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Conception The IVF Way

© Lori Ramsey

For some women, conceiving a baby is not quite as simple as making love and hoping to see a positive pregnancy test 2 weeks later. Depending upon her circumstances and age, nature may need a little help. IVF (in vitro fertilization) offers a means and a chance at achieving pregnancy through an otherwise hopeless situation.

If you are over 30 years of age, have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, irregular cycles or your partner has a low sperm count, you may have infertility problems. (See http://www.resolve.org/started.htm.) Initially IVF was reserved for women with blocked fallopian tubes. If you've been diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or endrometriosis before you start trying to conceive, you may very well need IVF to conceive. After all the "low tech" conception helps have been tried unsuccessfully, IVF may be one of the ways to try next. Your doctor will better determine if you are indeed a candidate or not. If you are a candidate, there are several steps to go through to achieve a successful IVF.

The first step after signing many consent forms with your physician is the initial diagnostic testing and a uterine sounding to determine the position and depth of your uterus for the eventual transfer. Once this has been done the in vitro cycle begins. Barrier methods of birth control should be practiced. Approximately one week after ovulation you will have a vaginal ultrasound to evaluate the status of your ovaries. Next begin the injections of Lupron into your thigh to help prevent premature LH surge and ovulation. You will usually start your next menstrual cycle within a week of starting the Lupron injections. Occasionally the menstrual cycle will be delayed as a result of Lupron.

On approximately the 2nd day of the menstrual cycle another ultrasound will be done to check the appearance of your ovaries. If they appear normal you will be given a date to start Gonal-F or Follistim therapy. The dosage of Lupron will be decreased. Gonal-F or Follistim is given to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These are given as injections for approximately 5 to 6 days, at which time you will come back to your doctor for a blood estrogen check and another vaginal ultrasound. Based on the findings of these two tests, the physician will determine how much to adjust the dosage of Gonal-F or Follistim. Once the dosage is adjusted then you will inject the next couple of days and come back for another round of blood estrogen test and vaginal ultrasound. This is done until the eggs in the ovaries are matured.

The copyright of the article Conception The IVF Way in Preconception is owned by Lori Ramsey. Permission to republish Conception The IVF Way in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.