Step 1: Meds
Fertility medications are prescribed to stimulate egg production. “The most common one is a long GnRH-Agonist (Lupron) protocol where the secretion of gonadotropin hormones is suppressed in order to prevent premature ovulation,” the University of Rochester Medical Center says. Ovaries are then examined via ultrasound and blood tests taken to check hormone levels.
Step 2: Retrieval
Egg retrieval, which occurs 34-36 hours after HCG injection, is performed during minor surgery. Ultrasound is used once more, to locate the eggs which are then “placed in a special media and cultured in an incubator until insemination,” the Medical Center continues.
Step 3: Fertilization
The male is asked to provide a sperm sample — approximately 50,000 to 100,000 is ideal. The sperm are then transferred to the dish storing the eggs, also known as standard insemination.
Step 4: Embryo Quality
Embryo quality is assessed to ensure that only the best is chosen for transfer. Both a embryologist and a physician will make the call, taking into consideration the embryo’s rate of development and appearance.
Step 5: Embryo Transfer
Typically, 3 to 5 days following egg retrieval, the embryo is transferred using a simple procedure, in which a small tube is inserted into the uterus.
Success Rate
According to research, live birth success rate for women under 35 is 40 percent. While women aged 42 and older have a success rate of 4 percent.
Of course, success is dependent on several factors including:
- Previous pregnancies
- Lifestyle habits
- Quality of donor eggs