What to expect from an IVF cycle
The first part of an IVF cycle is called controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), followed by egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, fertilization and, finally, embryo transfer.
The first part of an IVF cycle is called controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), followed by egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, fertilization and, finally, embryo transfer.
In natural ovulation, only one egg is ovulated. In IVF, multiple eggs are retrieved to increase the chances of producing a healthy embryo and successful implantation.
As discussed here, to retrieve multiple eggs, your doctor will need to stimulate multiple follicle growth with one or more fertility drugs (called a stimulation protocol) so that multiple eggs are produced. COS includes treatment with a drug called a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue to prevent the premature release of the eggs (ovulation) before retrieval.
There are several possible outcomes of IVF, which is why multiple cycles of IVF may be needed for a successful outcome.
Whatever the outcome of the IVF cycle, be sure to stay on all prescribed medications, and follow up with your doctor.
While it’s true there are many variables that can affect the outcome of an IVF cycle, it has been shown that going through a second and third cycle may increase your chances for a successful outcome.
In fact, a study of almost a thousand women (aged 21 to 40 with a mean of 32.5 years) going through IVF treatment showed that women who underwent 3 fresh IVF/ICSI cycles, including subsequent frozen-thawed cycles, had a 63% cumulative live birth rate, higher than those who went through only 1 or 2 cycles.
Use our mind and body tips to learn more about how you can improve your experience during the IVF process.
You may opt to have embryos genetically tested before embryo transfer, which is done by preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). PGD and PGS are performed by taking a small number of cells from each embryo created during an IVF cycle and genetically evaluating them.
PGD is an option for anyone who has or is a carrier of a known genetic disorder. PGD tests an embryo before it is transferred into the patient. PGD allows for the selection of unaffected embryos for transfer.
PGS tests an embryo for chromosomal abnormalities. PGS may be recommended for women with recurrent miscarriage, women of advanced reproductive age, or women with a history of multiple failed fertility treatments.
No testing | Less frequent for younger women
Still have the option to perform genetic testing on the baby in the womb after pregnancy is established |
Test additional embryos | There may be insufficient time to test embryos used in a fresh embryo transfer; however, subsequent frozen embryos may be tested
May improve pregnancy rate for the frozen embryos transferred |
Test all embryos | Recommended if you:
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Bank embryos | A cost-effective way to test embryos from several IVF cycles (if a cycle produces only 1 or 2 embryos of suitable quality for testing) |
PGD and PGS may help determine if an embryo is genetically or chromosomally normal. This information can help you and your health care provider make informed decisions during IVF. Specifically, genetic testing may be useful for selecting embryos unaffected by genetic disorders. There is a lot to consider, but speaking with a fertility specialist may help you decide if genetic testing during IVF is right for you.