In Vitro Fertilization IVF Procedure

Most cycles of In Vitro Fertilization begin with suppression of ovarian function followed by super-ovulation.  When the follicle (the fluid sac which surrounds each maturing egg) reaches a certain diameter as measured by office ultrasound, the patient is given another gonadotropin called hCG.  The function of this medication is to promote final maturation of the oocytes within the measured follicles.  Then, approximately 34-36 hours later, the ultrasound guided oocyte retrieval is performed in the office under anesthesia.  A great majority of patients report no discomfort.

After the oocytes are incubated for a brief period of time, they are fertilized with the partner’s sperm.  This occurs in the IVF and Embryo Culture Laboratory within the office.  The following day,  patients are contacted and informed of the status of fertilization.  At that time an appointment is made for the embryo transfer.  One of the key decisions is to decide how many embryos to transfer in order to increase the chance of success, but not put the patient at great risk of a multiple pregnancy.  This is an individual decision which is based on the patient’s age, embryo appearance, prior history, and results of pre-implementation genetic screening of the embryos.