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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) which means ‘fertilization in a glass’ is often more commonly referred to as a test tube baby. Eggs are fertilized in a laboratory dish with sperm and then place inside the woman’s womb. Many older women use In Vitro Fertilization as it is a recommended procedure for them, also if there is a blockage in the tubes, unexplained infertility or if other methods have failed.

Although techniques for In Vitro Fertilization vary, a normal method of IVF would go something like this. At first your physician will halt the release of hormones that are produced during your monthly cycle by giving you some drugs. This allows them better control over when your eggs are produced. You then take different drugs to make your ovaries produce more than one egg.

IVF Embryos...

Blood Tests and vaginal ultrasound scans are used to monitor the estrogen level produced by the eggs. All these tests are designed to show when the time is right for an injection of another hormone to help the eggs mature. The eggs are collected between 34 and 38 hours after the injection is given so the timing for it is crucial. Collecting the eggs takes about 30 minutes and is carried out using ultrasound guidance so often either drugs or a general anesthetic is given to make you feel more relaxed.

It is now the male’s job to ensure that a fresh sperm sample is ready. After a short storage period the sperm are washed and spun at high speed to enable the most active and healthiest to be chosen. Sperm which has been donated is kept in a freezer but the same method for preparation is used. The process then continues with the eggs and sperm left for 16 to 20 hours in a laboratory dish to mix and after that period, checked to see if they have fertilized. Any embryo’s that have fertilized abnormally or not at all, are discarded, then those remaining are left for another 24 to 48 hours prior to a final check.

To ensure the womb is ready for the fertilized egg, two days after they have been collected, the womb lining is prepared by giving you pessaries, gel or an injection.

IVF Embryos

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