In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside of the body, in a laboratory setting. It is used to help people who are struggling to conceive due to infertility or other reproductive issues. There are several types of IVF that may be used, depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual or couple. Some common types of IVF include:
- Conventional IVF: This is the most common type of IVF and involves the retrieval of eggs from the woman’s ovaries and fertilization with sperm in a laboratory setting. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus in the hopes of achieving a pregnancy.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This is a form of IVF that involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. It is often used in cases where the man has a low sperm count or the sperm are of poor quality.
- Frozen embryo transfer (FET): This involves using embryos that have been previously frozen and thawed for transfer into the woman’s uterus. This may be an option for couples who have undergone a successful IVF cycle and have leftover embryos that they would like to use in the future.
- Donor egg IVF: This involves using eggs from a donor, rather than the woman’s own eggs, to achieve pregnancy through IVF. This may be an option for women who have diminished ovarian reserve or who are otherwise unable to use their own eggs.
- Gestational carrier IVF: This involves using a gestational carrier, or surrogate, to carry the pregnancy. The eggs and sperm may be from the intended parents or from donors. This may be an option for couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves due to medical issues or personal preference.
Overall, there are several types of IVF that may be used to help people achieve pregnancy, and the appropriate type will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual or couple.