What is IVF?In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the most common procedure in Assisted Reproductive Technology. IVF What is IVF with ICSI?Fertility clinics often use intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to successfully fertilize eggs during in vitro fertilization treatment. ICSI removes any element of chance from the fertilization process by injecting sperm into the center of the egg. As IVF with ICSI requires only one healthy sperm to fertilize ova, fertility doctors recommend ICSI to couples where male factor infertility is a problem. Treatment StagesThere are three treatment stages to IVF with ICSI treatment: Egg and sperm collection, fertilization and embryo implantation. Egg and sperm collection: Prior to starting treatment, women will be prescribed fertility drugs to induce ovulation and stimulate the ovaries to increase egg production. The fertility clinic will then monitor hormone levels and perform regular vaginal ultrasounds to ensure the eggs are maturing. 36 hours before egg collection a hormone injection is given to ensure the eggs are mature and ready for fertilization. Sperm is collected at the same time as the womans eggs. If sperm retrieval is problematic, fertility specialists can use various methods to collect sperm. Retrieved sperm is prepared for fertilization. Sperm is separated from semen, washed and spun before individual healthy sperm are selected. Once the eggs are ready for collection they are removed individually from the ovaries using a thin needle. A suction device attached to the needle removes individual follicles with little discomfort to the patient.
Embyo implantation: Embryos can be transferred into the uterus between days 1 and 5. Embryo transfer is commonly performed on day 5 after fertilization during the blastocyst stage of cell development. Transferring embryos on day 5 replicates the most natural implantation process as the embryo has matured and the risk of cells dividing and multiple pregnancies is decreased.
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