IVF is a process where the eggs and sperm are combined in the lab to create embryos.

 

IVF usually involves taking injectable hormone medications for 9-12 days. These injections can be self-administered into the skin on your abdomen. Prior to starting the IVF cycle, you will have an education session so you feel comfortable giving yourself these medications in advance. During the time you take these medications, you will have cycle monitoring appointments where we will perform ultrasound and blood tests to ensure your body is responding as expected to the medication. 
Once the follicles on the ovaries have grown we will schedule you for your egg retrieval. 
 

IVF for our patients is done in collaboration with Markham Fertility Centre (MFC). Procedures such as egg retrievals and embryo transfers are performed at MFC. They are the only clinic in Ontario that has an Anesthesiologist present during the egg retrieval to provide deeper sedation for the procedure, making it typically pain free. 
 

Once the eggs are retrieved and collected in the lab, they are combined with sperm. Any eggs that fertilize are now called embryos. Embryos are grown in the lab for up to 7 days before they are either frozen or transferred back into the uterus. 
 

Embryos can be frozen for as long as you need them to be. There was a recent live birth from an embryo created 27 years ago. 
You also have the option to request genetic testing of the embryos. This is known as Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). Prior to starting your IVF cycle, your doctor will discuss PGT with you and you will be invited to participate in a live webinar with Markham Fertility’s Genetic Counsellor to do a deep dive into benefits, risks, and costs.