Step 1: Preparation of the Pituitary Glands and Ovaries
Pain Level: 4
The IVF preparation process can be overwhelming, especially for those unsure of what happens in the lab. Initially, patients will take a variety of oral medication and receive daily injections. One of the main
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation and Ultrasound Monitoring
Pain Level: 4
Some clients may find this part of IVF procedure painful, but it is usually manageable. Daily injections of intravenous drugs are given to patient in order to stimulate follicles and increase the number of follicles within the ovaries. This increases the chance in a successful IVF procedure. Once these follicles reach the desired size or number, intramuscular injections of HCG are given in attempt to mimic the body’s natural LH surge. Is IVF treatment painful at this point? It can absolutely be uncomfortable. Again, acetaminophen and applying heat/cold to the affect injection area(s) can be helpful. Ultrasound monitoring is usually performed at this stage at a fertility clinic Scottsdale, AZ to monitor the growth of follicles, but this procedure rarely causes pain or discomfort.
Step 3: Egg Retrieval
Pain Level: 5-6
The most common question that patients have is “Is IVF egg retrieval process painful?” Prior to egg retrieval, many blood tests are performed which can cause a level of discomfort. At this point, patients have been subjected to many injections which can make this fairly simple. However, the answer to the question is IVF egg retrieval process painful is “yes.” Yet, the level of pain that is felt can vary greatly. A board certified anesthesiologist will administer IV sedation prior to beginning the egg retrieval process. Then a long probe is inserted into the vagina to remove the egg sacs, or follicles from the ovaries. This process can cause apprehension in patients who have the concern “is egg retrieval painful in IVF.” As a result, an oral anxiety medication can also be administered to calm the nerves of patients and make the procedure a little more comfortable. This can help patients feel as though “is egg retrieval painful in IVF” is a question of the past.
Step 4: Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
Pain Level: 2-3
After retrieval, viable eggs are then placed into an incubator and then fertilized with sperm that same day. To find out how many embryos, read this. The eggs are checked within 18-20 hours to determine if fertilization occurred. Once the eggs is fertilized it then becomes a zygote, which develops into an embryo. The embryos are grown into blastocysts, which have the best chance for implantation. At this point is ivf treatment painful? No. All of this occurs outside of the body. After fertilization, the blastocyst is then transferred into the body using a small catheter. Although this is a painless procedure, a Valium is usually given for overall comfort. Some IVF processes differ slightly, though most follow this same general procedure.