IVF: the Method That Created the "Test Tube Baby"

In vitro fertilization (IVF), the method that created the so-called “test tube baby,” has become an increasingly important option for couples who are having difficulty conceiving due to a variety of diagnoses.  IVF first was introduced as a solution for women with blocked fallopian tubes.  IVF accomplishes in the laboratory what the fallopian tubes do naturally.  Greater experience has demonstrated, however, that IVF has applications for many types of fertility problems.  For couples whose egg or sperm quality is questionable, IVF can confirm the occurrence of fertilization.  Since the birth of the first baby, Louise Brown, from this ground breaking technique in 1978, the number of IVF cycles performed in the United States has grown to over 92,000 in 2005.  IVF is considered a safe, successful and commonplace technique to resolve infertility issues.   It is performed as an outpatient procedure in our new state-of-the-art facility and is an integral part of Tower Fertility Center’s practice. IVF involves retrieving the oocytes (eggs) from a woman’s ovaries, mixing these oocytes with sperm in a Petri dish and allowing the oocyte and sperm to fertilize over the following 12 to 24 hours.  Once the oocytes are fertilized and divide, the early embryos are then transferred into the uterus.

A Multi-Step Process

Ovarian Stimulation To undergo a cycle of IVF, a woman is placed on medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce many follicles that contain the oocytes.  Our team will adjust medications dosages based on blood testing and ultrasound findings.  Once we determine that the eggs adequately have grown and matured, another medication is administered to make the eggs complete their final step of maturation.  Within 36 hours, the egg retrieval will take place. Egg Retrieval Transvaginal ovarian follicular aspiration (TVA) is performed using intravenous-conscious sedation.  Once the patient is comfortable, an ultrasound probe is placed in her vagina to visualize the ovaries.  This is identical to the sonograms that were performed just days before to assess the patient’s response to the medication.  A slender needle is passed along the probe and into the ovaries.  Gentle suction is drawn on the needle and all the eggs that have developed during the cycle are harvested. The eggs are quickly handed to the embryologist who counts and grades the eggs with respect to their maturity.  The eggs are then incubated with the partner’s sperm for the next 24 hours in carefully controlled, sterile conditions. Embryo Transfer The eggs are examined in approximately 24 hours to assess fertilization.  Usually two to three embryos are transferred to the uterus at approximately 72 hours after the egg retrieval.  The transfer is similar to an intrauterine insemination and requires no anesthesia.  The patient lies flat for approximately 25 minutes before being discharged home to remain on bed rest for 24 hours.