In Vitro Fertilization Explained

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Intended parents use IVF when infertility prevents them from conceiving a child, and intended parents also use IVF to fertilize an embryo for surrogacy. During IVF, a woman’s eggs are extracted from her uterus and placed in a laboratory dish with a man’s sperm. The sperm and egg then create an embryo during fertilization.

When IVF is used for surrogacy, the fertilized embryo is transferred into the uterus of the surrogate mother and the egg develops into a baby. At Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc., we can explain the IVF process to you so you feel comfortable in your journey toward parenthood.  

Prepping for the Procedure

In the beginning stages of IVF, the woman who donates her eggs must take hormones to stimulate egg production. A doctor will perform a transvaginal ultrasound to examine the ovaries and take blood tests to check hormone levels. To help produce healthy eggs, the woman will take hormones in the form of fertility shots to the abdomen. The goal of these shots is to extract numerous eggs at once. 

Egg Retrieval 

After the initial preparation is complete, the woman will have her eggs extracted. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves minor discomfort. Typically, the doctor will provide medicine to the woman to relieve any pain, and the woman can go home on the same day of the procedure.

During the egg retrieval, the doctor will go into the ovaries and extract as many eggs as possible. Once the eggs are retrieved, the doctor places the eggs in a laboratory dish with the donated sperm. If the sperm and egg achieve fertilization, then the fertilized egg and sperm become embryos. Usually one embryo is chosen for embryo transfer, and any additional fertilized embryos can be frozen for later use. 

Embryo Transfer

If the woman who donated the eggs is trying to conceive a baby, then she will go back in three to five days after the egg retrieval to have the embryo inserted back into her uterus. If a surrogate mother plans to carry the baby, she will come in for the embryo transfer procedure.

It may take six to ten days for a positive pregnancy test to confirm that the embryo transfer procedure was successful. 

Consult an Experienced Surrogacy Agency 

At Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc., we understand that IVF is an important part of the gestational surrogacy process. We can schedule your IVF appointments for you so that your surrogate mother is included in the procedure.

It is essential to have all contracts and agreements set up before your IVF appointments, because if the embryo transfer is successful, your journey to parenthood will begin right away. If you are an intended parent hoping to use ART to conceive a child, reach out to our agency to learn more about your options. Call 412-281-9906 or click on the button at the top of the page to schedule a free consultation.