In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the cornerstone of the services offered by most Test Tube Baby Centers. IVF involves several steps, all of which are aimed at facilitating the conception of a child outside the womb. Here’s an overview of the IVF process:

1. Initial Consultation and Fertility Evaluation : The process begins with an initial consultation with a fertility specialist at the Test Tube Baby Center. During this visit, the doctor will perform a thorough evaluation of both partners. For women, this may include blood tests to check hormone levels, an ultrasound to assess the ovaries and uterus, and other fertility tests such as hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes. For men, a semen analysis is conducted to assess sperm quality.

2. Ovarian Stimulation : For women, the next step is ovarian stimulation. Fertility medications are prescribed to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg that would be produced in a natural cycle. This step is crucial for increasing the chances of a successful IVF cycle.

During this phase, the woman’s response to the medication is carefully monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds to ensure optimal egg development.

3. Egg Retrieval : Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the ovaries in a process known as egg retrieval or aspiration. This is done under light sedation to minimize discomfort. A thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to collect the eggs from the ovaries.

4. Fertilization : The eggs are then fertilized in the laboratory with sperm from the male partner or a sperm donor. In cases where male infertility is a concern, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization.

5. Embryo Culture : After fertilization, the embryos are monitored for several days to ensure they are developing properly. Embryologists will assess the embryos’ growth and quality, and only the best quality embryos will be selected for transfer.

6. Embryo Transfer : The final step in IVF is the embryo transfer. The selected embryos are gently inserted into the woman’s uterus using a thin tube (catheter) through the cervix. This procedure is usually painless and does not require anesthesia.

In some cases, genetic testing (Preimplantation Genetic Testing or PGT) may be performed on the embryos before transfer to ensure they are free from genetic abnormalities.

7. Pregnancy Test : About 10 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to check for pregnancy. If the test is positive, the woman will undergo an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and check for a heartbeat.

If IVF is unsuccessful, the couple may choose to try another cycle or discuss options for embryo freezing, sperm or egg donation, or surrogacy.