IVF

Clinic Program

IVF

Procedure Process

Ovarian Stimulation

Ovulation can be induced either naturally or with medication.

Natural Ovulation Method

Eggs and sperm are placed in a specialized culture system that mimics the environment of the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs. If sperm quality is adequate, approximately 50,000–100,000 sperm are added to the culture dish containing the eggs to allow natural fertilization. If sperm quality is poor (in terms of motility, morphology or count), ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is performed, in which a single selected sperm is directly injected into the egg.

Controlled Ovarian Stimulation

Medication is used to stimulate the ovaries, allowing multiple eggs to be retrieved at once, which can improve pregnancy rates. Studies have shown that retrieving multiple mature eggs increases IVF success rates. Today, most IVF treatments use ovarian stimulation protocols tailored to each patient’s age, ovarian reserve, and prior response.
Egg Retrieval

If egg retrieval is performed too early, the eggs may be immature. If it is too late, ovulation may occur or the eggs may become overmature, reducing success rates. Therefore, timing is critical. In general, when follicles reach about 18 mm or larger, an hCG injection is given in the evening, and egg retrieval is performed approximately 35 hours later.The procedure is done under sedation. Using transvaginal ultrasound guidance, a needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries.

The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes, and patients can go home once they have recovered from sedation. Since the eggs are collected before ovulation, they require further maturation. They are cultured for a certain period in a laboratory environment that closely mimics the conditions inside the body before fertilization.
Sperm Collection

Once the egg retrieval date is set, the male partner is advised to maintain 2–3 days of abstinence before the egg retrieval. A semen sample is then collected on the day of egg retrieval.
The sample is processed through multiple washing steps to remove impurities and inflammatory cells, leaving a concentrated suspension of highly motile sperm. This process helps select the most viable sperm for fertilization.
In vitro fertilization and Culture

The eggs and sperm are placed in a culture system that simulates the environment of the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs. If the sperm quality is good, approximately 50,000 to 100,000 sperm are added to the culture dish containing the eggs for fertilization to take place. However, if the sperm quality (motility, morphology, or count) is poor, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is performed. ICSI involves directly injecting specially treated sperm into the cytoplasm of the egg.
Embryo Transfer
1. The procedure is performed while lying on an examination bed. No anesthesia is required; a mild sedative may be given.
2. The embryo is placed in a thin catheter and gently inserted into the uterus through the cervix.
3. The procedure takes about 2–3 minutes.
Confirmation and maintenance of pregnancy

A blood test is performed 11 days after embryo transfer to confirm pregnancy. If pregnancy is confirmed, additional blood tests are repeated every 5–7 days (2–3 times) to ensure that hormone levels are rising appropriately. Once pregnancy is confirmed, an ultrasound is scheduled 1–2 weeks later to check for a gestational sac. From the day of egg retrieval, progesterone is administered to support the uterine lining. Progesterone may be given as injections, vaginal suppositories, or oral medication. Even after pregnancy is confirmed, progesterone support is usually continued until around 8–9 weeks of pregnancy to help maintain a stable pregnancy.
Ovarian Stimulation Process