In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Program
IVF Steps
- Initial Consultation with Dr. Anderson or Dr. Dourron
- Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation
- Monitoring Visits
- HCG Injection
- Egg Retrieval
- Fertilization of the Eggs in the laboratory
- Embryo or Blastocyst Transfer
- Pregnancy Blood Test
Egg Retrieval Procedure in Detail
After cycle monitoring and egg stimulation with injectable medications, the egg retrieval is usually performed about 35 hours after the HCG injection, at a time when the eggs have completed maturation, but before ovulation. Ultrasound-guided egg aspiration is the most common method used to retrieve eggs during IVF procedures. The transvaginal aspiration (TVA) is done at the Newport Beach Surgery Center.
During the TVA, the female patient will lie on an examination table similar to that used for performing a Pap smear. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in the patient’s arm by an anesthesiologist. This site will be used to administer the medications during the procedure. Prior to the TVA, a speculum is placed in the vagina so that it may be cleaned using sterile solutions that do not harm eggs.
The egg retrieval procedure utilizes a vaginal ultrasound probe, which has a metal guide attached to it. The guide allows a hollow needle to be placed beside the probe. The tip of the needle is etched so that it is visible on the ultrasound monitor. The needle is attached to tubing that goes to a plastic tube and a gentle suction machine. The physician uses the vaginal ultrasound probe to visualize the ovaries and the follicles within them on the ultrasound monitor. Once the patient is anesthetized, the needle is pushed through the vaginal wall into one of the follicles within an ovary. As the tip of the needle penetrates the wall of the follicle, the suction machine is started. The fluid within the follicle is aspirated and flows to the plastic tube. The egg is usually loosely attached to the inner wall of the follicle and as the fluid within the follicle is withdrawn, the egg is aspirated into the tube. This tube is then given to the embryologist who examines each drop of the fluid through a microscope to look for an egg. It is common to have some follicles that do not contain eggs. Therefore, the number of follicles may not equal the number of eggs found. The procedure is finished when all the follicles from both ovaries have been aspirated. A fresh semen specimen needs to be provided by the male partner on the day of egg retrieval.
After the egg retrieval, the laboratory performs a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)...
