Tentatively, it looks like we'll be starting
IVF in the next couple of weeks so I wanted to put out some information around what an
IVF cycle will look like for us. Once the schedule has been finalized, I'll be sure to post it.
IVF Definition: In
Vitro Fertilization literally means fertilization in glass. Instead of sperm penetrating the egg within the body (in
vivo), fertilization takes place in a sterile disposable dish in a laboratory (In
vitro).
Step One, Ovarian Stimulation: The treatment at this stage relies upon fertility drugs to over stimulate the development of follicles in the ovaries. The follicles are the "sacs" filled with fluid and contain the tiny, tiny egg that will later be extracted and fertilized as explained in the next step. The fertility drugs are given given by subcutaneous injection and Ed will administer the shots directly into my arm or thigh.
During this time, multiple ultrasound scans will be used to monitor the number and growth of ovarian follicles and the development of the lining of the uterus. The main focus of this stage is the over production of follicles (which contain eggs) so that when extracted in the next step, more can be fertilized and potentially used for multiple cycles assuming one cycle will not be sufficient for obtaining a pregnancy.
Step Two, Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs have matured to a certain point as determined by the various ultrasounds, the egg collection/retrieval will be scheduled. Ed will administer a shot into my tummy that will trigger the follicles and eggs to mature. Egg collection is performed vaginally using a special needle guided by ultrasound. Each follicle is aspirated until all the eggs are collected. I will push to have this procedure conducted under general anesthesia.
The follicles will immediately go to the embryologist who will analyze the quality of the eggs and we will immediately find out how many eggs were collected. The eggs and sperm will be put into a
petrie dish for fertilizing the eggs. The inseminated eggs are then placed in an incubator overnight and are checked the following morning to see how many have fertilized. We will receive scheduled updates on how many embryos look viable for implantation or cryopreservation.
Step Three, Embryo Transfer: The fertilized eggs (now called embryos) are then cultured for between two and five days in the laboratory before being transferred into the uterus.
There are strict guidelines that our fertility clinic uses in the number of embryos that will be transferred (even before
octomom). For my age, the protocol is to implant two or three embryos and we will pick this number with our doctor's help who will factor in the uterine reconstruction surgery,
hysteroscopy and ultrasound results. The best embryos are selected for transfer either two to three days after egg collection or cultured further until day 5 (
Blastocyst transfer). Any other good quality embryos may be stored by freezing (
cryopreservation) for possible transfer at a later date.
Once
transferred, I will remain off my feet for about 3 days and also will begin daily progesterone suppositories to aid in the embryos attaching to the uterus.
Two weeks later: I will have my hormone levels checked to see if it worked!!!
I hope this
IVF introduction is helpful to understand what a cycle will look like.
Site source: http://www.content4reprint.com/science/discover-what-is-involved-in-the-ivf-process.htm
Picture of Lupron, Menopur, Gonul F & Ovidrel 
