What is an IVF cycle?

An IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cycle is a multi-step process for fertility treatment that typically takes 2 to 6 weeks to complete. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving those eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the uterus.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of a typical IVF cycle:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: A woman's natural menstrual cycle usually produces one egg. In an IVF cycle, hormone medications (usually in the form of daily injections) are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This increases the chances of having a successful pregnancy. This phase is monitored closely with ultrasounds and blood tests to track the growth of the follicles (sacs containing the eggs).

2. Egg Retrieval: Once the follicles have reached the appropriate size, a "trigger shot" is administered to prepare the eggs for final maturation. About 36 hours later, a minor surgical procedure is performed under sedation. A doctor uses an ultrasound to guide a thin needle through the vagina into the ovaries to collect the eggs from the follicles.

3. Fertilization: In the lab, the retrieved eggs are combined with sperm. There are two main methods:

Conventional Insemination: Eggs and sperm are placed in a petri dish, and fertilization occurs naturally.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single, healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. This is often used when there are issues with sperm count or motility.

4. Embryo Culture and Development: The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are monitored in an incubator for several days to ensure they are developing properly. This allows embryologists to select the healthiest embryos for transfer.

5. Embryo Transfer: The chosen embryo(s) are transferred into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter. This is a quick and generally painless procedure. Any remaining good-quality embryos can be frozen for future use.

6. Pregnancy Test: About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to determine if the procedure was successful and a pregnancy has been established.