Step 1
Consultation
The first step is consulting with a reproductive endocrinologist. Here, treatment options are discussed and the patient is made to understand every aspect of the available options.
Step 2
Investigation + Ultrasound
Ultrasound scans help to provide information on the uterus, ovaries, and endometrial lining. Specialized ultrasounds are used to investigate the ovarian reserves and uterine shape and to check whether or not the fallopian tubes are blocked.
Step 3
Ovarian Stimulation using medication and injection
Fertility medications help to increase the production of eggs. With IVF, there are higher chances of success when there are multiple eggs to choose from.
Step 4
Egg retrieval and light sedation
Around 36 hours after the trigger shot containing hCG is given, the egg retrieval procedure takes place. A mild IV sedation is given so that no pain is felt while the procedure takes place.
Step 5
Fertilization performing ICSI
- Inject the mature oocytes with sperm under the microscope (ICSI).
- Egg checked for fertilization under the microscope.
- Assessment of cell division under the microscope.
Step 6
After 24 hours of fertilization, checking of injected oocytes will be performed on embryos (will be checked on day 2, day 3 and day 5).
Step 7
Embryo transfer
The best embryos are then transferred into the uterus. Before the embryo transfer, fertility medications are given to help prepare the uterine lining.
Step 8
Luteal support
Medications including progesterone, progestins, hCG, or GnRH agonists are given. They help to increase the success rate of the implantation.
Step 9
After two weeks from ET, pregnancy test & follow-up
A pregnancy test is carried out about 12–14 days after the embryo transfer. An hCG level blood test can also help to determine if pregnancy has been achieved.