In vitro fertilization (IVF)
What is in vitro fertilization?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of two forms of assisted fertilization treatment we use in Norway to help couples who are struggling for various reasons to become pregnant. The second is insemination treatment (IUI). The treatment involves retrieving the woman’s eggs and fertilizing them in the lab, then implanting them back into the woman’s uterus a few days later.
Who is it for?
Through the fertility check, we determine which kind of treatment is best for you. Generally, we recommend trying IVF treatment if:
- You have tried a long time to get pregnant without success
- A woman has advanced age
- You have not succeeded in becoming pregnant with insemination
- A woman has a limited number of quality eggs
What occurs during in vitro fertilization?
Treatment starts with a stimulation period of normally 10-14 days. Two weeks after the start of stimulation, a fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus and then the nerve-racking wait to take a pregnancy test.
1. STIMULATION PERIOD
2. ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION
In the stimulation period, the woman comes for ultrasound examination, usually twice. If you live far away, a local gynecologist can perform the ultrasound. The ultrasound shows us how many egg sacks the woman produced and how big they have become. After another ultrasound, you will be told when the woman should use the ovulation syringe.
3. EGG EXTRACTION AND IMPLANTATION
About 36 hours after the ovulation syringe is set, you will meet at our clinic. Now the eggs are extracted and put in a petri dish with the man’s sperm to be fertilized. They are allowed to grow and mature at the IVF laboratory before they are implanted back into the woman. This usually happens after 5 days when the embryo has reached the blastocyst stage.
4. Support Treatment and Pregnancy Test
In the days following egg extraction, the woman’s progesterone is increased, which is necessary for a successful pregnancy. After 14 days, a blood test will confirm if you have become pregnant.
5. The road ahead
If the test is positive, the next step is ultrasound examination after 5 weeks (i.e., Pregnancy Week 7). If you live far away, we can refer you to a local gynecologist or nearest hospital for the ultrasound. If the treatment is not successful, you will receive advice and guidance on the way forward, whether it is a new attempt or other solutions.
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