ARIZONA CENTER FOR FERTILITY STUDIES
IVF-ET
Diagram of IVF
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a program involving stimulation of the ovaries with fertility drugs and transvaginal aspiration of oocytes. The oocytes are taken to the laboratory and mixed with pre-washed sperm or injected with sperm (ICSI).  The embrylogist will evaluate the oocytes and sperm in 12 to 14 hours.  If fertilization has occurred, a pre- determined number of embryos will be transferred into the uterus through the cervix.  This may be done 3 to 5 days after egg aspiration.

At the beginning of each cycle, a screening ultrasound is done to check for ovarian cysts.  This ultrasound is done on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle.  If no cysts are found, your medication protocol will be reviewed.  You will be given a schedule to follow for your upcoming appointments.

Several vaginal ultrasounds will be done while on fertility medications to confirm and measure development of ovarian follicles.  These are usually done on days 7, 9, and 11 of your cycle; but timing will be individualized based on the growth rate of your follicles.  As you reach the end of the stimulation cycle, the timing becomes critical and appointment times may not be flexible.

When an ovarian follicle or follicles have reached maturity based on ultrasound measurements, your blood will be drawn for two tests:

  • Estrogen (a mature follicle produces between 100 and 300+ units)
  • LH (rises to signal the ovary to mature and release eggs)
You will then be instructed on the timing of your "trigger" shot of HCG.  HCG mimics the natural LH surge and signals the ovaries to release the eggs in 38 hours.  Egg retrieval will be scheduled for 36 hours after administration of HCG.  The retrieval is done vaginally and usually requires no or light sedation.

After the eggs have been aspirated they will be transported to the IVF laboratory to be examined and graded by the embryologist.  They will be placed into pitre dishes with the prepared sperm so that fertilization can occur.  If ICSI is considered necessary, each oocyte will be injected with a single sperm and then placed into dishes for observation.

Progesterone injections will be started the morning after surgery.  Instructions for the progesterone injections and the hospital and surgical information will be reviewed the day of your blood draw.

Once the eggs have been fertilized, you will be scheduled for the embryo transfer.  This does not require anesthesia, but you will be asked to recline for four hours.  There is a VCR available if you wish to bring a movie.

A quanitative HCG (blood serum pregnancy test) should be scheduled for 14 days after the egg aspiration.

In the event of pregnancy, all medications will continue until you are instructed to stop.  ACFS will follow your progress with vaginal ultrasounds until 10-14 weeks of pregnancy.

Please call with any questions.  It is our goal to make sure you understand and are comfortable with your chosen treatment.