IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) involves several steps, each step involving a time course of a few days. Usually it takes about 3 weeks for a full cycle but vary depending upon the type of the procedure, time-availability and patient response. Following steps are essentially required for the procedure at the IVF centre in Chandigarh.
Step 1.Initial assessment and preparation
A good clinical history is important to inquire into conjugal relationship, life-style and medical problems if any. It generally takes only a day for initial assessment, but may extend in case of an underlying disease which requires detailed evaluation and investigations. Following investigations and assessments are essentially required:
Screening for infectious disease; complete blood panel; Ultrasound examination and evaluation of uterine lining
Assessment of male partner: Sperm analysis and other male fertility tests
Generally, IVF cycles commence at the time of the menstrual period.
Step 2. Ovarian suppression followed by stimulation to boost egg production through super-ovulation. Ovarian suppression with drugs (down regulation) may last anywhere from 1 to 4 week. Ultrasound examination and blood tests are performed to ensure that down-regulation has been achieved.
Ovarian stimulation is done with injectable fertility drugs and daily monitoring done with ultrasound examination, usually from 5th day onwards to see the growth of the follicles. It usually takes 8-10 days for maturation of follicles.
Step 3. Triggering of ovulation and egg-aspiration with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Follicle aspiration is performed 36 hours after the HCG. The timing of the HCG dose is quite important.
Step 4. Fertilization with sperms. Frozen or fresh sperms are used for fertilization of eggs retrieved from the female partner. In case of fresh sperms use, these are obtained from the male partner on the day of egg retrieval. In case of frozen sperms, they are properly thawed and used. Egg fertilization is done by placing them into a petri dish (the so called test-tube) containing sperm. Fertilization can also be done with the help of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) process when a single viable sperm is injected into the egg. Success rates of fertilization are generally higher.
Assisted Hatching is preferred and routinely done when pre implantation genetic testing (PGT) is required. PGT is done 5-6 days after retrieval. This is required in case of the presence of a genetic condition for assessment of chromosomal status and some other genetic tests. This is best advised by your infertility specialist and done at the best Infertility centre in Chandigarh.
Step 5. Embryo transfer and luteal support. Embryo is transferred into the uterus 3-5 days after egg retrieval. One (or two) embryos are transferred for conception. Excess viable embryos are cryopreserved for future use. Luteal Phase Support is given from the day of transfer as decided by your best infertility specialist. This is usually continued until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy.
Pregnancy Testing is done on day 12 and 14 of embryo transfer.
A Word from your best IVF center
The step-by-step timeline has been prepared for you to understand the IVF process and plan the procedure as per your convenience. Couples coming from outside Chandigarh as well as those engaged in one or the other occupation should prepare them-selves with the time course with some flexibility to avoid interruptions. This is the oldest IVF center in Chandigarh with best IVF specialists providing high success rates and patient satisfaction.
