The IVF Process

Eggs harvested from the ovaries, fertilized in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos allowed to grow and develop in the laboratory for 3-5 days. The embryos are then placed in the Uterus, thus bypassing the fallopian tubes. Originally used to treat women with abnormal fallopian tubes, the procedure is now used for a variety of other indications.

IVF In Five Steps

• Ovarian Stimulation: Fertility drugs are administered in order to induce the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This phase requires monitoring by blood test and ultrasounds. Timing of the egg harvest is based on these measurements.
• Egg Retrieval: A minimally invasive procedure performed in the surgical suite in our Stamford location under sedation. The eggs are retrieved transvaginally using a needle which is guided into the ovary using ultrasound.
• Fertilization / Embryo Development: The eggs are evaluated in the laboratory and fertilization is achieved by mixing eggs with sperm (standard) or by injecting a single sperm into each egg (ICSI). The fertilized eggs become embryos and these are grown in the laboratory under controlled temperature and humidity for 3-5 days.
• Embryo Transfers: The embryo(s) is/are placed in the uterus using a flexible catheter. The procedure is painless, does not require anesthesia, and takes approximately 10 minutes to perform. The number of embryos transferred is determined after a discussion between the couple and the physician. In general, 2-3 embryos are transferred.
• Cryopreservation: “Extra” embryos can be frozen and stored for extended periods. The frozen embryo transfer (FET) can then be performed at a later date.