In vitro fertilization: The stages of the process
Have you made the decision to seek the help of a fertility specialist to start your family? At this point, you’re probably anxious to start the process and may be wondering what the steps are and how long IVF takes. While the IVF cycle itself only takes about 4 weeks, the full process (including the pre-conception health regimen and fertility testing) can take up to 4 months.
Preparation for IVF
The first stage of the process mainly includes a meeting and communication with your doctor, in order to solve all the questions you may have. Then some tests will be done that give a complete picture of your current fertility and general health. IVF treatment pakistan can only be started after the initial fertility test has been completed. This will include a medical evaluation looking at anything from possible genetic problems to elevated thyroid or blood sugar levels. Certain medical conditions may require lifestyle changes to make it easier for you to conceive.
Why is good health before conception essential?
To put it simply: a healthy body has the best chance of success. Even small changes in diet and lifestyle can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. For this reason, the ideal time to start focusing on your preconception wellness is about three months before starting an IVF cycle.
During this time, you should begin your doctor-approved preconception health plan, which will likely include taking prenatal vitamins , increasing your water intake , improving your sleep schedule , and drinking a balanced and nutritious diet . Limiting alcohol and caffeine , quitting smoking , and incorporating low-intensity exercise will also prepare your body for the rigors of fertility treatment and pregnancy.
The 3 stages of an IVF cycle
Once the diagnosis is complete, the IVF cycle can begin!
Stage 1 : Stimulation of Ovaries
You will then begin injections of fertility drugs for about 9-11 days. These medicines are made of natural hormones that help your follicles (eggs are contained in the follicles) grow and mature. The number of follicles and their size determine how many mature eggs will be available for retrieval. During this time, you should plan to be in the Best IVF Center in Pakistan office about every other day for a transvaginal ultrasound and follow-up blood work.
Stage 2: Egg retrieval
When the day of egg retrieval comes, the eggs are extracted from the follicles of the ovaries and will then be fertilized and divided in the IVF laboratory. A specially trained embryologist cares for each embryo, watching it divide and multiply for five days, at which point it transitions from the ‘zygote’ stage to the ‘blastocyst’ stage.
Stage 3 : Embryo transfer
After being closely monitored in the IVF lab, the embryo will be transferred to the uterus on the fifth day. It is worth noting that the day of egg retrieval is considered Day 0. Surplus embryos are cryopreserved. Embryo transfer is also a one-day procedure that should take about 20 to 30 minutes.