What is the role of a fertility specialist in IVF Treatment?
IVF (in vitro fertilization) has become an increasingly popular option for couples struggling with infertility. The process of IVF involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory dish and then transferring the resulting embryo into the woman’s uterus. While the basic premise of IVF may
seem straightforward, it is actually a complex process that requires the expertise of a skilled fertility specialist.
At Care24 fertility center, our team of fertility specialists play a crucial role in guiding patients through every step of the IVF process. Here is an overview of the key responsibilities of a fertility specialist during IVF treatment:
Initial Consultation
The first role of the fertility specialist is to meet with the couple considering IVF. During this consultation, our specialist will review the couple’s full medical history, perform exams, and order any testing needed to evaluate fertility. This helps determine the cause of infertility and craft the optimal treatment plan. The specialist will explain the entire IVF process, medications involved, success rates, and costs. This ensures patients make fully informed decisions.
Ovarian Stimulation
The fertility specialist will prescribe injectable fertility drugs for the female partner to take for 8-14 days. These medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. The specialist will monitor the patient closely with ultrasounds and bloodwork to track the egg development and adjust medications as needed. Proper stimulation is crucial for maximizing the egg supply for retrieval.
Egg Retrieval
Once the follicles containing the eggs reach mature size, the specialist will trigger final egg maturation with an injection of hCG. Approximately 36 hours later, the eggs will be retrieved using an ultrasound-guided needle through the vagina. The fertility specialist will surgically retrieve the eggs with care and precision. Strong expertise is required as the eggs are delicate.
Fertilization
Together with an embryologist, the fertility specialist will combine the collected eggs with sperm to facilitate fertilization. This can be done via traditional insemination or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) if male factor infertility is involved. The embryos are grown in an incubator for
3-5 days.
Embryo Transfer
The fertility specialist will select the best quality embryo(s) to transfer back into the woman’s uterus. Using an ultrasound for guidance, a thin catheter is used to place the embryos in the uterus. Any extra quality embryos can be frozen for future use.
Follow-Up Care
After the transfer, the fertility specialist will monitor the patient with blood tests and ultrasounds to determine if pregnancy occurred. If pregnancy is achieved, the specialist will monitor hormone levels, fetal development, and overall health until the end of the first trimester before transitioning care to an OB/GYN.
At Care24 fertility center, our team of compassionate, experienced fertility specialists are dedicated to making the dream of parenthood a reality. We are with you every step of the way during your IVF journey to provide the highest quality care and optimal chance of success. If IVF is the right path for your family, we are here to guide you.
