Treatments: In Vitro Fertilization
Fertilization of the egg occurs in the laboratory instead of the
fallopian tubes where it naturally occurs. Through the use of
injectable ovulation induction drugs, an ovarian
hyperstimulation is produced, this means that a number of
follicles are produced within the ovaries (normally only one
follicle grows with each menstrual cycle). Once these follicles
are mature (which is followed through vaginal ultrasound), they
are aspirated with a special needle that is inserted through the
vagina, guided by ultrasound. In the laboratory eggs and sperm
are gathered and after three to five days of incubation the
fertilized eggs (embryos) are transferred to the uterus (embryo
transfer). About 14 days after the embryo transfer it is
determined if the procedure was successful or not.
The most frequent indication to perform this procedure is
bilateral tube obstruction, since this procedure does not
require the presence of the fallopian tubes. It also is
performed in cases of unexplained infertility, male factor (mild
to moderate), endometriosis, etc.
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