IVF treatment takes between 4 to 6 weeks to complete. Recently with the use of Antagonist protocol, the treatment duration is much lesser. You only release one egg during normal menstrual cycle. Fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries that develop more mature eggs which are ready for fertilization, giving more chances of getting pregnant per month. The process begins by putting the female on fertility drugs. This is done by a daily dose of hormone injections for 12 days, which stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs than normal. Ultrasound scan and blood test for hormones are conducted to check the number of eggs produced and to see when the eggs mature.
Egg collection
This simple procedure lasts for half an hour where the eggs are collected from the mature follicles using a scan probe. There is no pain but a little bit of discomfort, hence done under anesthesia and you are provided to rest in the clinic for a while before you can go home.
Fertilization
Now the egg is fertilized by obtaining the sample of sperm from your partner. Eggs are fertilized in a dish and left in an incubator to develop into an embryo in a few hours. They are constantly monitored and you are kept updated about their development. After the third day or fifth day, they are ready for placement in the uterus.
Embryo Development
Since more than one egg is fertilized, the developing embryos are graded for quality on the basis of their appearance and regularity. Good quality ones are the ones that will be used. Any surplus embryos are frozen for future use.
Embryo Transfer
This involves transferring the developed embryo into the uterus. Implantation begins three to four days after this stage. A maximum of two embryos can be transferred in any one cycle.
Pregnancy
The next step is to undertake a pregnancy test 12 to 14 days after the transfer to determine if the treatment has been successful. An ultrasound scan is performed after six weeks to establish if there is a heartbeat and pregnancy are confirmed.
Follow up
Consistent follow up is necessary to rule out any complications that may arise in the course of pregnancy. If you have been unsuccessful thrice, a free consultation is provided to discuss the future options. Adequate support is provided to take you through the stressful and difficult time.