The IVF process helps many patients bypass fertility barriers and become parents
Patients pursuing IVF, or in vitro fertilization, receive high-quality care from our Indianapolis fertility doctors during the IVF process. As IVF allows doctors to transfer a healthy embryo directly into the uterus, it helps patients overcome a variety of fertility challenges. Because of this, IVF can be a very effective way to help patients achieve their dream of parenthood.
Why someone might need to utilize IVF
Many patients receiving support from our Indianapolis fertility doctors are good candidates for IVF. Patients with blockages in the fallopian tubes, ovulatory challenges and other fertility issues can benefit from the IVF process.
Fallopian tube challenges. If a patient has blocked or damaged tubes, they may need IVF. This is because the damage can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. It can also keep the fertilized egg from entering the uterus. Tubal infertility can be the result of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, a sexually transmitted infection, or surgery in the abdomen or pelvis.
Diminished ovarian reserve. Some patients over age 35 may need IVF, as the quality and quantity of eggs decrease with age. Pursuing IVF can allow a patient to move past the difficulties of a diminished ovarian reserve. However, sometimes donor eggs are also necessary to make parenthood possible.
Ovulation issues. If a patient has ovarian conditions that interfere with the regulation of reproductive hormones, they might be a good candidate for IVF. One example of this type of condition is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Numerous miscarriages or unsuccessful fertility treatments. Patients can benefit from IVF if they’ve had numerous miscarriages. It can also help if they have undergone a variety of fertility treatments that did not result in a healthy pregnancy.
To determine whether pursuing IVF is right for a patient, the doctors at our clinic use various fertility evaluations. The results of these evaluations help our team determine which treatment will be most beneficial for a patient’s unique needs.
What happens during the IVF process?
Patients pursuing the IVF process move through a variety of steps with the support of our Indianapolis fertility doctors.
Ovulation induction. The first step of IVF involves the patient taking ovulation induction medications. These medications stimulate the maturation of numerous eggs. During this time, the patient will also undergo frequent bloodwork and ultrasounds at our clinic. This monitoring allows the doctor to assess the growth of the eggs and adjust the medications if needed.
Egg retrieval. When enough eggs are mature, the patient administers a trigger shot. This shot tells the body to release the eggs. 35 to 36 hours later, the doctor retrieves the eggs during a short, outpatient procedure. The patient receives IV sedation during the retrieval.
Fertilization. After the egg retrieval, an embryologist fertilizes the eggs with sperm from the patient’s partner or a sperm donor. They can achieve fertilization by placing the sperm and eggs together in a petri dish. They can also use intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Embryo transfer. After working with the patient to decide which embryo to select, the doctor transfers the chosen embryo into the patient’s uterus. The patient will then take progesterone to prepare the lining of the uterus to accept a pregnancy.
IVF can be one of the fastest paths to parenthood, helping patients take home a healthy baby. Contact us for more information about pursuing IVF.
