What is in vitro fertilization (IVF) and how can it help me?

Sometimes infertility has an obvious cause, such as a disease or a physical defect that prevents a person or a couple from conceiving. Often, treating the root cause will also treat the infertility. But for couples who can’t seem to get pregnant on their own, in vitro fertilization could be the answer they’re looking for. Couples who have failed to conceive after a year of trying might be good candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a medical process that mixes the father’s sperm with the mother’s egg in a laboratory setting. Once the egg has been fertilized, it is implanted into the mother’s womb and left there to develop. IVF is carried out in five stages. The first involves monitoring and the stimulation of egg production. Fertility medicines are administered during this phase, in the hopes of producing several viable eggs. Ultrasound technology is used to monitor egg development, and hormone levels are monitored with blood tests. Next comes the egg and sperm collection stage. Using ultrasound to guide them, the doctor inserts a fine needle into the woman’s pelvic cavity. The needle is used to collect the eggs for IVF. Sedation and anesthetic are used to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, though some women experience cramping during the first 24 hours following the collection of the eggs. Then the man’s semen is collected and prepared for IVF. Then comes the insemination stage. The eggs and sperm are placed in incubators where they come together to produce embryos. Sometimes the sperm is injected directly into the egg. Finally, the embryos are placed into the mother’s womb. The parents and the doctor will agree on how many embryos should be implanted. Using fluid and a catheter, the embryos are transferred directly into the uterus. Some women experience cramping, but this stage of IVF is largely painless. In vitro fertilization has helped many infertile couples realize their dreams of parenthood. If you’ve tried to become pregnant for at least one year and have so far been unsuccessful, our fertility specialists near Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas can help you. We can also discuss other options such as egg donation.