What to expect in IVF

People who are finding it difficult to conceive naturally often choose in vitro fertilisation to have a baby. IVF has changed the life of many by giving them the ability to bear their own child. Many couples have been struggling to get pregnant by the natural means, but IVF has helped them have a child of their own. The process is quite complex and requires a lot of time and money. The whole IVF cycle might take around 6 to 8 weeks from the consultation to the transfer. If you are thinking of trying IVF, then these are the things you can expect:

Week 1

The first week is the initial step you take towards the whole procedure. Your initial consultation with your doctor will take place where your whole medical history will be given and you will be informed in detail about the whole process. Many other consultations will take place further on. A financial consultation will also take place where your payment plan will be discussed.

Week 2-4

This is the time when the actual treatment begins. At first various blood tests, ultrasounds, uterine evaluation, sperm analysis, etc. will take place. Then your menstrual cycle will be regulated using birth control pills.

Week 5

This is the week when the process of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation takes place. Various fertility medications will be administered which you will have to take regularly. All these aim to produce atleast 4 healthy eggs. Frequent ultrasounds and blood tests are done to keep a close check on the development of the follicles. This is the most time consuming part of the procedure.

Week 7

This is the last week when all the main activities take place. The mature and oocytes are retrieved from the ovaries. The sperm and the eggs are combined artificially in the lab. After fertilisation, the embryos are kept for about 3 to 6 days and then transferred to your uterus.