In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF Treatment Procedure in Lahore

The IVF process involves several steps. The exact treatment cycle can vary from woman to woman, but for most, a fertility expert follows these standard steps.

Step 1: Fertility Assessment

For most people, doctors won’t advise IVF as first-line treatment for infertility. Before any treatment begins, they will want to look at the underlying cause of infertility. 

This is done through semen analysis, hormonal tests for both partners, pelvic ultrasound, and general questions about your medical and pregnancy history. They may also order an Anti-Müllerian hormone test to determine your ovarian reserve. 

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

Normally, a single egg becomes dominant and is released during ovulation. Ovarian stimulation consists of hormonal medicines that stimulate your ovaries to produce several follicles, so that multiple eggs can be retrieved. Throughout the stimulation phase, your ovaries will be monitored using ultrasound scans to check how they are responding. 

More eggs equals higher chances of fertilization. However, egg count alone can’t tell if fertilization and implantation will be successful. Several other factors play a role in making IVF pregnancy possible. 

Step 3: Egg Retrieval

Around 36-38 hours before egg retrieval, a trigger shot is administered to mature the eggs. Through a small surgical procedure conducted on an outpatient basis, your fertility doctor will collect the mature eggs directly from the ovaries. It’s done using a fine needle attached to the suction device. 

The exact duration varies between patients and clinics, and depends largely on the number of eggs retrieved. But it’s a relatively short procedure, and you can expect a discharge on the same day. Expect mild cramping, bloating, and spotting.

Step 4: Sperm Collection and Fertilization

Around the same time as egg retrieval, your partner’s sperm sample is collected. The retrieved eggs are placed together with sperm in a special laboratory dish, where the gametes are left overnight for fertilization. 

Another advanced ART procedure that may help fertilization is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where an embryologist carefully picks and injects a single sperm cell into the egg. 

Step 5: Embryo Development

Embryo culture is the next step. The fertilized egg is nurtured in a controlled, artificial environment, which mimics a woman’s womb. This seems the most magical part. The tiny, microscopic embryos keep dividing into multiple cells, until they become a cluster of dividing cells, called a blastocyst. At this point, they are either frozen or transferred into the female partner’s womb for implantation. 

Step 6: Embryo Transfer

In a short procedure, the prepared embryos are transferred gently into the uterus using a thin catheter. The embryo transfer procedure is quick and is usually performed without anesthesia. The timing may vary. 

Some are advised to transfer frozen embryos, while others may have fresh transfers. Your gynecologist will explain the perfect timing for transfer based on your uterine condition and pregnancy goals.

Step 7: Pregnancy Test

The hard part is over. After the two-week wait period, you can visit the fertility clinic to get a blood test that measures beta-HCG levels and often confirms pregnancy much earlier than a urine test. Alternatively, you can take a home urine test. Once pregnancy has been established, the doctor will arrange ultrasounds and other tests to monitor your pregnancy.