What
is IVF?
In vitro fertilization involves removing eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing
them in the laboratory and then replacing the embryos into the uterus
where they implant and mature |
Who
qualifies for IVF?
IVF was originally designed to help women with blocked or absent fallopian
tubes. Today, IVF has proven successful for couples with unexplained
infertility, ovulation disorders, endometriosis and male factor problems |
What
is the history of IVF?
This procedure was pioneered in England by the late Dr. Patrick Steptoe
and Dr. Robert Edwards. They successfully delivered Louise Brown in
1978, the world's first test tube baby |
What
is the success rate of IVF?
In Canadian clinics, from 5188 cycles in 2001, approximately 28% of
patients undergoing IVF (or ICSI) achieved a pregnancy. This percentage
is somewhat better than a normal fertile couple trying to achieve
pregnancy in any one cycle, and significantly better for couples with
unexplained sub fertility. Furthermore, at TCART, we are striving to
provide results significantly better than this Canadian average. Please
come in for an appointment to discuss our latest statistics, and how
they may apply to you |
What
are the risks of IVF?
Multiple pregnancy is the most common complication occurring in about
20% of IVF cases. However, in most cases the pregnancy is a singleton
In 1-3% of cases, there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome,
which is characterized by ovarian enlargement accompanied by fluid
accumulation in the abdomen
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks involved.
These may include bleeding, infection and allergic reactions. Please
consult your physician for further information |
| THE
PROCEDURE: |
Ovarian
stimulation
Various hormone medications are administered in the treatment cycle.
Their purpose is to: |
| 1. |
Enhance
the growth and maturation of several follicles, thereby improving
chances for fertilization |
| 2. |
Control
the timing of ovulation so eggs can be retrieved before they
are spontaneously released |
|
Monitoring
IVF cycles are monitored by vaginal ultrasound and by blood hormone
tests. Monitoring is necessary to assess the growth and development
of the follicles and to avoid the possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation
syndrome
Through ultrasound, your physician can count and measure each developing
follicle. As follicles get larger, the ultrasound provides an indicator
of approaching ovulation
As follicles develop, they secrete increasing amounts of estradiol
(E2). In general, the higher the E2 level, the more follicles develop |
Egg
retrieval
The patient is awake for the procedure, however, they are given medication
that will make them slightly groggy To collect the mature eggs, an ultrasound probe is placed in the vagina.
A needle is attached to this probe and passed through the vaginal
wall into the ovaries The fluid from each follicle is aspirated to collect all the eggs |
In vitro fertilization
The semen specimen is collected prior to egg retrieval and prepared
for insemination The eggs are inseminated with the sperm and incubated for 48 hours |
Embryo transfer
Approximately 72 hours after retrieval, if the eggs have fertilized
and are developing normally, embryo transfer will take place This is a simple procedure and requires no anesthesiaA
catheter is inserted into the uterus, through the cervix, and the
embryos are injected into the uterine cavity |
