IVF
In vitro fertilization for single women
What is in vitro fertilization?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a way to help single women who want to get pregnant. It is one of two forms of assisted reproduction that we use in Norway. The other is insemination treatment (IUI)The treatment involves us retrieving and fertilizing your eggs in the laboratory, before putting them back in a few days later.
Who is it for?
We usually recommend in vitro fertilization if:
- You are old.
- You have not been successful in getting pregnant with insemination treatment
- You have blocked fallopian tubes.
How does in vitro fertilization take place?
The treatment begins with a stimulation period of normally 10-14 days. After just over two weeks from the start of stimulation, a fertilized egg is transferred back and the nerve-wracking time of a pregnancy test awaits.
1. Stimulation period
You are stimulated to develop more eggs than the one you normally produce each month. This is done by inserting a small syringe into the skin just below your belly button. The stimulation period usually lasts 10-14 days.
2. Ultrasound examination
During the stimulation period, you will have an ultrasound examination, usually twice. If you live far away, a local gynecologist can perform the ultrasound. Here we will find out how many follicles you are producing and how large they have become. After the second ultrasound, you will be told when to give the ovulation injection.
3. Egg retrieval and reset
Approximately 36 hours after the ovulation injection is given, you will meet at the clinic. The eggs will now be retrieved and placed in a dish with the donor's sperm to be fertilized. They will then be cultured and divided in the IVF laboratory before being put back into you. This usually happens after 5 days when the embryo has reached the blastocyst stage.
4. Supportive treatment and pregnancy test
In the days following egg retrieval, you will be given the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for success. After 14 days, a blood test will tell you whether you have become pregnant.
5. The way forward
If the test is positive, the next step is an ultrasound examination after 5 weeks (i.e. week 7 of pregnancy). If you live far away, we can refer you to an ultrasound at a local gynecologist or at the nearest hospital. If the treatment is unsuccessful, you will receive advice and guidance on the way forward, whether it is a new attempt or other solutions.
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