This is me as a developing embryo.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology that can help couples get pregnant. My mother and father failed to conceive naturally and ended up going through the IVF process. There are a variety of reasons one might choose IVF; Uterine Fibroids, genetic disorders, Endometriosis, and the list goes on. My mother simply struggled with fertility issues.
The IVF journey begins with medications to stimulate the mother’s reproductive system. GnRH agonist, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone against Lupron, or a GnRH antagonist (Ganirelix) are used to suppress the LH surge and ovulation until follicles are mature. Follicle-stimulating hormone product stimulates the development of multiple follicles. Finally, HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) aids in the final maturation of the eggs. These medications allow the mother to produce a good number of good-quality eggs that can be used in the fertilization and implantation process. These medications are taken over a period of months and normally come in a series of frequent injections. During this time regular blood tests and ultrasounds are conducted to track hormone levels and egg production.
Once the ovaries produce enough healthy, mature eggs the doctor will perform the egg retrieval. This is a minor surgical procedure that normally takes place at the doctor’s office or a fertility clinic. Using ultrasound for visibility, the doctor will insert a thin, hollow tube through the vagina and into the ovary and follicles that hold the eggs. The needle is connected to a suction device that gently pulls each egg out of each article. On the day of the retrieval a count of all eggs retrieved. Immediately following extraction the eggs will be placed in an incubator until they can be checked for maturity. The following day the eggs will be examined for viability, some eggs may be damaged or immature. All of the viable eggs will then be placed into Petri dishes to be fertilized.
Sperm cells from the partner will be collected and mixed with the collected egg in the process of insemination. For weak sperm, they will be injected directly into the egg while stronger sperm will simply be placed in the same container. When eggs successfully fertilize, they will have two nuclei (one from the egg and one from the sperm). This is a zygote. When there are more or less than two nuclei present, these will not develop properly and are not considered fertilized. For the next 4 to 5 days the embryo will develop and be scored on its morphology to ensure only the best are re-implanted. The embryo will turn from zygote to Blastocyst and will finally be deemed ready for embryo transfer.
The doctor will slide another thin tube through the cervix and into the Uterus where the egg will be inserted. Implantation occurs when the embryo attaches itself to the lining of the Uterus and will usually occur within one to five days following the transfer. Which means a pregnancy has been achieved. For the 8 to 10 weeks following the transfer progesterone can be administered to increase the likelihood of a viable pregnancy. Two weeks after the transfer a sample of blood will be taken to determine whether or not a pregnancy occurs.
However, pregnancy may not occur within the first round of IVF often couples will partake in multiple cycles. There are also risks to IVF as there are with any other medical procedure. These include; premature delivery, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, Ectopic pregnancy (egg is implanted outside of the uterus), stress, and procedural complication. Luckily, my parents got pregnant on the first try and had my twin sister and me. During the transfer multiple embryos are implanted for a greater likelihood of success, this makes multiple surviving embryos common. About one-third of all twins are born via fertility treatments. Having multiple children is considered a blessing but it also comes with added risk. These include birthing problems, congenital defects, and miscarriages.
Despite the risks, IVF is a route many hopeful parents take to have a child. It uses advanced science to engineer a process with better odds than regular conception. Without IVF I wouldn’t exist, so I am thankful for scientific advancement and its role in my existence.
Works Cited
“IVF Medication Protocols for Ovarian Stimulation with Antagonists - Advanced Fertility
Center of Chicago.” Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, the Prelude Network, 2020,
advancedfertility.com/2020/09/18/ivf-medication-protocols-for-ovarian-stimulation-withantagonists/#:~:text=IVF%20stimulation%20protocols%20in%20the. Accessed 11 May
2023.
Mayo Clinic. “In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) - Mayo Clinic.” Www.mayoclinic.org, 22 June 2019,
www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716#:~:text=
During%20IVF%20%2C%20mature%20eggs%20are.
Northwestern Medicine. “After-Your-Egg-Retrieval.” Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, 2023,
fertility.nm.org/embryo-grading.html#:~:text=After%20retrieval%2C%20the%20eggs%2
0are. Accessed 11 May 2023.
PlannedParenthood. “Planned Parenthood.” Plannedparenthood.org, 2019,
www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/fertility-treatments/what-ivf.