Index of Term and Descriptions

In vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is the most commonly used assisted reproductive technology. This is a four-stage procedure that includes controlled ovarian stimulation, oocyte recovery, fertilization and embryo transfer.

Ovarian Stimulation

Our Center uses fertility drugs. These medications are:

• Clomiphene Citrate
  
• Menogon
  
• Altermon
  
• Luveris
  
• Metrodin
  
• Puregon
  
• Gonal-F
  
• Pregnyl
  
• Profasi

This medication are used for every patient regardless their own ability to ovulate naturally. We monitor the response to the drugs by measuring both the number and the size of the follicles and by taking blood samples to measure the levels of oestradiol.

Once follicular appropriate growth is achieved, the patient receives an intramuscular injection of hCG, which triggers oocyte maturation and ovulation. Oocyte retrieval is performed approximately 36 hours later.

Oocyte retrieval

We collect the eggs by inserting a fine needle into the ripe follicles and sucking out the contents. The needle is guided through the vaginal wall to the follicles using an ultrasound scan. Only a light anesthetic is required.

Fertilization

In the IVF laboratory, follicular fluid is examined under a microscope to locate all eggs. Semen collection occurs at about the time of the egg retrieval. The spermatozoa are then added to the eggs in culture, where fertilization subsequently occurs. Any resulting embryos are stored in the incubator and maintained in culture until the time of the embryo transfer.

Embryo Transfer

About one to three days after oocyte pickup (or five to six days later in the case of blastocyst transfer) two to three embryos are transferred to the uterus, using a fine catheter. It is simple procedure, which does not require anesthetic.

Cryopreservation

Embryos of sufficient quality that are not transferred can be frozen.

Intracytoplasmic sperm Injection (ICSI)

One of the methods used to assist fertilization is intracytoplasmic sperm Injection, which involves injecting a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of the egg. ICSI works well in cases of severe male factor infertility and in cases of unexplained failure of fertilization after conventional IVF.