IVF – in vitro fertilisation

IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, is the best-known and most widely used method of assisted reproduction. It helps couples who are unable to conceive naturally – whether due to problems with ovulation, sperm, fallopian tubes or for no apparent reason.

Book a Consultation
IVF
IVF IVF – minimal stimulation IVF – natural cycle

How IVF works

During IVF, the woman's eggs are fertilised outside the body in a special culture medium. The developing embryo is then transferred back into the uterus, where natural development can continue.

Scroll down
How IVF works
Hormonal stimulation
1

Hormonal stimulation

In order to retrieve several eggs at once, the woman undergoes short-term hormonal stimulation (lasting approximately 10 days). Its aim is to support the growth of multiple follicles in the ovaries – each of which may contain one egg.

Next step
Egg retrieval (OPU)
2

Egg retrieval (OPU)

Once the follicles are large enough, the doctor performs a gentle egg retrieval procedure – on an outpatient basis and under short-term anaesthesia. The retrieved eggs are immediately transferred to the embryology laboratory.

Next step
Fertilisation using the ICSI method
3

Fertilisation using the ICSI method

The eggs are fertilised using the ICSI method (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), in which the embryologist injects one carefully selected sperm directly into the egg.


Find out more
Next step
Embryo culture
4

Embryo culture

The resulting embryos are cultured under laboratory conditions until the fifth or sixth day, i.e. to the blastocyst stage. This process makes it possible to select embryos with the highest chance of successful implantation. If there is a higher number of blastocysts, assisted hatching may be recommended. This improves embryo protection during freezing and may increase the success rate after thawing during a subsequent cryoembryo transfer (KET/FET).

Find out more
Next step
Embryo transfer into the uterus
5

Embryo transfer into the uterus

The selected embryo is transferred into the uterus on the fifth day of culture, in a procedure known as embryo transfer.

Next step
Freezing of remaining embryos
6

Freezing of remaining embryos

If more high-quality embryos are available, they can be frozen using vitrification. Embryos preserved in this way can be used in the future for cryoembryo transfer (KET/FET).

Who IVF is suitable for

  • Couples with ovulation disorders or blocked fallopian tubes
  • Cases of reduced sperm quality
  • Repeated unsuccessful attempts to conceive
  • Unexplained infertility lasting longer than 1–2 years
  • If previous methods (e.g. IUI) have not been successful

Benefits of the IVF method

IVF – minimal stimulation

What is minimal stimulation?

Minimal stimulation IVF is a type of assisted reproduction in which low doses of hormones are used to stimulate the ovaries. This gentle approach is often well tolerated, but it is important to expect a lower number of retrieved eggs.

It is ideal for women with lower ovarian reserve, where strong hormonal stimulation is not effective.

Scroll down
IVF

For whom is this the ideal treatment?

Women with lower ovarian reserve

Women who want to minimise the hormonal burden

How the treatment works – step by step

Initial consultation and basic examination Initial consultation and basic examination
Next step
Low-dose stimulation with hormonal medication (5–12 days) Low-dose stimulation with hormonal medication (5–12 days)
Next step
Egg retrieval under short-term anaesthesia Egg retrieval under short-term anaesthesia
Next step
Fertilisation of eggs using the ICSI method and 5-day embryo culture Fertilisation of eggs using the ICSI method and 5-day embryo culture
Next step
Embryo transfer into the uterus Embryo transfer into the uterus

Benefits of minimal stimulation

Lower hormonal burden on the body

Fewer side effects and complications

Possibility of repetition with less strain

Disadvantages of minimal stimulation

In women with a normal response, a lower number of eggs is usually retrieved, which may lead to a lower success rate.

IVF – natural cycle

What is a natural cycle?

Natural cycle IVF is a gentle method of assisted reproduction that uses the woman's natural cycle – without the use of stimulation medication.

Scroll down
IVF
IVF

How the natural cycle works

During the natural cycle, we use ultrasound to monitor how the follicle grows, in which the egg matures. Once the follicle is large enough, the doctor retrieves the egg.

In the laboratory, it is then fertilised using the ICSI method – under a microscope, a selected sperm is injected into the egg.

The entire process takes place without stimulation, within the woman's natural cycle.

Scroll down

Who natural cycle IVF is suitable for

  • Especially for patients with low ovarian reserve
  • For patients with sensitivity to hormones

Benefits of natural cycle IVF

  • No hormonal stimulation
  • Minimal burden on the body
  • Lower risk of complications and side effects
  • Possibility of repetition with less strain on the body

Disadvantages of natural cycle IVF

Natural cycle IVF takes place naturally, without hormonal stimulation. This means that usually only one egg is retrieved, which may affect the success rate of treatment.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is IVF painful?

The egg retrieval procedure in standard IVF and minimal stimulation is performed under short-term anaesthesia. The rest of the process is outpatient-based and usually without significant physical discomfort.

How many eggs are usually retrieved during standard IVF?

The aim of stimulation is to obtain approximately 8–15 mature eggs, but the number may vary depending on the individual response of the body.

How long does the entire IVF cycle take?

A standard IVF cycle takes approximately 3 weeks from the start of stimulation to embryo transfer.

How many embryos are transferred during embryo transfer?

In most cases, only one embryo is transferred during embryo transfer. This approach – also called single embryo transfer – is recommended in an effort to minimise the risks associated with multiple pregnancy, which may endanger the health of the woman and the developing foetus.

You can find out how IVF treatment at ReproGenesis works
here

More information
Decorative graphic
Donation coordinator

Mgr. Hana Ströer

IVF Coordinator
Phone: +420 530 338 338 Email: info@reprogenesis.cz

Hlinky 144, 603 00 Brno, CZ

Do you need more information?
Contact us!

IVF koordinátorky
Telefon: +420 530 338 338 E-mail: info@reprogenesis.cz

Hlinky 144, 603 00 Brno, CZ

Potřebujete více informací?
Ozvěte se nám!