In Vitro Fertilization
(IVF)
Definition
In vitro fertilization (IVF) joins sperm and an egg outside of the body to make an embryo. The embryo can then be put into a woman's uterus.
Fallopian Tube, Ovary, and UterusCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Reasons for Procedure TOP
IVF can be done when pregnancy does not happen naturally.
It is most often done when infertility is due to:
- Damaged fallopian tubes
- Ovulation problems
- Cervical factors
- Low sperm count or poor-quality sperm in the male partner
Possible Complications TOP
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
- Problems getting pregnant after treatment
- Having multiple babies
- An embryo that grows outside the uterus
- Problems from anesthesia
- Side effects from fertility medicines
- Ovarian rupture (rare)
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
- A woman that is over 40 years of age
- Alcohol use
What to Expect TOP
Prior to Procedure
The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
- Anesthesia options
- Any allergies you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
- Fasting before egg harvesting, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
- Arranging a ride to and from the procedures
- Specialists you may need to see
- Tests that will need to be done, such as blood tests and ultrasounds
Anesthesia
During egg harvesting, the doctor may give:
- General anesthesia—you will be asleep
- Spinal anesthesia
- IV sedation
The embryo transfer does not use anesthesia.
Description of the Procedure TOP
Egg Harvesting
An ultrasound probe with a needle is guided into the vagina. The needle is used to remove fluid from the follicles of the ovaries. This fluid contains eggs. It is placed in a dish and kept in an incubator.
A sperm sample from the woman's partner or from a donor is added to the eggs. Sperm may be injected into an egg to improve the chance of fertilization. The eggs are then monitored. Once fertilized, early cell division begins and embryos develop.
Transferring
About 2 to 6 days after fertilization, a tube is inserted into the vagina and guided through the cervix and into the uterus. One or more embryos are placed into the uterus. The tube is removed.
How Long Will It Take? TOP
- Harvesting—About 30 minutes
- Transfer procedure—About 10 minutes
Will It Hurt? TOP
Pain and cramping are common for a few days after the egg harvesting and transfer. Medicine and home care can help.
Average Hospital Stay TOP
You will be able to go home the same day.
Post-procedure Care TOP
At the Care Center
Right after the transfer, the staff may have you rest for a few hours before going home. You will also be given an appointment to return for a pregnancy test.
At Home
Some activities may be limited after the transfer.
Call Your Doctor TOP
Call the doctor if you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Vaginal discharge that smells bad
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain or cramping in the belly
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
- Any new symptoms
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
Reproductive Facts—American Society for Reproductive Medicine
http://www.reproductivefacts.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Infertility Awareness Association of Canada
http://www.iaac.ca
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca
REFERENCES:
Lindsay TJ, Vitrikas KR. Evaluation and treatment of infertility. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Mar 1;91(5):308-314.
Treatment of infertility in women. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/treatment-of-infertility-in-women . Accessed August 5, 2020.
What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)? American Society for Reproductive Medicine website. Available at: https://www.reproductivefacts.org/faqs/frequently-asked-questions-about-infertility/q05-what-is-in-vitro-fertilization/. Accessed August 5, 2020.
What is IVF? The National Infertility Association website. Available at: https://resolve.org/what-are-my-options/treatment-options/what-is-ivf/. Published Summer 2012. Accessed August 5, 2020.
Last reviewed March 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 02/24/2021