Induction
of ovulation
The first step in IVF is ovulation. The goal is to
stimulate the ovaries to produce more mature eggs. This is usually accomplished
through the use of fertility drugs, such as gonadotropins and/or oral medications
such as clomiphene citrate. Progress is closely monitored through blood tests
and ultrasound scans.
Eggs
retrieval
Once the eggs are mature, a minor operation called
egg retrieval is performed. It is usually done under sedation or light
anesthesia. A thin tube is inserted through the vaginal wall into the uterus to
store the eggs. The collected eggs are then placed in a culture container and
sent to the laboratory.
Collection
of embryos
Semen is collected the same day as the eggs are
retrieved, usually by castration. If there are issues with sperm quality or
availability, techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in
which a single sperm is injected directly into the egg, can be used
Fertilization
Eggs and sperm stored in
