In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Published at 03 November 2024 ، Last update 03 April 2025

In vitro fertilization is a medical procedure used to increase the chances of pregnancy and childbirth. The ovule and sperm are fertilized in the laboratory, using special tools, and then the embryos are transferred into the uterus. (1)

In vitro fertilization is used in the following cases: (2)(3)

Failed to try to conceive naturally for two full years, without using any contraceptive.
Failure to become pregnant, despite resorting to the use of several assistive methods such as fertility medications, or intrauterine insemination (IUI.
As women age, in vitro fertilization may be the only option for pregnancy for women over the age of forty.
Women with problems that affect fertility, such as: hydrosalpinx, ovulation problems, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, etc.
Cases of male infertility, such as weak sperm, lack of motility, and deformity.
Cases of infertility of unknown cause.

The success rate of IVF

The general success rate of IVF is about 50% for those under 35 years of age, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The success rate decreases depending on the nature of the couple’s infertility problems and other factors, as follows: (5)

Women’s age: The success rate is lower for those over 35 years old, as follows:

o Women aged 35-37 years: 36%.

o Women aged 38-40 years: 23%.

o Women older than 40 years: 8%.

The number of times IVF is repeated: The success rate of the procedure increases with its repetition. Pregnancy often succeeds after using IVF two or three times.

Personal factors: The success rate of IVF is affected by the quality and number of ovules and sperms, the presence of problems in the woman’s endometrium, and the quality of the embryos transferred to the uterus.

Timing of fertilization: The timing of each step of the IVF process is important for its success, so success rates may decrease if samples are not collected and fertilized at the correct time. (6)

Fertility clinic: It is important to choose the best fertility clinics, which have experience and modern technologies. (6)

If you are thinking about undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), do not hesitate to visit Al-Ahli IVF Center at Al-Ahli Hospital. We have the best, most experienced and most advanced fertility and assisted reproductive centers.

Preparation for the IVF

Preparation for the IVF process begins from the first day of the menstrual cycle, and continues for 1-2 weeks. At this stage, the woman is given several medications in the form of needles to induce and stimulate ovulation. With the aim of producing a greater number of eggs and preparing the uterus; To increase the chance of IVF success. (3)

During this stage, the doctor performs several tests to accurately track the date of ovulation, such as blood tests and ultrasound. (3)

How is the IVF process done?

The IVF process takes place in four steps:

1.egg retrieval

Approximately 34-36 hours before egg retrieval, the woman is given an explosive needle to ensure and regulate the occurrence of ovulation, and then the ovules are retrieved using the following steps: (3)

Giving the woman sedatives and analgesics.
Installing the egg retrieval needle on the vaginal ultrasound device to help collect the cysts containing the eggs.
Removing eggs from the cysts using a needle connected to a suction device. Several eggs are removed within 20 minutes.
Sending the eggs to the laboratory and placing them in a suitable liquid, at the appropriate temperature and conditions; To ensure its growth, it is then mixed with sperm to produce fertilized eggs.

2.Sperm retrieval

A sample of the man's semen is taken on the same day as egg retrieval. The semen sample is washed and concentrated; With the aim of getting rid of weak and distorted sperm and focusing on only live and active sperm to be used in fertilizing the egg. (7)

3.Fertilization

In this step, sperm and eggs are mixed together in a laboratory vessel under appropriate conditions to encourage the fertilization process. If there are problems with sperm motility, the sperm is injected directly into the egg. The process of fertilization and divisions is then monitored, until fertilized eggs (embryos) are formed. (8)

4.Embryo transfer

After 2-6 days of egg collection and fertilization, the doctor transfers the embryos (one or more) to the uterus, by passing a long, thin tube known as a catheter from the vagina through the cervix to the uterus. This procedure does not cause pain for most women, but some of them feel mild cramps. If the procedure is successful, implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining occurs 5-7 days after egg retrieval. (7)

Post IVF process

Recovery period and pregnancy test time

After completing the IVF process, you can be discharged on the same day and continue your life normally. Your doctor may prescribe progesterone to increase the chance of the embryo’s implantation in the uterus. (7)

Two weeks after the embryo transfer, you can perform a home pregnancy test or a blood test. If the result is positive, you will begin following up on the pregnancy with the doctor, and if it is negative, you can repeat the procedure again or choose other treatments as your doctor deems appropriate. (7)(9)