In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process of collecting eggs and sperm and combining them in the IVF Treatment Pakistan. One or more healthy embryos are chosen for implantation into the woman's uterus. The latter will then be monitored to see if the embryo implants correctly and if a pregnancy actually takes place.

Ovarian stimulation

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is the first step of IVF treatment in which the ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs. The goal of HOC is to obtain an optimal number of mature eggs that can be analyzed in the laboratory to select those that are the healthiest or most viable for embryo transfer.

Monitoring of ovarian stimulation

Women who are prescribed hormone therapy before egg retrieval are carefully monitored through vaginal ultrasound and blood tests to have hormone levels (serum estradiol levels) checked regularly. Ultrasounds are scheduled at the start of ovarian stimulation and then every few days once follicular growth is established. Depending on the results of ultrasound scans and blood tests, the dose of gonadotropins will be adjusted.

Egg retrieval

Once several eggs have matured, they will be collected for fertilization in the laboratory. This procedure is called egg retrieval (OPU).

With advances in reproductive technology, this procedure is easily performed through ultrasound guidance. A thin needle is attached to the side of the ultrasound probe used for vaginal testing. This is delicately placed in the vagina and introduced into the ovary. The needle penetrates each follicle of each ovary and drains the fluid inside. The follicular fluid is immediately sent to the laboratory and it is examined by the embryologist to detect the presence of eggs.

At IVF Treatment, our state-of-the-art operating room is directly adjacent to the laboratory. We have taken numerous measures to maximize the safety and protection of our patients' eggs. 

Hormone therapy to prepare the uterus

Complementary hormone therapy is prescribed after egg retrieval to support the implantation of the embryo after fertilization. The doctor may decide to prescribe the following hormones:

• Estrogen, to help develop and support the endometrium (uterine lining). Estrogens can be taken orally, daily, throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Although side effects are rare, they include breast tenderness, mood changes, fluid retention, nausea, and fatigue.

• Progesterone, which plays an important role in supporting the endometrium in pregnant women. Progesterone is taken daily, usually by vaginal suppository or intramuscular injections, throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Although side effects are rare, there are injection reactions, swelling, mood changes, PMS-like symptoms, and in rare cases, allergic reactions.

• Medrol, a steroid prescribed to help with implantation. It is administered orally for a short time before embryo transfer and is rarely associated with side effects.

• Doxycycline, an antibiotic prescribed to prevent possible infection and contribute to the development of a uterine environment conducive to implantation. It is administered orally after egg retrieval, and before embryo transfer.

When is in vitro fertilization recommended?

IVF is used in cases of blocked, damaged, or missing fallopian tubes as well as in cases of endometriosis, unexplained infertility, or advanced age of the partner. It is also recommended to treat several factors of Male Fertility Treatment in Lahore such as in cases of azoospermia, sperm with abnormal structure or functioning, blocked or missing vas deferens or male infertility for genetic reasons.