IVF treatment can be a hopeful option for couples who want to have children. However, for many people, this treatment process is still a mysterious and complex subject. In this article, information about the stages of IVF treatment will be provided, and each stage will be explained in detail.
The stages of IVF treatment generally consist of four main stages.
This stage is crucial for the success of the treatment. During this stage, the medical history and genetic factors of the couples are evaluated. Doctors conduct a series of tests to assess the health status of the couples. These tests are used to determine the ovarian reserve, uterine structure, condition of the fallopian tubes, and sperm quality of the couples. At this stage, detailed information about the IVF treatment process is provided to the couples. Doctors inform the couples about how the treatment process will proceed, possible risks, and side effects. Additionally, recommendations are made to the couples on what to pay attention to during the treatment.
The stage of egg development and retrieval is one of the most important steps in IVF treatment. Hormonal medications are used to stimulate the woman’s ovaries in this stage. It is important to use these medications at doses and timing determined by your doctor. The medications used in the egg development process are used to promote the growth and maturation of the eggs. During this process, follicular monitoring (measurement of follicle size with ultrasound) is performed at intervals. When the eggs reach the maturation stage, the egg retrieval procedure is performed by the IVF specialist. Eggs are collected from the follicles using a special needle under ultrasound guidance. This procedure is usually performed under sedation anesthesia, and it involves retrieving eggs from the woman’s ovaries. Depending on the number of eggs, the procedure takes between 15-30 minutes. After the procedure, if approved by the physician, the patient can go home 2-3 hours later.
During this stage, men prepare to provide a semen sample in the sample collection room within the IVF centers. The semen sample is examined in the laboratory, and the sperm quality is evaluated. If necessary, sperm can be frozen and stored for later use during the treatment process.
After the eggs are collected, a semen sample is taken from the partner on the same day, and fertilization occurs in the laboratory environment after microinjection (ICSI). Following fertilization, the development of embryos is monitored by an experienced embryologist. Quality embryos are essential for a successful pregnancy. Various studies suggest that the quality of the culture environment affects the quality of embryos produced in IVF/ICSI cycles, and therefore affects implantation and pregnancy rates.
Although the embryo transfer procedure is relatively simple and short, it is a critical step that can have a significant impact on the outcome of IVF treatment. Despite many developments in ovarian stimulation protocols, embryo culture environments, and laboratory procedures, embryo transfer continues to be an important and limiting step for IVF success.
In addition to other important factors such as embryo quality and the receptivity of the uterus to the embryo, the embryo transfer technique can also affect success. Various techniques and applications used during embryo transfer have been studied. Some have strong evidence, while others have limited evidence.
Embryo transfer performed routinely under abdominal ultrasound guidance aims to reduce endometrial trauma and ensure proper placement of embryos into the uterine cavity. Initial studies have shown better results with “soft” catheters compared to “hard” catheters when used. Today, the preferred choice for embryo transfer is a soft catheter. When different types of soft catheters are compared, no difference is found in reproductive outcomes.
The placement site of the embryo is also crucial. Touching the tip of the transfer catheter to the highest point of the uterine wall can trigger uterine contractions and is therefore universally avoided. Various studies have examined the effect of the place where the embryo is released on reproductive outcomes and have shown that when embryos are placed 15 or 20 mm away from the uterine fundus, implantation rates are significantly higher compared to placing them 10 mm away.
By filling out the form, you can make an appointment with Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Prof. Dr. Ebru Çöğendez.
