In vitro fertilization treatment process

  Since not every egg can be fertilized and not every fertilized egg can develop into a viable embryo, it is necessary to obtain multiple eggs from the woman to ensure that there are embryos that can be transferred, which requires ovulation treatment. Ovulation treatment must be tailored to each individual, which is called “individualized” treatment.  After starting ovulation treatment, the follicle growth is determined by ultrasound monitoring and serum hormone measurements, and the dosage of ovulation stimulating medication is adjusted. When the follicles are mature, hCG injections are given to promote the final maturation of the eggs.  2) Egg retrieval Usually, egg retrieval is performed 36-38 hours after the hCG injection. The doctor will apply an egg collection needle under ultrasound guidance to retrieve the mature follicles through vaginal puncture.  3) In vitro fertilization While the woman is having her eggs retrieved, the man is having his sperm retrieved. There are two main types of in vitro fertilization: conventional fertilization, in which the sperm and eggs are cultured together in order to naturally unite and complete the fertilization process. If the sperm count is poor or the motility is poor, the eggs are fertilized by ICSI, where one sperm is injected directly into the egg under a microscope using a fiber instrument, which greatly improves the chances of fertilizing the egg. Fertilization is achieved.  4. Embryo transfer After fertilization, the fertilized egg begins to divide. Usually, depending on the growth and number of embryos, the embryos on the 3rd or 5th day after egg retrieval are selected for transfer into the mother’s uterus, usually 2-3 embryos are transferred.  5. Luteal Support Luteal support therapy is usually required for the woman from the day of egg retrieval. If there is no pregnancy, stop progesterone and wait for the onset of menstruation. If there is a pregnancy, progesterone is continued, usually until 3 weeks after the fetal heart is seen on ultrasound.  6. Determination of pregnancy Serum HCG is measured 14 days after embryo transfer to determine if pregnancy is present. Serum HCG is measured again 21 days after embryo transfer to see how the embryo is developing. Transvaginal ultrasound at 30 days after embryo transfer to determine if intrauterine pregnancy is present and if there is fetal heartbeat. If early pregnancy is diagnosed, the rest of the procedure will be the same as for a normal pregnancy.