How In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Works and When It’s Recommended

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most 大阪市中央区 不妊治療 known and effective assisted reproductive technologies (ART). IVF is a process where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a laboratory dish, and if fertilization occurs, the embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus to establish a pregnancy. This method has revolutionized the treatment of infertility, offering hope to many couples who otherwise might not have been able to conceive naturally.

The IVF Process

The IVF process typically begins with ovarian stimulation. In a natural menstrual cycle, a woman’s ovaries release a single egg each month. However, IVF aims to retrieve multiple eggs to increase the chances of successful fertilization. To do this, the woman undergoes hormone therapy to stimulate the ovaries to produce several eggs. This is achieved with medications that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Once the eggs have matured, a procedure called egg retrieval (aspiration) is performed. Under mild sedation, a doctor uses a thin needle inserted through the vaginal wall to collect the eggs from the ovaries.

Next, the eggs are fertilized in the laboratory. In most cases, sperm from the male partner (or a sperm donor) is used. The sperm are washed, concentrated, and prepared for fertilization. In cases of male infertility, where sperm quality may be low, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used, where a single sperm is directly injected into the egg.

After fertilization, the embryos are cultured for several days (usually 3–5) while they develop. Once embryos have reached a sufficient developmental stage, one or more of the best-quality embryos are selected for transfer into the woman’s uterus. If successful, the embryo will implant in the uterine lining, leading to pregnancy.