In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs are implanted in your uterus. One cycle of IVF takes about two weeks.
During IVF, you take medication that causes multiple eggs to mature and be released from the ovaries. A few days after the egg retrieval, one sperm is placed with each egg in a special dish in the lab, and they’re stored together overnight to allow fertilization to occur. The next day, one embryo is transferred into your uterus through the cervix using a catheter (a long thin tube). If there are any embryos left over after the transfer that meet certain quality criteria, they may be frozen for future use.
In vitro fertilization Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are conducted to help determine the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and treatments. These trials are important because they can help us learn how well a new treatment works in people, as well as how safe it is or if there are any side effects. The results of these trials often lead to new medical discoveries that can improve health and save lives.
You may be asked to participate in a clinical trial if you have been diagnosed with infertility or another condition that might qualify you for the study. You should consider participating in a clinical trial because of the following reasons:
- You will receive close monitoring from experienced doctors and nurses who will monitor your health throughout the study.
- Depending on where the trial is taking place, you may be able to get care at leading hospitals or other providers.
- If approved for participation, you may be eligible for special compensation for time and travel expenses during the trial period, which can add up quickly when dealing with fertility treatments. Some clinical trials also offer group or individual counseling sessions before, during and after participation to help patients cope emotionally with all aspects of infertility testing and treatment procedures like egg retrieval surgeries IVF transfers etcetera (these options vary depending on specific location).
What is In vitro fertilization?
In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a popular method of assisted reproductive technology (ART). It’s used when other methods of artificial insemination have failed or aren’t an option.
IVF is a five-step process:
- Ovarian stimulation or induction
- Egg retrieval
- Fertilization and embryo culture
- Embryo transfer
- Luteal support
Is In vitro fertilization safe?
Don’t let the name intimidate you: in vitro fertilization—or IVF, for short—has been around for more than 40 years. Through this time, it’s developed into a reliable and effective method for helping couples become parents.
In fact, about 6 million babies have been born worldwide through IVF since its first successful use in 1978. It has become a popular treatment choice among fertility specialists and their patients thanks to its high success rate.
IVF is considered safe by most experts in the field of reproductive medicine and is backed by decades of research. Several studies suggest that IVF may even be safer than using other fertility treatments or undergoing pregnancy naturally if you’re at risk of giving birth prematurely or having a low-birth-weight baby (under 5 lbs., 8 oz.). For women under 35, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends going straight to IVF if you’ve already tried at least one round of another fertility treatment without success over the course of six months.
Why participate in a clinical trial for In vitro fertilization?
- If you are considering taking part in an In vitro fertilization clinical trial, it’s important to remember that there may be some risks involved. That being said, the benefits of participating in a clinical trial for In vitro fertilization can be great. Here are just a few reasons why:
- You are one of the first people to try out a new treatment. This means you might even have the opportunity to help others learn about a new option!
- You get access to top medical professionals who will watch over and support you throughout your experience.
- You might not have health insurance, but you still want to try something different for your condition! Clinical trials can provide free care that would otherwise cost money.
- You’re excited about helping advance medicine—and you want other people to be able join in on these advances too!