IVF Process - Step Three: Insemination and Fertilization

The in vitro fertilization process begins with ovulation induction, followed by egg harvesting. Once the eggs have been successfully harvested for the IVF process, they are examined to determine their maturity level.

Insemination

The level of egg development determines when sperm may be added (insemination). The semen is provided by the husband, partner, or sperm donor. For the in vitro fertilization procedure, the male can provide the sperm on the day of the egg harvesting or the sperm can be collected in advance and frozen until it is needed. Motile sperm are separated from the rest of the semen using a process known as "sperm washing." A specific number of sperm are placed with each of the eggs in a separate laboratory dish.

Fertilization

After the eggs have been inseminated by the sperm, the lab dishes are left in an incubator for approximately 18 hours. After fertilization is complete, it takes about 12 hours for the fertilized cell to divide in two. After 48 hours, the pre-embryos consist of two to four cells each and are ready for embryo transfer into the uterus.

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