5 facts you did not know about in vitro fertilization

In Vitro Fertilization, one of the best options for people who have had a vasectomy or tubal ligation consists of 5 basic steps

In Vitro fertilization consists, basically, in the union of the ovum with the spermatozoid in the laboratory in an assisted way. It is usually one of the best options for people who have had a vasectomy or a tubal ligation and dream of becoming parents again.

Leer en español: 5 datos que no sabías de la fecundación in vitro

It is often confused with artificial insemination, but they are very different indeed since, in the latter, the embryo develops within the female genitalia; that is, it is alive fecundation.

Regardless of the fertility clinic in which the treatment is performed, any IVF process consists of 5 basic steps according to Vita Fertility and IVI, specialists in reproductive medicine:

1. Ovarian stimulation: through subcutaneous injections to the patient, hormone medication is administered that will stimulate the ovary to produce more oocytes. In this way, the highest number of "ovules" of good quality is obtained and the chances of success increase. This step of the process begins on the second day of menstruation and usually lasts 10 days.
In this first stage of treatment, you should go to the doctor several times to perform a transvaginal ultrasound to ensure that everything is going well and you must control your level of hormones in the blood through controls.

2. Follicular puncture: this basically consists in the extraction of the ovum and is done a few days later (normally 3) to finish the stimulation of ovaries. After this simple intervention under sedation, which lasts about 15 minutes, you should stay one or two hours at rest and then you can return to your home. The rest of the day you should not rest, but avoid overexertion.

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3. Fertilization and fertilization of the ovules: the ovules will be inseminated once the oocytes are taken, after the follicular puncture, and the sperm, either by the male or donor partner.
There are several techniques of fertilization that vary depending on the causes of sterility, so you should inform yourself.

4. Embryo culture: the embryos will be monitored 24 hours a day by specialized personnel to ensure that they are well and that they are growing properly. This step lasts between 2 and 5 days.

5. Embryo transfer: through a simple, painless, rapid procedure without sedation, the embryo is "transferred" to the woman's uterus.
Typically, the specialist decides to place more than one embryo inside the woman's uterus to try to ensure that the intervention and that the entire process is successful, so the chances of a multiple pregnancy increase.

Am I already pregnant?

Approximately 2 weeks after the embryo transfer, you will have to perform a blood beta-hCG test to know if pregnancy has finally been achieved.

LatinAmerican Post | Luisa Fernanda Báez

Translated from "Quiero ser padre y no puedo: ¿Conoces la fecundación In Vitro?"

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