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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

09/07/2023 Conditions

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In vitro fertilization is a multi-step procedure used to join an egg and sperm outside a woman’s body. When an egg is fertilized, it divides and is called an embryo. The embryo can then be implanted in the woman’s uterus. This form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) can be performed with eggs and sperm from the patient and her spouse or partner, or from donor(s).

IVF requires five steps:

  1. Ovarian stimulation: Medications will be prescribed to stimulate the woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Medications may also be prescribed to promote maturation of the eggs, prevent early ovulation and prepare the uterine lining for implantation. During this time, vaginal ultrasounds and blood tests will be used to monitor egg development and the body’s response to the medications. This process takes one to two weeks.
  2. Egg retrieval: Eggs are removed from structures called follicles in the ovaries. The follicles are located via ultrasound. A thin needle is then inserted into a follicle and eggs are suctioned through the needle. Mature eggs are incubated in culture media, a fluid that contain nutrients to help the eggs maintain their viability.
  3. Sperm retrieval: If a partner’s sperm are to be used for IVF, a semen sample will be collected on the same day as egg retrieval. The sperm are then isolated from the semen sample. Alternatively, a procedure can be performed to remove sperm directly from the testicles with a needle. Donor sperm can also be used.  
  4. Fertilization: There are two methods for fertilizing the eggs. The sperm and eggs may be incubated together and the sperm will eventually enter the eggs. Alternatively, a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be performed in which the sperm is injected directly into the eggs.
  5. Embryo development and transfer: Once eggs are fertilized, they begin to divide and are called embryos. Five to seven days after the embryos have developed, they can be genetically tested to identify those with a normal number of chromosomes. This enables the selection of a single healthy embryo with the greatest potential for pregnancy to be transferred via a catheter to the woman’s uterus, maximizing pregnancy rates while minimizing multiple births and the associated risks. This process is known as elective single embryo transfer, or eSET. The biopsied embryos are frozen (cryopreserved) while awaiting genetic testing. Additional healthy embryos identified can be stored for future transfer. Pregnancy results when an embryo implants in the lining of the uterus. The transfer of more than one embryo can potentially result in multiple births.

Reasons for Pursuing IVF

IVF may be considered when a woman has been unable to become pregnant with the aid of other less costly and more conservative methods, or for cases involving:

  • Blocked, damaged or missing fallopian tubes
  • Endometriosis
  • Scar tissue that causes pelvic organs to adhere to each other
  • Malformed uterus
  • Reduced capacity of ovaries to provide viable eggs
  • Male infertility
  • A desire for genetic testing of embryos prior to implantation
  • History of a genetic disorder that is preventing pregnancy or causing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)
  • Unexplained infertility

Risks and Side Effects

  • IVF – IVF increases the likelihood of becoming pregnant with multiples. It also increases the chances of premature delivery and low birth weight even in pregnancies that don’t involve multiples.
  • Fertility medications – Possible side effects of fertility medications include headaches, mood swings, abdominal pain, and bloating.
  • Ovarian stimulationsyndrome – In rare cases, the ovaries may become swollen and cause pain and bloating, a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, rapid weight gain due to the accumulation of fluid, shortness of breath, and decreased urine output. Rest may be all that is required to resolve symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation. In severe cases, drainage of excess fluid and hospitalization may be necessary.
  • Egg retrieval – Risks associated with the egg retrieval procedure include anesthesia-related risks, bleeding, infection, and injury to organs in close proximity to the ovaries.
  • Embryo transfer – After the embryo transfer, common side effects include bloating, cramping, tender breasts, constipation, and secretion of a small amount of fluid from the vagina.

Emotional Considerations

IVF can be a long, stressful process with many steps separated by periods of waiting for critical results. IVF is also expensive, with no guarantee of success. Despite the anxiety induced by the IVF process, people usually cope well and couples do not report any negative impact on their relationships. Before undergoing IVF, it is critical to understand the decisions that may need to be made along the way and if a spouse or partner is involved, to discuss how you will address them.

At the Family Fertility Center, we’re helping our patients cope with the stress and anxiety of an infertility diagnosis and treatment through specialized support from professionals at The Women’s Place at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, one of only a handful of programs in the United States dedicated to the care and treatment of women’s reproductive mental health. 

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For More Information

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Texas Children’s Fetal Center at 832-822-2229 or 1-877-FetalRx (338-2579) toll-free.

Our phones are answered 24/7. Immediate appointments are often available.