We offer IVF or in vitro fertilization, commonly known as the Test Tube Baby procedure. It is the most common procedure in fertility treatment. In IVF, mature eggs are taken out from the ovaries of the female and fertilized with the sperms of the male in the laboratory. The fertilized eggs (zygotes) are then cultured to grow into embryos, one of which is then transferred to the uterus of the female. For effective results, Cherish is also equipped with advanced equipment and a state-of-art culture lab.
The most widely practiced assisted conception procedure in the world, IVF, is used for cases of gross tubal abnormality, unexplained fertility, male factor infertility, endometriosis failed ovulation induction and IUI.
Though the ovary produces many follicles containing eggs, yet only one follicle matures and ruptures to release the egg during the process of ovulation. COH is a process, wherein by injecting fertility drugs like FSH/HMG, multiple follicles can be obtained for egg collection.
Before starting COH, GnRH agonists or antagonists are used to suppress hormone secretion from the hypothalamus and pituitary. This is known as down-regulation. The drugs are either injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or given as a nasal spray. If used, agonists are started between the 19th and 21st day of the previous menstrual cycle. Or else antagonists are started a few days after the gonadotropin therapy is administered.
Gonadotropins are now injected to stimulate the growth of follicles and cause ovulation. FSH/HMG injections are given from the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation. It can also be given later if the patient is down regulated.
hCG injections are given when follicles mature enough to trigger ovulation.
This is done in order to measure the growth of follicles, individualize drug doses and to prevent side effects.
The monitoring is done by transvaginal ultrasound scanning.
It can also be done by measuring hormones LH & E2 in a blood sample.
This is usually done under short general anaesthesia or local anaesthetic, which lasts for 10 to 20 minutes.
Guided by transvaginal ultrasound, the eggs are collected through the vagina, 35 to 36 hours after hCG injection.
Better provided on the same day as egg collection, cryopreserved sperm sample can also be used.
The collected eggs and sperms are now mixed together and put in a Petri dish.
They are cultured overnight in an incubator.
Next day, the eggs are examined under a microscope to confirm fertilization.
This usually takes place 2 to 3 days after the process of fertilization.
2 to 3 embryos are transferred transvaginally. The embryos are placed in the womb of the female, better done under abdominal ultrasound scanning.
Spare embryos are usually frozen for future use, if required, through the process of cryopreservation.
It is conducted by measuring the level of hCG in blood, usually 14 to 16 days after the embryo is transferred.