Patients and couples using assisted reproductive technology (ART) are most commonly used in vitro fertilization (IVF). Because I am a reproductive and infertility specialist, I am asked IVF questions daily. I decided to compile some of the more frequently asked questions I receive regarding IVF.
A procedure known as In Vitro Fertilization involves stimulating multiple eggs to mature and then retrieving them. A needle is used under ultrasound guidance to retrieve eggs under light anesthesia in about 10 to 15 minutes. Patients typically return to their routine after their procedure the following day, with mild bleeding and cramping being the most common symptoms. In this case, patients can either freeze their eggs for fertility preservation or fertilize them to create embryos that can then be used to help conceive a baby.
How long does IVF take from beginning to end?
In most cases, preparing for IVF takes two to four weeks. The stimulation phase entails about eight to ten days of fertility shots, followed by egg retrieval two days later.
What is the pain level of IVF?
In most cases, IVF does not cause significant discomfort to patients. Bloating and light bleeding or cramping are possible during ovarian stimulation and after egg retrieval.
IVF may result in side effects. What are they?
Thanks to the recent changes, the streamlined process is tolerable for most patients. Our medication protocols have changed, so we rarely see ovarian hyperstimulation anymore. Because we can identify healthy embryos through sequencing technology to avoid twins and triplets. The procedure is now pretty well tolerated despite some minor discomfort and bloating.
What factors could negatively affect IVF success?
A woman experiencing premature ovarian aging or whose egg quality declines with age must often try more times to produce a healthy egg. The key to optimizing success rates is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeping a healthy weight, and concentrating on health and wellness.
How are eggs, sperm, and embryos stored?
Gametes and embryos are stored at RMA of New York in our anthology and embryology laboratories. Embryos, eggs, and sperm are all stored in liquid nitrogen. A frozen specimen is not affected by the length of time gametes and embryos are frozen. All fixed models at RMA of New York are stored on-site in a secure room equipped with an alarm monitoring system that alerts embryologists to temperature changes 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How does Day 3/5/7 transfer work?
Due to our inability to culture embryos beyond this point, traditionally, embryos were transferred three days after retrieval. Today, most top centers can culture cells until the blastocyst stage (days 5-7), thanks to advances in culture techniques and clean rooms. Due to their advanced development, embryos raised in extended cultures are better suited for transfusion. In addition, culture to the blast cyst stage allows us to biopsy and analyze placental cells (trophectoderm), ensuring that only the healthiest embryos are selected for transfer.
If donor eggs or sperm are used, does the process change?
You can use donor sperm – which can freeze and thaw well – or an egg donor if needed for a successful outcome through IVF.