IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) is an ART procedure that acts as a ray of hope for many patients in their parenthood journey. The entire process is unique to every individual, and the success depends on several factors.
There's a lot to know before you undergo this infertility treatment in Ahmedabad. Thus, this blog focuses on one aspect of it. Let's briefly explore the IVF process timeline.
Consultation & Testing: Around 1 Month
The process begins with consultation and initial testing. This includes discussing the entire treatment plan and addressing all concerns and questions. The one-month average reflects the duration of the results from initial testing and discussions.
Both female and male patients will undergo specific tests. Generally, females undergo checks for ovarian reserve and abnormalities. Whereas males undergo checks for semen evaluation and blood tests. The list of general tests or checkups advised is as follows:
A. For Females:
· AFC Ultrasound (Antral Follicles Count)
· AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)
· Antibody Screen
· AboRh Blood Type
· Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG/IgM
· Chlamydia
· CBC (Complete Blood Count)
· Gonorrhea
· HIV 1/2
· Hepatitis B Core antibody
· Hepatitis B Surface antigen
· Hepatitis C antibody
· Measles IgG Antibodies
· Prolactin
· Rubella IgG Antibodies
· Syphilis
· TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) and Free T4
· Varicella IgG Antibodies
B. For Males:
· AboRh Blood Type
· Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG/IgM
· Chlamydia
· Gonorrhea
· HIV ½
· HTLV-I/II Antibodies
· Hepatitis B Core antibody
· Hepatitis B Surface antigen
· Hepatitis C antibody
· Syphilis
· Semen evaluation
Ovarian Stimulation: 10-14 Days
Once you receive a green signal from the fertility specialist or a gynecologist in Nikol about the results, they will proceed with the egg retrieval stimulation cycle.
The process of ovulation induction promotes the release of eggs from the ovaries. This is done via injections, which usually begin from day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle. Even though the average time ranges between 10 and 14 days, it can still vary from case to case.
Egg Retrieval: 1 Day
Patients are administered general anesthesia to undergo the process. This ensures that the patient stays free from discomfort throughout the procedure and wakes up usually within 15 minutes of completion. The entire procedure will last for up to thirty minutes, depending on the follicles present.
Fertilization: 1 Day
Once retrieved, the eggs are placed alongside sperm in a special laboratory dish. The sperm swim around the eggs, penetrating and leading to fertilization. The entire process takes some hours. However, this process increases the chances of fertilization.
Embryo Freezing & Genetic Testing: 5 - 6 Days
Before the final embryo transfer, the embryos are carefully observed for developmental checks. Embryologists will check for fertilisation the day after the eggs and sperm are placed together. Based on their development in the upcoming days, they are graded for quality and growth. By the fifth or sixth day, they are finally ready for freezing or transfer.
Please note that if the to-be-parents or patients opt for preimplantation genetic testing, the timeline may increase. This testing includes checks for chromosomal normalcy, screening for genetic disorders, and sex selection. To know more about this, you can consult experts at a multispeciality hospital in Nikol.
Embryo Transfer: 1 Day
The most crucial process, embryo transfer, generally lasts for a maximum of 15 minutes. The fertility specialists use a thin catheter to place the embryo successfully into the uterus. The procedure is typically painless. However, some patients may experience discomfort.
Pregnancy Test & Process Ahead: 2 Weeks
The most overwhelming and challenging part of the entire fertility process is the two-week gap after the embryo transfer. The whole duration is filled with emotions and hope as patients await pregnancy confirmation. Two weeks later, the patients will undergo blood tests to confirm pregnancy.
Wrapping Up
IVF is an overwhelming journey, even if you undergo it at the best IVF hospital in Ahmedabad. Before you begin, it's essential to know some key aspects, including the timeline of the entire process.
Even though the exact timeline varies from case to case and person to person, this is a general timeline. Hopefully, this helps!