The in vitro fertilization process eliminates the guesswork associated with establishing a pregnancy by enabling conception and implanting the embryo in the uterus. It’s a multi-stage procedure that relies on a fertility specialist, hormone treatments and egg and sperm harvesting.

What’s Involved

Fertility doctors have used the in vitro process for nearly 40 years to bring a baby to term through the direct implantation of a fertilized embryo. It starts with thorough examination of the root causes of infertility, and if problems with the fallopian tubes or hormonal imbalances exist, the doctor may recommend in vitro.

Following a course of hormone injections, the eggs are extracted from the fallopian tubes and placed in a test tube with sperm. After a short gestation period in the laboratory, the egg or eggs are implanted in the uterus, made receptive by another regime of hormones. If all goes well, the embryo attaches to the uterine wall and the pregnancy will reach term.

Timing Is Everything

Undergoing the in vitro fertilization process is not the time to take a vacation. The success of the procedure depends on strict adherence to the in vitro process timeline. It starts with hormones to stimulate egg production and their subsequent harvesting, which takes place under a sedative or anesthesia.

The eggs and their protective fluids are placed in a test tube and quickly mixed with sperm. Sometimes the outer shells of the eggs are pierced to improve fertilization. The tube is then placed in an incubator. At this point, the female receives hormone treatments, like progesterone, to stimulate the uterine lining so that when the embryos are implanted a few days later, they’re introduced into a favorable environment for growth.

Learn More at DFW Center for Fertility

The DFW Center for Fertility can answer all your questions about the in vitro fertilization process. Dr. Victor Beshay and his team at the DFW Center for Fertility and IVF provide complete services and programs to help you achieve your dreams of a family. Please call (469) 854-0305 for more information and an appointment today.