Phone: +49 351 501 400-0
Kinderwunsch Zentrum Dresden

IVF treatment steps

1. stimulation of oocyte maturation

For In Vitro Fertilization, it is necessary to achieve maturation of multiple follicles through controlled hyperstimulation. By stimulation we increase the chances of obtaining several oocytes, fertilizing them successfully, and thus transferring one to three embryos.

Stimulation with genetically engineered FSH or HMG preparation has proven to be effective. Stimulation begins on the second or third day of the cycle with injections of these hormones. To prevent premature ovulation, FSH or HMG stimulation is combined with a GnRH analogue or a GnRH antagonist. The start of GnRH analogue administration is either already in the second half of the pre-cycle (long protocol) or it starts with the stimulation (short protocol) or, in the case of the GnRH antagonist protocol, during FSH or HMG stimulation.

2. control of oocyte maturation

At the beginning of treatment, ultrasound is used, in combination with hormone tests where appropriate, to determine whether the requirements for stimulation treatment have been met. The growing follicles are monitored during the stimulation treatment by ultrasound.

3. triggering ovulation

The administration of GnRH agonists or GnRH antagonists prevents ovulation from starting spontaneously and the oocytes from being lost. In preparation for egg retrieval for in vitro fertilization, ovulation is induced by HCG injection (in place of natural LH). …

The hormone levels, the thickness of the endometrium and the number of follicles with optimal size (about 20 mm) are used to make the decision. About 40 hours later spontaneous ovulation would occur, i.e. the oocytes would be lost for further treatment. Therefore, we plan to retrieve the oocytes from the follicle after about 36 hours (puncture).

4. oocyte retrieval

The follicles are punctured from the vagina under ultrasound guidance. Although anesthesia is not necessarily required, surgery under anesthesia is perceived as significantly less traumatic, and sufficient oocytes can be retrieved even under difficult puncture conditions. …

If there are no complications, you are discharged the same day despite general anesthesia.

5. sperm collection

It is important that the semen is available directly after egg collection and as germ-free as possible. The semen can also be collected at home, but must be brought to our laboratory within one hour. …

Then the sperm cells are purified in the laboratory and concentrated by special preparation methods (swim-up method).
In the case of particularly low sperm count, other processing methods and, of course, ICSI are possible.

6. fertilization of oocytes

Fertilization of single cells and growth of embryos

IVF

The sperm delivered by the male partner shortly after egg retrieval is prepared in the laboratory and combined with the eggs in the culture fluid approximately 3 to 4 hours after egg retrieval. …

Conventional in vitro fertilization requires approximately 100,000 motile sperm cells per egg.

The egg and sperm cells remain together in an incubator at 37°C for about 18 hours. After this time, it is checked whether sperm penetration into the egg and fertilization has occurred (impregnation). During further incubation in the incubator, the fertilized eggs divide, and the desired number of embryos is subsequently transferred to the uterus. Excess impregnated eggs can be frozen and used at a later time.

ICSI

If the sperm quality is not sufficient for IVF, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is performed. In this method, a sperm cell is specifically selected and injected directly into the egg.

7. transfer of embryos

If at least one vital embryo has matured in the culture medium, it can be transferred up to five days after egg retrieval. This procedure is performed at the clinic.

The embryo or embryos are transferred directly into the uterine cavity using a thin catheter under ultrasound control. This transfer (embryo transfer) is generally painless, it is done in the clinic on an examination chair.

If your partner would like to be present during the embryo transfer, he is very welcome.

During the following two weeks, normal physical activity is recommended, and you will mainly receive progestogens as medication to support possible implantation. After two weeks you will receive an appointment for the first pregnancy blood test.

Behavior after embryo transfer

During the treatment, please remember to ensure adequate sleep and a healthy diet. Pay special attention to a diet rich in vitamins and proteins. It is recommended to take 800 µg folic acid and 150 µg iodide per day. Please drink enough (e.g. mineral water) and avoid nicotine and alcohol.

It is very important to have a positive and hopeful attitude and a balanced mood.

Make an appointment now!
Kinderwunschzentrum Dresden
Dresden Fertility Center
in the Wöhrl Plaza
Prager Str. 8a
01069 Dresden
Phone +49 351 501 400-0
Fax +49 351 501 400-28
Email:
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Cryobank in the Kinderwunschzentrum Dresden
Prager Str. 8a
01069 Dresden
Tel. 0351 50140019
E-Mail:
Office hours
Mon., Wed., Thu. 08.00 – 19.00 Hrs
Tue. 08.00 – 13.00 Hrs and
14.30 – 19.00 Hrs
Fri. 08.00 – 14.00 Hrs

Availability by telephone
Mon. - Thu. 08.00 – 13.00 Hrs and
14.30 – 18.00 Hrs
Fri. 08.00 – 14.00 Hrs

Blood sampling
Mon. - Thu. 08.00 – 17.30 Hrs
Fri. 08.00 – 13.30 Hrs

On Tuesdays the clinic is closed from 13.00 to 14.30 Hrs!