In vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination

The first stages of in vitro fertilization are the preparation phase

To complete the IVF process, the wife needs to undergo preparation. Hormone tests are conducted to check hormone levels, including prolactin, thyroid hormone, ovulation hormone, and ovarian reserve. Other tests such as blood tests, sugar analysis, and other relevant tests are also performed. A sonar (ultrasound) is done on the wife to ensure there are no issues with the uterus or ovaries that require intervention. If there are any polyps in the uterine canal, it is preferable to remove them through hysteroscopic surgery before starting the IVF process. If there are cysts on the ovaries, they need to be treated or removed through surgical intervention or aspiration before starting IVF. As for the husband, a semen analysis is performed to assess the count, motility, and abnormalities. Based on the results, it is determined whether IVF is required or if prior treatment is necessary, or a testicular biopsy is taken before proceeding with the IVF process for the wife.

The second stage of IVF is determining the specific protocol for the IVF process

This stage depends on factors such as ovarian reserve for the wife, age, and weight, which determine whether a long protocol or a short protocol will be used. In the case of a long protocol, the activation or stages of IVF are initiated before the menstrual cycle. In the case of a short protocol, it starts at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, and ovulation is monitored from the second or third day of the cycle. The stimulation dose is adjusted based on the ovarian response to stimulation. Once the follicles reach an appropriate size, and the tests confirm that the eggs are mature, a trigger injection is given.

The third stage of IVF is the egg retrieval stage

In this stage, the woman goes to a specialized IVF center. This stage is not performed at the doctor's clinic. Approximately 34 hours after the trigger injection, the eggs are retrieved at the IVF center. The embryologist examines the most mature eggs under a microscope to determine which ones are suitable for sperm injection. After the sperm injection, the embryos that have fertilized are observed the next day. After being cultured in the incubator for two or three days, the embryos that have divided are selected for transfer.

The fourth stage of IVF is the embryo transfer stage

The transferred embryos can be fresh or frozen. After preparing the uterine lining to receive the embryos, four days after the egg retrieval, the embryos are transferred into the uterine cavity using a catheter. Medications are given to support the implantation of the embryos for a period of 14 days. After 14 days, a pregnancy test is conducted.