What is in vitro fertilization?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproduction process performed outside the body. Simply put, it is the union of a woman's egg and a man's sperm through a laboratory process.

Organically, the fertilization of an egg occurs with copulation. The man's semen, full of sperm, enters the woman's vagina. There, the sperm fight to penetrate the available egg to fertilize it so that a pregnancy occurs.

However, there may be several reasons why this does not happen (fertility problems in women or men, physiological problems, illnesses, etc.). For this reason, in vitro fertilization, an assisted reproductive technology, was created.

How does in vitro fertilization work?

1. Stimulation: Through different medications administered to women, their egg production increases. In this way, the ovary produces more than one mature egg during its cycle. In this first stage, the woman should undergo regular transvaginal ultrasounds to check her ovaries. Additionally, regular blood tests should be done to check hormone levels.
2. Egg retrieval: A minor surgery known as follicular aspiration is performed in which the woman's eggs are removed. It is an outpatient operation in which, through a thin needle that enters the vagina, the eggs are suctioned. Although surgery sometimes causes cramping, it disappears after a day or two.
3. Insemination and fertilization: The sperm are laid together with the eggs. This mixture is known as insemination, which is kept in a controlled temperature chamber.
4. Embryo culture: Once the sperm enters the egg, the egg divides. Thus, it becomes an embryo, which laboratory staff monitor regularly to ensure that it is growing properly. This surveillance lasts approximately five days. In this way, it is ensured that the embryo's cells are actively dividing.
5. Embryo transfer: The embryos are placed in the uterus of the woman who is going to carry the baby. With a catheter inserted through the vagina, the embryos are placed in the cervix. Several embryos are introduced, since it is expected that at least one will adhere, leading to a pregnancy.

In vitro fertilization is a tool to help those who want to start a family. On the one hand, it can be used to help couples who are having trouble conceiving. Likewise, it is used to carry out a surrogate pregnancy. If the mother cannot provide the eggs, or in the case of male couples, IVF can be performed with eggs from a donor.

At FertyCare we have the technology and expertise necessary to perform in vitro fertilization in the best clinics in Mexico and abroad. We also have a wide base of egg and sperm donors to make your dream of parenthood come true. Contact us to learn more about our procedures.