Stages of In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a process of fertilization of female eggs and male sperm in vitro, or outside of the body. When fertilization is successful, a medical professional physically places the fertilized eggs, or embryos, inside a woman's uterus in hopes of implantation and embryo development. Typically, the process of IVF occurs in four different stages.

  1. Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring

    • The first stage of the IVF process is the ovarian stimulation and monitoring stage. During this stage, a doctor will prescribe fertility medications to increase egg production and control the timing of the egg ripening. Typically, a woman's body releases one mature egg monthly, however, during the IVF process, multiple eggs are useful as not all eggs fertilize and develop after retrieval. During this stage, a doctor also monitors hormone levels and egg development.

    Egg Retrieval

    • The second stage of the IVF process is the follicular aspiration, or egg retrieval, stage. During this stage, a doctor retrieves the eggs from the pelvic cavity with an ultrasound-guided aspiration or laparoscopy procedure. An ultrasound-guided aspiration uses a hollow needle guided by ultrasound imaging to remove the eggs. A laparoscopy procedure uses a tube with a tiny camera to find the eggs and remove them with a light suction. The use of local anesthesia and sedation eliminate any pain or discomfort a woman might feel during this minor surgery.

    Fertilization

    • The third stage in the IVF process is the fertilization stage. During this stage, a doctor collects a sample of sperm from a male approximately 2 hours before the egg retrieval, a process referred to as sperm washing. After the retrieval of the mature eggs, a doctor places the eggs and sperm in an incubator that simulates the exact temperature of a woman's body. The goal of this stage is fertilization and normal development of the eggs within the first 48 hours.

    Embryo Transfer

    • The fourth and final stage in the IVF process is the embryo transfer stage. During this stage, a doctor places the fertilized eggs, or embryos, into a catheter and transfers a specified number of embryos into a woman's uterus. This transfer typically occurs a few days after the fertilization is complete. A doctor will preserve any remaining embryos with cryopreservation, or freezing, for later use. Cryopreservation is useful for storing and preserving most of the embryos for long amounts of time and adding to the success rate of the IVF process.

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