Stages of in vitro fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where fertilization of a woman’s egg by a man’s sperm takes place in a laboratory, outside the body.

Let’s consider the main stages of this process.

The first is stimulation, which is also called superovulation.

After that, the egg is extracted, a minor operation called follicle aspiration is performed.

The next stage of insemination and fertilization, the man’s sperm is placed together with the best quality eggs.

The mixing of sperm and egg is called insemination.

Sperm can also be injected directly into the egg.

This is called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Then they proceed to the cultivation of the embryo.

When a fertilized egg divides, it becomes an embryo.

After about 5 days, a normal embryo has several cells that are actively dividing.

And the final stage of embryo transfer.

During the procedure, the doctor inserts a thin tube (catheter) containing the embryos into the woman’s vagina through the cervix and into the mother’s womb.

If the embryo sticks (implants) to the lining of the uterus and grows, pregnancy occurs.