In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Qualification visits - these are two visits to the infertility clinic, involving a medical interview, examination of the reproductive organs, ordering of specific tests for both partners and analysis of the results of the tests and examinations carried out. If the couple has used other treatments, they should bring their medical records to the first visit. During all visits, patients should bring a document with their photograph to prove their identity (this may be an identity card or passport). After qualifying for IVF, the couple agrees in writing to the IVF procedure and the accompanying hormonal stimulation of the patient's ovaries - the form should be signed in the clinic, in the presence of the doctor.

Hormone stimulation, i.e. preparation of the patient for IVF - pharmacological stimulation of the ovaries leads to an increase in the number of mature and fertilisation-capable oocytes and thus increases the chances of the IVF procedure being successful. The choice of hormonal medication is dictated by factors such as the patient's age, the result of the vaginal ultrasound examination and the concentration of progesterone and oestradiol in the woman's blood. Ovarian stimulation usually lasts for 7-12 days and takes place under constant observation by the doctor. During this time, the ovarian follicles mature in the ovary and the ovulation process (ovulation) is monitored during 2-4 follow-up visits, which include measurement of hormone concentrations and ultrasound examination. The test results obtained allow us to determine the optimal date for the collection of ova, which will then be used for in vitro fertilisation.

Ovarian puncture, or oocyte retrieval - the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia (under anaesthetic) and involves the removal of follicular fluid from the ovaries along with the ova. The day of the oocyte retrieval is set by the doctor and the procedure itself usually takes place in the morning. The patient should report to the clinic half an hour before the LP and must be fasting. The procedure takes about 15 minutes, but afterwards the woman must remain in the clinic for about 2-3 hours for observation. An identity card must be presented before the LP, and for security reasons, the recommendation to carefully sign the biological material collected is also strictly adhered to.

Collection of sperm from the partner or selection of sperm from a bank if the couple chooses IVF with gametes from an anonymous donor.

In vitro fertilisation - in vitro fertilisation takes place in an embryology laboratory. For the procedure 6 egg cells are used, i.e. after fusion with sperm no more than 6 embryos can be created (usually only 4 develop properly and have a chance to be transferred to the uterus). The process of fertilisation of the ova is generally spontaneous, i.e. does not require external intervention, but in certain situations direct injection of the sperm into the ova is recommended (known as ICSI or IMSI). At each stage of IVF at Invimed clinics, the patients' biological material is checked by two independent people under the 'double checking' system of confirmation of identification.

Embryo transfer into the uterine cavity - between the 2nd and 5th day after fertilisation, a procedure is carried out to place one or two embryos into the patient's uterine cavity using a thin catheter. These are the most promising, properly developing embryos, which have the best chance of implantation and further growth. The likelihood of the embryos implanting is further increased by taking individually tailored medication - patients take this from ovarian puncture, i.e. from egg retrieval to in vitro fertilisation.
Sometimes more healthy, promising embryos are created after in vitro fertilisation. According to the current Infertility Treatment Act, these are frozen and can be used by the patient and her partner during subsequent procedures.
Before embryo transfer, the patient's identity is verified again and the identification of the embryo to be introduced is carried out by two people.

What happens after embryo transfer?

The first days after the embryo is placed in the uterus are crucial for the outcome of the IVF procedure. The patient should limit physical activity and avoid stress. In addition, she is advised not to have intercourse until she has undergone pregnancy tests. Approximately 12 days after the transfer, the woman should have her blood level of the hormone HCG tested in the clinic, which allows the determination of a biochemical pregnancy. An ultrasound examination, confirming pregnancy, is performed in the fifth week of pregnancy.