In Vitro Fertilization (Encyclopedia)

Through the miracle of modern medicine, couples who have previously been unable to conceive now have the option of trying a procedure called in vitro fertilization (IVF) in order to become pregnant. Let's take a closer look at exactly what the process is.

There are many reasons why some men and women have difficulty with reproduction. A man's sperm count and motility may be too low to achieve fertilization with a woman's egg, or a woman's Fallopian tubes may be too blocked for the egg to reach the uterus. Whatever the reason, IVF can bring the sperm and egg together, thus creating the start of a brand new life.

The IVF process begins by injecting the woman with hormones to help her produce multiple eggs instead of the usual one per month.

Next, the woman will be injected with a medication that helps the eggs to ripen which begins the process of ovulation. The timing for removing the eggs is crucial if they are to develop successfully. They must removed from the ovary with the aid of a hollow needle and syringe just before they emerge from the ovarian follicles. Removing them too soon or too late will prevent them from developing normally after fertilization. Ultrasound is usually used to determine the proper timing.

Once removed, the eggs are placed in a culture dish with a sample of the man's sperm taken on the same day. They are then given approximately 40 hours for fertilization to take place and cell division to begin.

If successful, the new embryos are then transferred into the woman's uterus with the aid of a catheter that is inserted through the cervix.

Generally three to four embryos will be implanted in the hope that one will survive, but the possibility of a multiple pregnancy exists and should be taken into consideration beforehand. Under the best circumstances, at least one of the embryos will implant itself and continue developing throughout a healthy pregnancy.

Sometimes if a woman is not capable of producing viable eggs of her own, donor eggs or previously frozen embryos from other donors may also be used during IVF.

The procedure itself may be performed by your own obstetrician, or you may be referred to a specialist. IVF is generally considered an outpatient procedure which doesn't require an overnight stay.

The process can be quite expensive and may not be covered by your medical insurance. With a general success rate around 30%, the procedure may have to be repeated several times before successful implantation occurs, and a high percentage of couples who go through the IVF process never conceive successfully.

While there are still a few social and religious ramifications concerning IVF, the procedure is much more widely accepted today. The most important thing is to look inside your own heart and carefully consider your options.