Understanding the Basics of the Woodlands IVF
In vitro fertilization or IVF is a complex medical procedure that assists individuals or couples unable to achieve pregnancy the natural way. HART Fertility offers the Woodlands IVF solutions to help our patients overcome infertility in a caring and stress-free environment. Our passion is to help families blossom through cutting-edge reproductive technologies. If you’re considering visiting our North Houston fertility clinic, here are some basics of IVF to know about.
What Is the Woodlands IVF?
North Houston IVF involves the fertilization of an egg and sperm outside the body, in a laboratory, and the subsequent implantation of the resulting embryo(s) into the woman's uterus. IVF is a widely used and effective treatment for various causes of infertility, including tubal issues, male factor infertility, ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility. It offers hope to individuals or couples who have difficulty conceiving after trying for 6 months to a year.
How Does North Houston IVF Work?
Ovulation Stimulation
The Woodlands IVF starts with the administration of fertility medications or hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The goal is to increase the chances of retrieving as many healthy eggs during the procedure. The patient's progress is closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds to assess hormone levels and follicle development.
Egg and Sperm Retrieval
Once the woman’s eggs have reached proper maturity, a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval is performed. This is usually done under sedation or general anesthesia. A thin needle is guided through the vaginal wall to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries. On the same day as the egg retrieval, the male partner or a sperm donor provides a sperm sample, which is then processed and prepared for fertilization.
Laboratory Fertilization
In the laboratory, the eggs and sperm are combined for fertilization. This can be done through traditional insemination (placing sperm near the eggs) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. Fertilized embryos are cultured in a controlled environment for a few days to allow selection of the healthiest embryos through preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
Embryo Transfer
One or more selected embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus, which is a relatively simple outpatient procedure. The number of embryos transferred depends on various factors, including the woman's age and the quality of embryos. After about 10 to 14 days, a blood test is performed to determine if the woman is pregnant. If successful, pregnancy is confirmed.
Start Your the Woodlands IVF Journey With Us
Since 1985, HART Fertility has been providing top-rated fertility services, with pregnancy rates consistently exceeding the national average. We use cutting-edge reproductive technologies at our the Woodlands fertility clinic to give you the best chances of growing your family. Our caring and dedicated staff are here to give you personalized attention for a stress-free IVF cycle. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
