Learn how IVF fertilization helps patients become parents
When a patient is pursuing in vitro fertilization at our Indianapolis fertility clinic, IVF fertilization plays an important role in the success of the cycle. The fertilization process involves an embryologist fertilizing eggs from the patient or egg donor with sperm from the patient’s partner or sperm donor. This fertilization can result in embryos that will hopefully lead to the development of a healthy pregnancy.
What happens during IVF fertilization?
The fertilization of eggs during an IVF cycle consists of a series of steps. An embryologist performs these steps in the lab. There, they can control certain variables and increase the chance of a successful outcome.
Examination of the eggs and sperm. The first step of fertilization involves the laboratory team analyzing the eggs and sperm with a high-powered microscope. This analysis helps them determine the maturity and quality of each egg as well as the quality and quantity of the sperm.
Preparing the eggs. To prepare the eggs for fertilization, a lab specialist places the mature eggs in petri dishes with a special culture medium that supports cell growth. The specialist then puts the petri dishes in an advanced incubator that mimics the natural conditions of the body.
Combining the eggs and sperm. When the eggs are ready, an embryologist combines them with the sperm. This conventional method of fertilization allows the sperm to penetrate and fertilize the eggs without assistance.
If the patient chooses to utilize ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, an embryologist injects a single healthy sperm into the center of each egg.
Incubation. After combining the eggs and sperm, the embryologist places them in an incubator where fertilization will likely occur.
Our Indianapolis fertility clinic works with a highly qualified laboratory team that uses leading-edge techniques to help ensure the best results during IVF fertilization.
What happens after fertilization
Following IVF fertilization, the combined eggs and sperm often result in embryos. Before the embryo transfer, many patients elect to have the embryologist perform preimplantation genetic testing.
PGT-A, or preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. This genetic test allows the embryologist to determine whether an embryo is aneuploid, meaning it has too few or too many chromosomes. Aneuploidy can cause miscarriage, failure for an embryo to implant in the uterus or chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome.
PGT-M, or preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic/single gene defects. PGT-M involves the screening of embryos for genetic defects involving a single gene, like cystic fibrosis. It can also determine the sex of the embryo, helping to prevent the transfer of an embryo that could develop a sex-linked disorder.
After the doctor receives the results of preimplantation genetic testing, they work with the patient to determine which embryo to transfer. The doctor then transfers the chosen embryo into the uterus of the patient or gestational surrogate during a simple procedure.
Our Indianapolis fertility clinic provides comprehensive care to patients utilizing IVF. This care often results in the patients fulfilling their dream of taking home a healthy baby. Contact us for more information about our fertility services.
