In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment method used to help individuals or couples who are struggling with infertility to conceive a child. It involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting, where fertilization occurs. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus for implantation and pregnancy.
The In Vitro Fertilization In Orange County, CA, involves the following steps:
1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoes hormone therapy to stimulate the ovaries and promote the development of multiple mature eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval is performed. A needle is guided through the vagina to collect the eggs from the ovaries under ultrasound guidance.
3. Sperm Collection: The male partner provides a semen sample, which is prepared in the laboratory to separate the sperm from other components.
4. Fertilization: The eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish for fertilization. In some cases, a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.
5. Embryo Development: The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are monitored in the laboratory for several days to allow them to develop and reach the appropriate stage for transfer.
6. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter. This is a relatively painless procedure and does not require anesthesia.
7. Implantation and Pregnancy: If successful, the transferred embryos implant in the uterine lining, leading to pregnancy. A pregnancy test is typically performed a couple of weeks after the embryo transfer to confirm if pregnancy has occurred.
For more information, visit RISE Fertility.