Running head: IN VITRO FERTILIZATION 1

In Vitro Fertilization: What is it and Patient Teaching

Ashley R. Axtell

Brigham Young University

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In Vitro Fertilization: What is it and Patient Teaching

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an intricate series of procedures that are used to assist those

having trouble conceiving a child. During this process there are five steps. The first is where a

woman uses fertility drugs to promote egg production in which several eggs will be released.

Throughout this step, the woman will have regular transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests to

check the ovaries and hormone levels (MedlinePlus, 2018). Mature eggs are retrieved from the

woman’s ovaries and fertilized in a lab. In a situation where a woman cannot produce her own

eggs, donor eggs may be used. After the eggs have been fertilized by sperm, an egg must

successfully divide to become an embryo. At this point, couples have the option to do a pre-

implantation genetic diagnosis to screen for specific genetic disorders. Lastly, the embryo is

implanted into the woman’s uterus three to five days after retrieval and fertilization. More than

one embryo can be place in the womb at the same time to increase the chance of pregnancy.

However, this can lead to a pregnancy of multiples (MedlinePlus, 2018).

Women should be educated on all the aspects of IVF because it can be a difficult process.

The first thing they should know is that one cycle of IVF can take approximately two weeks and

that more than once cycle may be needed for success. Additionally, there are several different

medications that women who use IVF can be given. These medications are for ovarian

stimulation, egg maturation, prevention of premature ovulation, and to prepare the lining of the

uterus for pregnancy. Each medication can be administered differently. They can be given by

injections, pills, or vaginal suppository. There are side effects of these medications which

women should be aware of. These side effects include hot flashes, headache, mood swings,

depression, insomnia, painful intercourse, decreased breast size, breast tenderness, vaginal
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dryness, bone density loss, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, abdominal

pain and bloating (americanpregnancy.org, 2018).

After the medication cycle is through, a woman will then enter into the egg retrieval

phase. During this, the woman will be sedated and given pain medication. The eggs are ideally

retrieved transvaginally. If the ovaries are not accessible through the vagina they may have to

remove the eggs laparoscopically, which is done be making a small incision in the abdomen near

the navel. These are both outpatient procedures, meaning the woman will be able to go home

that day. Their eggs are then mixed together with sperm in the lab. This process is called

insemination. Once a sperm enters the egg, it is considered fertilized. Upon splitting, the egg is

called an embryo and can now be implanted into the uterus. This is also an outpatient procedure

where the woman may receive a mild sedative and the doctor will insert a long thin catheter into

the vagina and through the cervix to place the embryo into the uterus. The woman may resume

normal daily activities after the procedure, but should consider avoiding vigorous activity for a

short time period (MayoClinic, 2018). After the procedure, it is normal to have a small amount

of clear or bloody discharge. It is also normal to have breast tenderness, mild bloating and

cramping, and constipation.

Approximately two weeks after egg retrieval, a woman will go to her doctor’s office for a

blood test to determine if she is pregnant. As this point, if the woman is pregnant the doctor will

refer her to an obstetrician. If she is not pregnant, she and the doctor can talk about measures to

improve the chance of getting pregnant with another round of IVF (MayoClinic, 2018). The

doctor can look deeper into her reproductive history and determine any causes of infertility that

may not have come up such as certain life style factors or medical history.
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Overall IVF is a wonderful option for those who have trouble getting pregnant. It gives

them an opportunity they otherwise might not have had to have a family. Whether they are able

to use their own eggs or need to use donor eggs, it is amazing that medicine is so advanced that

we can give these women children of their own to nurture.

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References

Infertility medications. (2018). Retrieved from

https://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/infertility-medications/

In vitro fertilization (IVF). (2018). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-

procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716

In vitro fertilization (IVF). (2018). Retrieved from

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007279.htm