Treatment with your own eggs (IVF)

For the success of the artificial insemination treatment, it is necessary to obtain quality oocytes. The more quality oocytes we have, the higher the probability of obtaining quality embryos for embryo transfer.

The number of oocytes released is mainly influenced by the age of the patient, the state of their ovaries (ovarian reserve) and the type of stimulation protocol. Proper and controlled stimulation leads to the growth and maturation of an adequate number of follicles and the gain of a sufficient number of oocytes. It is therefore imperative to take all medications according to the treatment plan.

The procedure is individual for each woman. On the 6th or 7th day of stimulation, an ultrasound examination is performed to check the number and size of individual follicles. On the basis of this examination, the stimulation dose of hormones is then increased or decreased, if necessary. Subsequently, 2 days (or 34-36 hours) before the planned egg retrieval, the woman receives an injection of hCG (Pregnyl), which is used to ripen the eggs.

Oocyte retrieval takes place 34-36 hours after the injection of hCG under ultrasound control under general anaesthesia. Each oocyte obtained is placed in a special culture dish and placed in an incubator after examination under a microscope.
On the day of egg collection, the woman arrives in the morning at a pre-determined time. From midnight onwards it is necessary to not eat, drink or smoke.

After egg retrieval, the woman remains on bed rest for about 2 hours, during which time she is informed about the number of eggs retrieved and the quality of the sperm (the partner submits a semen sample on the day of egg retrieval). After the procedure, incapacity for work can be issued.

After discharge, an escort is required, the woman is not allowed to drive the car alone. After the procedure, she starts taking the medication prescribed by the doctor. These medications are taken until the pregnancy test. In the case of pregnancy, the medication is continued until approximately the 10th week of pregnancy, unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor. Patients who are still taking other medications continue to take these medications as recommended by their doctor.

Ask the nurse at the clinic reception and a sick note will be issued.

The success of fertilization is checked by an embryologist under a microscope 16-18 hours after fertilization. The resulting embryos are called pronuclei. Their number depends on the quality of the sperm, the eggs and the method of fertilisation. Assessing the quality of embryos at the pronucleus stage is very difficult. To assess the quality of the embryos, the so-called prolonged culture is used. In special media, it allows embryos to grow to higher stages. It is possible to distinguish embryos that are developing normally from embryos that are slowing down or stopping development and thus select quality embryos for transfer. The decision of which culture day is most suitable for embryo transfer depends on the number and developmental stages of the individual embryos and is entirely in the hands of the embryologist.

A special laboratory method that consists in disrupting the protective layer of the embryo, the so-called zona pellucida. It is mainly used for embryos before the planned preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) or in exceptional cases on the recommendation of an embryologist. For example, if the zona pellucida is too thick or hard. In other cases it is unnecessary to perform this method. A viable embryo can cope with leaving the zona pellucida and subsequent nidation on its own.

The transfer of embryos to the uterus is usually carried out on day 5-6 after egg retrieval. The decision of which day of culture is the most suitable for embryo transfer depends on the number and developmental stages of individual embryos.

The transfer is painless and is performed without general anaesthesia. It is similar to a normal gynaecological examination. The doctor introduces the embryo into the uterus under the direct observation of ultrasound. The patient and her partner can see their embryo on a monitor and then watch its transfer into the uterus.

After the transfer, the woman remains lying peacefully on the ward for 10 - 15 minutes, after which the nurse prepares the required prescriptions and accompanies her to the economic department for the conclusion of treatment.

On the day of transfer and the following two days, rest is recommended. From the third day after the transfer it is possible to return to normal daily life.