In vitro fertilization is a process to conceive a baby that takes place literally "in a glass" or outside the body. About four to six weeks are required to complete an IVF cycle for getting pregnant but some women may require multiple IVF cycles to get pregnant or successfully conceive a baby. In the process of in vitro fertilization, the male’s sperm fertilizes the female’s eggs outside the body. IVF is an effective treatment of infertility and enables women with difficulty in conceiving to get pregnant.

In the process of having an IVF baby, eggs removed from the ovaries are fertilized with sperms in test tubes. The fertilized eggs are placed in the woman’s womb, which quick starts the process of her being pregnant. This is why an IVF baby is also referred to as a test tube baby. In vitro fertilization has helped many women to conceive, be pregnant, and have an IVF baby. Couples can get tips from their doctor on how to conceive an IVF baby. In vitro fertilization is completed in a series of steps, from stimulation and fertility drugs to get pregnant and have a baby.

 

Step 1

Fertility drugs: In a menstrual cycle, normally the female ovaries release one egg every month. Fertilization of multiple eggs is required to successfully conceive an IVF baby. Fertility drugs can develop mature eggs after stimulating the ovaries. This increases the chances of getting pregnant. These fertility drugs are taken in the form of tablets or injections for a period of 8-14 days. This is the first step of in vitro fertilization following the medical examination.

 

Step 2

Egg retrieval: When the eggs are ready, the doctor uses an ultrasound machine to locate the eggs and remove them from the follicles using a needle. A mild sedative may be administered during the process.

 

Step 3 

Insemination: The best quality sperm is taken from the male’s semen and used to fertilize the eggs. This occurs in a dish or a test tube for in vitro fertilization.

 

Step 4 

Embryo culture: An embryo is formed when fertilization of eggs and sperm occurs. The dish is checked to see if embryos are ready. It is kept for two to five days before transferring the embryo to the uterus to start the mother’s pregnancy. Only the healthiest embryos are transferred to the uterus. Usually no more than three embryos are transplanted to the uterus to conceive a baby, after due checks for genetic disorders. However, not all centers offer this facility.

 

Step 5 

Embryo transfer: After fertilization, the embryos are transferred to the uterus. The embryos are suspended in a fluid and transferred to the uterus using a catheter, which is a tube having a syringe at one end. The patient may be advised to rest for an hour or two after embryo transfer. If an embryo attaches itself to the uterine wall, the woman’s test for being pregnant will be positive. After confirmation of the woman being pregnant, an ultrasound scan after about six weeks can confirm whether implantation of embryo in the uterus has taken place and the woman has conceived.

 

Success of the IVF process depends on the woman’s age and the type of fertility problem. If a woman has been pregnant before, the chances of successful IVF increase. A healthy body weight is one of the tips that can lead to successful in vitro fertilization. The process to conceive a baby using in vitro fertilization may cost around $12,000 to $15,000. Women under the age of 30 have around a 30 to 35 percent chance of getting pregnant and having a baby using in vitro fertilization. Doctors can advise you about tips on a successful IVF process to help you conceive and have a healthy IVF baby.