Step 3: In Vitro Fertilization

IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is one of the most common Assisted Reproductive Technology procedures; according to a report by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). Of the SART member clinics surveyed, IVF was chosen 99 to 1 over both GIFT and ZIFT fertility treatments in 2006.  For couples where the man has a low sperm count or the woman has a blocked or absent fallopian tube, IVF can increase their chance of impregnation and often allow them to have a biologically related child.  The IVF procedure selects the most viable sperm and eggs and promotes successful fertilization.

Collection of the Eggs and Sperm

The eggs used in IVF are retrieved from the recipient's ovaries or from an egg donor in egg retrieval surgery.  The eggs can be used within a few days of retrieval or frozen for future use.  If the eggs are to be used right away, on or near the day of egg retrieval surgery, the recipient's partner (or a sperm donor) provides a semen sample at the laboratory.  Fertility specialists closely examine the egg and sperm and choose the healthiest of each for the next step, insemination.

Insemination

Once the sperm and egg are collected, the sperm is combined with a viable egg outside the body.  This is done either in a Petri dish or using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (injection of a single sperm into an egg with a thin needle).  The inseminated egg is incubated and monitored closely for about 40 hours to see if it becomes fertilized.

Fertilization

If the sperm fertilizes the egg, the resulting cell (the embryo) is monitored closely for several days to follow its cellular division.  An embryo that divides properly (first into two cells, then into four, and finally into eight) can be transferred to the recipient's uterus.  Many couples choose to freeze some embryos for future use in case of unsuccessful impregnation in the first IVF treatment.

Locate an Infertility Expert near You

If you would like more information on the IVF process and how it can treat infertility, locate a specialist near you.  A talented infertility expert can assure that all your questions are answered and provide you with exceptional care.