In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a set of complex procedures that are used to help with fertility and the conception of a child. This form of assisted reproductive technology can help a person become pregnant in many situations, including if they have Fallopian tube blockage or damage, ovulation disorders, uterine fibroids, endometriosis or just want to preserve fertility due to cancer, not being ready to start a family yet or for other health concerns. IVF is also used when a male partner has impaired sperm function or production, either partner could pass a genetic disorder onto a child or for unexplained fertility issues.
During in vitro fertilization in Toronto, you will go through multiple stages. Learn more about these stages below so you feel more confident and comfortable going through the process. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about in vitro fertilization in Toronto, you can speak to your medical team for more information, may be Tripod Fertility.
Stage 1: Taking medication
During the first stage, the woman will receive injections of hormones to help stimulate the development of healthy eggs. IVF helps a woman produce more eggs than she normally would. In a typical ovulation month, for example, you may recruit and ovulate just one egg. In IVF, the goal is to make as many as 10 to 15 eggs.
Stage 2: Egg retrieval during in vitro fertilization in Toronto
After the first stage, the resulting eggs are collected from the woman’s ovaries in a minor surgery. On the same day, the male partner or donor will produce a sperm sample.
Stage 3: Egg fertilization
At this stage, the collected egg and sperm are combined inside a lab using fertilization technologies, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Stage 4: Culture of embryo
In Stage 4, the embryologists observes the embryos as they divide, going from two to four and then eight cells. The embryologists will watch the embryos as they grow, and this can go on for five days until the embryos reach the blastocyst stage, in which they have 100 to 125 cells.
Stage 5: Transfer of embryo
During the transfer of the embryo, the medical team scans the woman’s uterus via an ultrasound and places a small catheter into the uterine cavity via the cervix. At this point, the embryo is placed inside the uterus. About two weeks after this stage, the woman will return to the clinic to have a blood test to see if she is pregnant.
Of course, in vitro fertilization in Toronto is not always successful the first time. Many people go through more than one round before becoming pregnant. Speak to your medical team about your chances of success during IVF so you know what to expect based on your medical history and current fertility challenges. When you have a realistic idea of what IVF can do for you and what its limits may be, you will be better prepared for the process and the potential outcomes.