In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Comprehensive Guide

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely used assisted reproductive technology (ART) that treats a variety of fertility issues, including unexplained infertility, ovulation disorders, male factor infertility, endometriosis, and unsuccessful prior fertility treatments.

During IVF, the ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs, which are retrieved, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and then developed into embryos. The best-quality embryo(s) are transferred back into the uterus, while additional embryos can be frozen for future use.

Who Can Benefit from IVF?

IVF is recommended for individuals or couples experiencing:
✔ Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
✔ Male infertility (low sperm count or motility)
✔ Ovulation disorders (PCOS, hormonal imbalances)
✔ Endometriosis
✔ Unexplained infertility
✔ Previous unsuccessful fertility treatments
✔ Use of donor eggs, sperm, or surrogacy

IVF Treatment Process: Step by Step

1. Ovarian Stimulation

• Normally, a woman produces one egg per menstrual cycle. In IVF, hormonal medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of success.
• Follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing the eggs) are monitored via ultrasound scans and blood tests.
• When follicles reach the optimal size, a trigger injection (hCG) is given to finalize egg maturation.

2. Egg Retrieval (Oocyte Pick-Up)

• Performed under sedation, a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to aspirate eggs from the follicles in the ovaries.
• The process takes 10-15 minutes, and patients can resume normal activities within a day.

3. Fertilization in the Lab

• The retrieved eggs are fertilized using one of two techniques:
  a. Conventional IVF – Sperm and eggs are placed together in a dish, allowing natural fertilization.
  b. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – A single sperm is injected directly into an egg, often used for male infertility cases.

4. Embryo Culture & Development

• Fertilized eggs develop into embryos in a controlled laboratory environment.
• Embryos are monitored for 3-5 days, reaching the blastocyst stage (Day 5), which has the highest implantation success rate.

5. Embryo Transfer

• A thin catheter is used to place the best embryo(s) into the uterus.
• Painless procedure, performed without anesthesia.
• Any extra embryos can be frozen for future use.

Post-IVF Care: The 2-Week Wait

• After the transfer, hormonal medications (progesterone) support implantation.
• A pregnancy test is taken 10-12 days later to confirm success.
• If successful, medications continue until 10-12 weeks of pregnancy.

Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)

Extra high-quality embryos can be frozen for future attempts.
✔ Eliminates the need for ovarian stimulation in future cycles
✔ Higher cumulative pregnancy rates over multiple cycles
✔ Cost-effective compared to repeating full IVF cycles
✔ 90% embryo survival rate after freezing/thawing

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) follows the same process as fresh embryo transfer, using a prepared endometrial lining for optimal implantation conditions.

IVF Success Rates & Considerations

• Success rates depend on age, embryo quality, and overall reproductive health.
• Younger women (under 35) have the highest success rates (50-60% per cycle).
• Women over 40 may need donor eggs for higher chances of pregnancy.
• A personalized treatment plan is essential to maximize results.

IVF: A Step Toward Parenthood

IVF has helped millions of couples worldwide achieve pregnancy. If you're considering IVF, our experienced team at Θήλυ Clinic provides personalized care, advanced technology, and support throughout your fertility journey.