We are Fertilidad Integral
We are a specialized fertility clinic. We combine science, experience, and a human approach to support you every step of the way.
We have created a kind of roadmap of the process in vitro fertilization. Although every woman is different and responds in her own way, the process follows the same steps in every ovarian stimulation cycle for in vitro fertilization.
For this simulation, we have based it on a case where the procedure has a successful outcome; however, that is not always the case! There are different scenarios. To learn more about these scenarios and their probabilities, take a look at this other article.
1. Ovarian stimulation and monitoring
What is it?
Hormones are injected that act directly on the ovaries to generate follicles. These follicles are like small sacs containing an immature egg. When the egg matures, the follicle ruptures, allowing it to be fertilized.
What is the result?
The number of follicles that grow depends heavily on each patient and her reaction to the hormones.
How long does it take?
1 to 5 weeks.
2. Egg retrieval
What is it?
When the doctor is satisfied with the number of follicles produced, they give the woman medication that triggers the eggs to mature. 35 to 36 hours later, using a needle and an ultrasound, the doctor accesses the ovaries and retrieves the eggs from the follicles.
What is the result?
In an average case, 75% of the follicles yield a mature egg.
How long does it take?
Less than an hour.
3. Fertilization
What is it?
In a glass dish in the laboratory, an embryologist fertilizes the egg with sperm. There are different techniques: conventional insemination, which consists of placing sperm around the egg so the strongest one can fertilize it naturally; or ICSI, where the sperm is injected directly into the egg.
What is the result?
In this process 70% of the retrieved eggs are successfully fertilized.
How long does it take?
It depends on the fertility clinic and the team, but it is generally done in less than an hour.
4. Embryo growth
What is it?
Laboratory experts must create the right atmosphere to simulate what happens inside the fallopian tubes: regulating temperature, oxygen, humidity, and other elements so the embryo can develop and be placed in the uterus.
What is the result?
This is where the most loss occurs (60% of embryos!). Only 40% of fertilized eggs achieve the proper growth to be transferred to the uterus. A good laboratory is crucial at this stage of the in vitro fertilization treatment.
How long does it take?
This procedure takes between 3 and 7 days.
5. Embryo transfer
What is it?
To start, this is a super exciting moment! Some women choose to freeze the embryos and use them later, others decide to transfer them immediately, and others prefer to transfer one or two. It depends on your specific case and the recommendation of your fertility specialist.
6. Pregnancy test
What is it?
Eight or nine days after the embryo is placed in the uterus, a blood test is performed to measure levels of hCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy. This is how we can tell if the embryo has implanted in the uterus.
7. Baby on the way
What is it?
If the pregnancy test is positive, there is an 80% chance that 36 weeks later you will have a baby in your arms.
In conclusion...
In vitro fertilization treatment is challenging in many ways. Knowing the in vitro fertilization process means having clarity about the future, knowing what you are facing, and understanding your odds. It is okay to be optimistic, but let's be cautiously optimistic.
.png)
.png)
