Navigating the world of in vitro fertilization (IVF) can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. At Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles, we’re here to demystify the process and provide guidance every step of the way. Our expert team is ready to answer your questions and support you on your journey to achieving pregnancy.
Your Initial Consultation
The IVF journey begins with your first appointment, where you’ll discuss necessary testing before starting the program. Here’s what to expect during this meeting:
- Your care coordinator will instruct you to reach out to our clinic at the start of your menstrual cycle to initiate the IVF process. Depending on your situation, birth control pills may be prescribed to help regulate your cycle. This initial phase typically lasts two to four weeks.
- You’ll receive a packet with all the essential information regarding your required fertility medications.
- After financial arrangements are confirmed, your coordinator will help you arrange for medication delivery. You can choose to get a prescription filled at a pharmacy or have medications shipped directly to you.
Subsequent Appointments in the IVF Cycle
Following the initial phase, you’ll have three more crucial appointments:
- An appointment with your nurse to discuss medication administration and a timeline for your IVF cycle.
- A baseline ultrasound or estradiol test before starting your fertility hormone treatment, which can be done locally if you’re not near our office.
- Another ultrasound with your doctor about six to seven days after starting your fertility hormones, which will take 15 to 30 minutes. This exam allows your doctor to assess the number and size of follicles, and additional ultrasounds may be recommended before egg retrieval.
Egg Retrieval Procedure
Once your follicles have matured (about 18-20 mm) and your estradiol levels are appropriate, it’s time for egg retrieval:
- On the evening before the procedure, you’ll self-administer an hCG injection to trigger ovulation. The egg retrieval is scheduled 36 hours later.
- On the day of the procedure, arrive at PFCLA at least 30 minutes early and follow fasting instructions from midnight onward.
- The retrieval is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts between 10 and 30 minutes—no discomfort will be felt during the procedure.
- After you wake up, you’ll be monitored for about an hour before being discharged with post-procedure instructions. Mild discomfort and cramping are common in the days following retrieval.
Understanding the Egg Retrieval Process
During this procedure, your doctor uses ultrasound guidance to retrieve eggs from the follicles. The fluid containing the eggs is sent to the lab, where embryologists will isolate and prepare them for fertilization.
Sperm Collection
While egg retrieval is happening, you’ll need to provide a sperm sample for fertilization. If you’re using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a second sample may be needed if the first one doesn’t have enough viable sperm.
Fertilizing the Eggs
Once harvested, the eggs are fertilized in the lab using either ICSI, where a single sperm is injected into each egg, or by placing the eggs with sperm in a petri dish overnight. The method chosen will depend on the health of the sperm and eggs. About 16 hours post-insemination, your embryologist will check to see if fertilization has occurred.
This entire process can be daunting, but know that you’re not alone. For those who have faced challenges, like the couple discussed in this blog post, seeking help can make all the difference. If you’re looking for home insemination options, Make A Mom provides a valuable resource. For additional insights on insemination procedures, check out this excellent resource.
Summary
The IVF process involves multiple stages from consultation to egg retrieval and fertilization. Understanding each step can alleviate anxiety and help you prepare for this significant journey. Our team at PFCLA is committed to providing you with support and guidance throughout your IVF experience.