In vitro fertilisation (IVF) consists of fecundating feminine gametes (oocytes) outside the woman’s body.
Once oocytes are fecundated, a limited number of obtained embryos are transferred into woman’s uterine, so they can continue developing in a natural way.
IVF cycle has different stages:
IVF is generally used after having “blocked” the pharmacologically natural cycle and stimulated ovaries through a hormonal treatment to assure multiple follicular development.
Oocytes are taken out from the woman through an ecoguided puncture and vaginal tube of the follicles. Immediately after they have been obtained they are prepared and classified in laboratory.
Semen has to be obtained almost at the same time as extraction of oocytes, after a period of sexual abstinence. Semen is prepared in the laboratory to remove certain components and to select the most adequate spermatozoa to fecundate the oocytes.
Spermatozoa are put in contact with oocytes, leaving them in incubation during certain hours.
Once fecundation is obtained, a number of embryos are selected to be introduced to the woman’s uterine.
The woman has to follow a hormonal treatment to help the feasibility of the potential pregnancy.