Process of IVF | How Long Does IVF Take?
For couples trying to have a baby but facing challenges, there’s a special treatment called in vitro fertilization (IVF). This blog delves into the detailed process of IVF, the steps involved, success rates, and the duration of the treatment journey.
Furthermore, it explores avenues for IVF treatment in Nepal, where advanced medical expertise meets compassionate care to support couples on their journey to parenthood.
What is In vitro fertilization (IVF)?
IVF is a leading option in assisted reproductive technology (ART) for couples facing infertility. Patients can use their own eggs and sperm or opt for donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. The success rate of IVF in achieving a healthy pregnancy often depends on the woman’s age and the specific reasons for her infertility.
Process of IVF - Step By Step
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each IVF stage:
Initial Consultation and Testing
- Evaluation: Review of your and your partner’s medical history to identify infertility causes.
- Fertility Testing: Includes semen analysis for sperm quality, and hormone testing, pelvic ultrasound, and HSG X-ray for women to check egg health, ovulation, and uterine conditions.
Ovarian Stimulation (2-3 weeks)
- Goal: Stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, increasing fertilization chances.
- Medications: Fertility drugs like FSH and LH help develop multiple follicles. Additional medications may regulate ovulation timing.
- Monitoring: Regular ultrasounds and blood tests track follicle growth and adjust medication dosages.
Related: Side Effects of Ovarian Stimulation
Egg Retrieval (30-45 minutes)
Maturity Check
After your eggs mature, we’ll schedule a simple surgical procedure under light anesthesia for egg retrieval.
Retrieval Process
A thin needle guided by ultrasound will be used to retrieve eggs from the follicles( fluid-filled sacs) in your ovaries.
Sperm Collection
On the same day, your partner will provide a semen sample for fertilization. In some cases, if sperm collection through ejaculation is not possible, sperm retrieval techniques like testicular aspiration or surgical sperm extraction (TESE) might be considered.
Fertilization (1-3 days)
The Fertilization Process: this is the stage where eggs and sperm meet to create an embryo, which happens within a carefully controlled laboratory environment.
There are two main methods used to achieve fertilization during IVF:
Conventional Fertilization
In conventional fertilization methods, collected Sperm and eggs are combined in a vitro(in glass or test tube) to achieve natural fertilization.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
In the ICSI process, single selected sperm is directly injected into a mature egg using a microscopic technique for increased fertilization rates.
Embryo Culture and Development (3-5 days)
Close Monitoring
Over the next 1-3 days following insemination, embryologists closely monitor the fertilized eggs (now called embryos) for cell division and development.
Embryo Selection
If fertilization is successful, we’ll choose the healthiest embryos with the best chance of implantation for transfer.
Embryo Transfer (15-20 minutes)
Preparing for Implantation
We might use medications to prepare the lining of your uterus for optimal embryo implantation.
Transfer Procedure
A thin, flexible catheter is inserted through the cervix (opening of the uterus) to gently place the chosen embryo(s) into your uterus. This is a painless procedure, often performed with minimal sedation or none at all.
Luteal Phase Support (2 weeks)
Hormonal Support
Progesterone supplements may be prescribed to mimic the natural hormone environment and support the early stages of pregnancy after embryo transfer.
Pregnancy Testing (10-14 days after transfer)
Confirmation Time
A blood test will detect the presence of a pregnancy hormone (hCG) to confirm successful implantation and pregnancy.
How to get IVF treatment in Nepal?
Struggling to start a family can be tough, but IVF offers hope for couples facing infertility. In Nepal, Sishu Fertility Clinic provides advanced IVF treatment with experienced doctors, high success rates, and financial assistance. Additionally, Counseling sessions, VVIP services, and round-the-clock support are available.
IVF, also known as test-tube baby treatment, is recommended for severe infertility issues. It involves fertilizing eggs and sperm outside the body and offers hope for couples struggling to conceive. Many people from different countries choose IVF in Nepal at Sishu Fertility Clinic due to its advanced technology and lower cost as compared to others.
If you are having trouble conceiving naturally, contact Sishu Fertility Clinic for a safe and secure IVF treatment in Nepal.
Sishu Fertility Clinic & IVF Center is a leading provider of fertility and IVF treatments in Nepal, known for its high success rates and expert care. With a team of top fertility specialists and gynecologists, the clinic offers personalized treatments, including IVF, IUI, ICSI, PCOS and advanced reproductive technologies, ensuring optimal outcomes and compassionate support throughout the fertility journey.
