An IVF Cycle

Stage 1 - Ovarian Stimulation

Normally a woman releases one oocyte (egg) each month at ovulation. With IVF treatment your doctor will stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple oocytes to increase your chance of a pregnancy. At QFG there is no standard treatment protocol – your doctor will choose the fertility regime which best suits you based on your age, outcomes of preliminary investigations and further tests during treatment. 

A variety of hormonal medications are used to stimulate the ovaries such as Clomid, Synarel nasal spray, Follicle Stimulating Hormone injections and Cetrotide. Your doctor will monitor your ovarian response with the use of blood tests and ultrasound scans. This will help determine the number, location and size of follicles (fluid filled sacs in which oocytes grow). Ovulation is triggered with an injection of Human Chorionic Gonadtrophin (HCG) and egg collection usually scheduled 36 hours later. Every woman’s response to IVF is different - in some cases too many eggs are produced (2%) or none / not enough eggs are produced (2%). In these cases progression of treatment may be cancelled. It is important to understand that follicles do not always contain an egg. The number of follicles identified by your doctor is only a guide.

Stage 2 - Oocyte (egg) Collection

Oocyte collection is performed using a vaginal ultrasound probe whilst the patient is under general anaesthetic. Your doctor will guide a fine needle into each follicle to collect the contents of each follicle. Your scientist is on hand identifying the oocytes and then washing and incubating them in preparation for fertilisation. As not all follicles contain a mature or retrievable oocyte, the number of follicles tends not to match the number of oocytes retrieved. In rare circumstances, as a result of specific medical conditions, your doctor may use a laparoscopic approach to egg pick up.

Stage 3 - Fertilisation

Several hours after oocyte collection a semen sample is required, usually provided through masturbation. Your scientist will isolate the best sperm and a controlled number will be added to the oocytes. The following day they are checked for early signs of fertilisation. We can usually confirm the results by the second day.

Stage 4 - Embryo Transfer to the Uterus

A couple of days after fertilisation, embryo/s are returned to the uterus using a fine catheter gently passed through the cervix. The procedure takes minutes, is painless and no anaesthetic is required – it can be likened to a pap smear. As recommended by the Fertility Society of Australia couples are encouraged to have a maximum of two embryos transferred. In many cases only one embryo will be transferred. This decision is made in consultation with your doctor.

Any excess good quality embryos will be frozen for future use. Occasionally, if your ovaries have responded excessively to stimulation and a large number of eggs are retrieved, your doctor may cancel your transfer due to risks associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. In this case the embryos would be frozen and a frozen embryo transfer scheduled for a subsequent cycle.

Stage 5 - Luteal Phase Support

Luteal support is often required to ensure that there is adequate progesterone supporting the embryo/s. There are several forms of support available and they are individualized to each woman.

Stage 6 - Pregnancy

You will usually do a blood pregnancy test at QFG around 14 to 16 days after transfer. Unfortunately miscarriage occurs with IVF exactly the same as it does with natural conception (20%).