Taking a Closer Look at the Process of IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common medical procedure. IVF can help couples achieve pregnancy when they are struggling with female or male infertility . Although IVF has helped many couples experience the joy of parenthood, it does have its drawbacks. IVF is a complicated, multistep process and it can be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, many couples must go through multiple IVF cycles before achieving pregnancy, if pregnancy occurs at all. The disadvantages of IVF are why many men explore vasectomy reversals instead.

Fertility Medications

First, the female partner must take fertility medications to stimulate the development of multiple eggs. These medications must be injected by the woman or her partner. Additionally, the female partner must undergo frequent ultrasound and blood testing to monitor the development of the follicles.

Egg Retrieval

Then, women undergo a minor surgical procedure to retrieve the mature eggs . With ultrasound guidance, the physician inserts a hollow needle through the vagina to suction out the eggs.

Sperm Retrieval

Men who have undergone vasectomies still produce sperm, although the sperm does not mix with the ejaculate. Typically, the male partner would simply provide a sample of semen at this stage of IVF. However, after a vasectomy, surgical retrieval of sperm is necessary.

Insemination

After the sperm sample has been processed, it is mixed with the eggs in a laboratory. Sometimes, sperm is injected directly into the eggs to promote fertilization. Then, the embryos are monitored for three to five days.

Embryo Transfer

Once the embryos are ready, the female partner must undergo another procedure to transfer the embryos directly into the uterus. The physician inserts a catheter into the uterus to accomplish this.

Having a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota is quite often a more cost-effective and successful option than IVF. When you’re ready to grow your family, you can contact Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility at (941) 961-4581. Dr. Green is a highly skilled vasectomy reversal surgeon who is proud to have helped countless men become fathers through vasectomy reversals.