In IVF, the ova are fertilized by the sperm in a laboratory (in vitro), and then the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus. More than 5 million children have been born worldwide using the method of IVF, with the first birth taking place in 1978 in England.
The procedure begins with the drug-induced ovarian stimulation, which aims at increased egg production. A further series of injections is then administered to the patient to prevent follicular breakage and ovulation before egg collection in the laboratory. Prior to the process of egg collection, another injection which matures and prepares the eggs is administered.
The egg collection is scheduled about 36 hours after the last injection. The eggs harvested for standard IVF procedures are mixed with selected spermatozoa of the partner or donor in special petri dishes. A portion of these oocytes is then fertilized, and the resulting embryos after being cultured under highly monitored conditions, are transferred to the uterus.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is recommended to:
- Women with fallopian tube problems (adhesions, obstruction, etc.).
- Women who have either a small number of eggs or poor egg quality.
- Older women.
- Women with ovulatory disorders who have not had success with simpler treatments (insemination, etc.).
- Men with serious semen disorders.
- When there is severe endometriosis or conditions that affect ovarian sufficiency and egg quality.
- In couples without a specific cause of infertility who, while attempting, have not succeeded in conceiving.