The stages for
In vitro fertilization (IVF) and ultra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
are:
1. Treatment with
Hormone Injections
2. Pick- up of the
eggs.
3. Laboratory
Procedures for IVF & ICSI.
4. Embryo
Transfer.
5. Supportive
Treatment and Pregnancy Testing.
Stage 1 Treatment with Hormone
Injection
The aim of
using the hormone injection s is to increase the number of eggs
available for IVF or ICSI. The first set of injections usually
starts on the 1st day of the cycle or sometimes on day 2. All
patients are required to call the Nurse Coordinator or Midland
specialist on the first day of menses prior to treatment .the main
injections are given daily for 10 - 14 days about the same time each
day. Ultrasound scans and blood tests will be carried out to monitor
the progress of treatment. One special injection is "profasi"
once given. The eggs must be picked up 36 hours later.
Stage 2 Pick up of the Eggs
The exact time and date for egg collection
Patient for egg
collection must not eat 6hours before the procedure. The procedure does
not entail operation per say but a sedative is given to prevent pain.
The husband will produce his semen through masturbation 2hours before
the egg pick-up
Stage 3 Laboratory Procedure
The couple will be
informed about the quality and number of sperms and eggs obtained. In
ICSI, the sperms are directly injected into eggs. It takes 48 hours for
us to know for sure whether embryos have formed. You should contact us
in person or by phone the day after egg pick-up to know the situation
with fertilization of the egg.
Stage 4 Embryo Transfer
Patients are to
report to the hospital Ihour before embryo transfer. The technique of
embryo transfer also does not 'involve operation.' Patient will rest in
the hospital for l-2hours after the embryo transfer and can then go
home.
Stase 5 Supportive Treatment & Pregnancy
Testing
After the embryo
transfer we will inform you about supportive treatment to encourage the
implantation of the embryos. Either 'Profasi' injection is given or some
pessaries are used. It is important to use one of these supportive
drugs. We will advise you of the date of your next visit and pregnancy
testing..
