The ART of In Vitro Fertilization - The A.R.T. of Making Babies - hope in the hearts of couples who suffer from infertility

In short: IVF is not a fixed formula but a series of precise steps designed for each couple, starting with a full assessment at the first visit. Some situations need special care, such as polycystic ovaries, to avoid an excessive response, and a low ovarian reserve. Eggs are collected 34–37 hours after the trigger injection, and embryos are cultured for two to five days before transfer.

IVF operations came to sow hope in the hearts of couples who suffer from infertility or delayed childbearing. Science and technology has evolved in this field so that we can choose the gender of the newborn according to the family’s desire and the ability to examine a number of chromosomal syndromes and inherited genetic diseases. This type of development has brought about a paradigm shift in its medical precedent.

IVF is not a constant mathematical equation, which is the activation of ovaries, egg retrieval and embryo transfer, but rather an interconnected series of events that are drawn by multiple factors by a skilled doctor.

The couple’s journey begins from the first moment they enter the clinic, where the medical history of both of them is reviewed with their precise details to determine the factors that will raise the success rate.

Then, the clinical examination and the necessary laboratory and radiological examinations are done. After that, all these details will be collected and taking shape from the point of view of the treating specialist, choosing the type of induction required and determining the initial dose in proportion to the lady. In continuous follow-up and consecutive visits, the course -of which varies from patient to patient- and doses are adjusted according to the response of the ovaries

For example, in cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which are common and prevalent at the present time, care should be taken in the given doses to prevent the occurrence of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS), which may end in severe complication which could lead to the patient entering the intensive care unit. Likewise, cases of Poor ovarian reserve, which should not be completely judged by the AMH or FSH laboratory tests only, but by the expertise of the specialist doctor and the accurate ultrasound examination.

These cases and many others require different protocols and techniques how to use, medicines and treatments to suit each couple individually.

When we talk about the pickup of eggs, the date will not be determined in advance, it’s not a set hour, but will be determined after giving the necessary injections (ovulation triggering) and will be 34 to 37 hours after that, depending on the case.

Then the process of ICSI and fertilization and division in special equipments and incubators in the laboratory for a period ranging between two to five days.

And do not forget about the needs to plant in fertile soil; the endometrium needs to be prepared in advance to receive the embryos and ensure the readiness before the embryo transfer, at the appropriate time and in the best way and without harming the endometrium, which may lead to reducing the success rate or failure of the process.

The explanation goes on in this area full of details. The IVF process has dimensions and horizons, the couple may not be aware of all its details, but always in the doctor’s imagination. The idea and the focus of the conversation is that it is a sensitive process in which the finer things should be taken into account in order to be a unique journey and a successful experience with the expertise of the doctor, the team’s help, and the will of God.