help of an ultrasound screen. Let us understand it in detail.

IVF Process

IVF process means In-vitro Fertilization where an egg and sperm are mixed so that the egg can select a sperm to fertilize it. The process is the same that occurs in the body naturally two to five days once an egg meets sperm. The fertilized egg called the embryo is put back into the uterus. As people are opening up about their struggle to have a child, rather than considering it as their fate or curse, IVF is becoming popular among young couples without children. 

IVF Procedure

The following are the steps during the procedure:

1. Consultation: The fertility specialist reviews all your medical information provided by you. It includes tests and treatments that you may have undergone before. The specialist explains the necessary information and suggests the best way to start the process. 

2. Regulation of Hormones: Women with irregular menses need to take birth control pills to make the periods cyclical. If the periods occur on time then it helps to plan the treatment. 

3. Stimulating the Production of Eggs: The female is given injections for stimulating the production of eggs. Instead of just one egg that's produced normally, many eggs are produced in an IVF in a month. This increases the chance of them fertilizing with sperm. 

4. Retrieving the eggs: The eggs are taken from the ovaries by follicular aspiration. This is a surgery done with the help of an ultrasound.

5. Fertilization of the eggs: The sperm is placed in a petri dish with the eggs on its own to inseminate or directly injected into the eggs. This will depend on the doctor’s assessment of the fertilization rate. 

6. Maturing the embryo: The fertilized egg is left now to divide and form an embryo in the lab. Within 3-5 days, the embryo becomes ready to transfer.

7. Implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterus: The matured embryo is then transferred into the uterus 3-5 days after the egg is retrieved and fertilized. 
   
   
8. Pregnancy Test: After the embryo is transferred, the doctor does a blood test to measure the hCG hormone level. When it is detected, it shows your pregnancy test is positive. 

IVF Success Rate

The success rate on the first try is different in different countries. In India, the IVF success rate on the first try is within the range of 35-40%. If the couples do not succeed on the first try and they are required to try for the second time. The doctors take care of everything during your journey to become pregnant, and all you need is to be patient and co-operate. All the couples need to do is stay positive.