IVF Czech Republic s.r.o.

In vitro fertilization

The first attempts with artificial insemination were successfully performed over 25 years ago (1978) when thanks to doctors R. Edwards and P. Steptoe ,the first child in the world (Louise Brown - Great Britain) was born by means of the method IVF/ET. Since then, through IVF technology over 2 million  children have been conceived.

It is a complex procedure by which the germ cells , ova and spermatozoa are manipulated outside the female organism - (extracorporal fertilization). Following hormonal treatment leading to the maturation of higher number of oocyte just prior to ovulation,these oocytes are aspirated and transferred to a special cultivation medium, together with the partner´s selected sperm cells.Once fertilized,cultivation of embryos proceeds quite naturally and without intervention. The embryos are then transferred back to the woman´s uterus.

Preparation before IVF

Hormonal stimulation: multiple oocyte growth increases the possibility of gaining a higher number of high-quality oocytes and subsequenly more embryos suitable for a transfer. The superovulation is achieved through a carefully monitored process of hormonal stimulation.

Oocyte retrieval - pick up: The oocyte retrieval from ovaries is performed during a short term general anesthetic,under control of transvaginal sonography and lasts 10-20 minutes on average. The procedure is done with a special needle through the vagina to the ovary from where the oocytes are aspirated.It is an ambulatory procedure and the patient is able to return home approximately 2 hours following the procedure.

Sperm Retrieval and Preparation: Semen is obtained from the partner on oocyte retrieval day in a special soundproof room for this purpose. Sexual abstinence is recommended for 2-3 days prior,obtain a semen sample of the highest quality. After a short preincubation time (approximatelly 2-6 hours) during which repeated washings are performed causing the active sperm cells to swim up into the medium, the oocytes are fertilized by the partner´s sperm in a common solution of ca 50,000-100,000 sperm cells for an oocyte. The fertilization is spontaneous, the spermatozoa themselves move to the oocyte and penetrate its covers. The mutual cultivation of ova and spermatozoa lasts 16-20 hours. Afterwards the embryologist ascertains the fertilization successfulness which is characterized by presence of two pronuclei and two pole bodies. In the event that the partner is not sure if he will be able to obtain spermatozoa on the oocyte retrieval day, he may choose to have them cryopreserved in advance. MESA/TESE is another option of sperm gaining in an IVF cycle in men who have no sperm in their ejaculate.

Embryo cultivation: embryos are cultivated in special thermoregulated media for 2-5 days before they are inserted into the uterus. Excess embryos may be cryopreserved and stored for possible later use.

Embryo transfer (ET): is a method during which embryos are trasferred into the patient´s uterus by means of a special thin catheter. Embryos are inserted in a small fluid amount - medium. This process is quick, mostly painless and is done without anaesthesia. The number of inserted embryos depends mainly on the patient´s age, number of previous failed IVF cycles and the patient´s wish. Usually two embryos are transferred. The patient may leave approximately an hour after ET. 

Pregnancy test is done approximately two weeks following ET.