Learn more about the IVF procedure

Ovulation Stimulation

Ovulation Stimulation is performed through administering medication to the patient.  These medications are commonly referred to as ‘fertility drugs’.  These hormonal therapies are used to stimulate egg development and ovulation.  The end goal of ovulation stimulation is to increase and produce healthy eggs.  Some of the more widely used fertility drugs used for ovulation stimulation are Clomiphene Citrate, Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG), and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).

Retrieval of Oocytes

Transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR) is typically performed 36 hours after ovarian hyperstimulation.  This procedure is performed under light general anesthetic and last from 20-6o minutes.  Your provider will be using a transvaginal ultrasound to guide a needle through the back wall of the vagina, and into the ovaries.   The needle will then be used to aspirate the follicular fluid and oocytes. Typical results average from 8-20 oocytes retrieved for examination.

Fertilization of the embryo

Once oocytes have been identified, our embryologist will evaluate them.  Fertilization of the oocyte will then occur within 12-24 hours of your retrieval procedure.  Around 10,000 sperm can be placed in one dish with an oocyte, that in turn is placed inside of an incubator for about 24 hours.  Our embryologist will then inspect the oocyte for signs of fertilization.

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer will occur three to five days after the initial oocyte retrieval.  This procedure is performed with a small tube that will be passed through your cervix, The embryos will then be transferred through the tube with a small amount of fluid. After the transfer, patients must remain lying down for several hours. After the elapsed time period, patients are free to go about their day as normal.