The Fertility Guide: The ART Procedures

Following retrieval, a sperm sample is obtained from the prospective father. After preparation of the sperm sample, a small quantity of sperm (50,000-100,000) is added to the dish containing each egg, and incubation continues. After 14 to 18 hours, the eggs are reevaluated because if fertilization has occurred, evidence of this will be present at this point. Eggs that have been fertilized but have not yet begun to divide are known as zygotes. The zygotes are returned to the incubators, and culture continues for an additional couple of days. During this period, cell division begins, and after a total of approximately 72 hours, the embryos typically have developed to about the eight- to 10-cell stage.

We currently perform embryo transfers at approximately 72 hours after egg retrieval, but transfers can be performed anywhere from 24 to 96 hours or more after egg retrieval. An appropriate number of embryos are loaded into a small plastic catheter. This catheter is gently inserted through the cervix and into the uterine cavity where the embryos are deposited. This is a painless procedure that requires no anesthesia and takes just minutes, although it is often suggested that the patient remain lying down for a while after embryo transfer. Minimal activity the day of the transfer is suggested, but after that, normal activity may be resumed. Two weeks later, a pregnancy test can be performed.

IVF was initially developed as a means of bypassing the fallopian tubes; the events that normally occur in the fallopian tubes such as fertilization and early development occur instead in the laboratory, and the embryos are then placed directly into the uterus. The most obvious indication for IVF is damaged, absent, or blocked fallopian tubes. If

While IVF was developed as a means of conceiving for individuals with nonfunctional fallopian tubes, it soon became apparent that couples with normal tubes could also conceive with IVF. After all, fertilization can be achieved with far fewer sperm than were needed for any other approach, so it can be used to treat couples with male factor problems. IVF can, in fact, be used as one alternative for treating just about any fertility problem. Whether IVF or one of the other ART procedures is the best alternative for you depends on many considerations and is discussed in detail below.