Fertilization in vitro
If you are considering in vitro fertilization, you may have questions about the treatment, timing, and how it can fit into your life.
Here we explain how it works and what you can discuss with the team before making a decision.
- What you can explore
- An option to seek pregnancy, based on your history and medical assessment
- How it is performed
- The eggs are fertilized in the lab and the embryo is transferred to the uterus
- Where
- Bogotá, Colombia
How in vitro fertilization works
In IVF, eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab. The team monitors the development of the embryos and assesses which can be used for transfer to the uterus.
The eggs and sperm can be your own or donated, depending on the treatment plan. The team will explain the options and what each entails.
During in vitro fertilization the team may use a technique called ICSI, which involves introducing a sperm into an egg. Whether it is suitable depends on the medical assessment; you can ask why it is being considered for you.
The treatment has several stages and the timing may change based on studies and response to medication. You can check the appointments and information that the team shares in our mobile app, and discuss any questions that arise.
The stages of treatment
These six stages help you understand the process. The team will review the expected timing with you and explain if adjustments to the plan are necessary.
- 01
First call
A 45-minute video call to listen to you, understand what you are looking for, and discuss your questions. You can share any studies you have and learn how to start the medical assessment, without having to decide that day.
- 02
Assessment and studies
We review your history and available studies to assess which are still useful and if additional information is needed. If you live outside Colombia, you can discuss with the team what studies to conduct before traveling.
- 03
Ovarian stimulation
The medication helps develop several follicles in the ovaries. During this stage, monitoring is done to observe the response and adjust the treatment as needed. If you have discomfort or questions, you can discuss them with the team.
- 04
Egg retrieval
The eggs are obtained through a procedure with sedation. Beforehand, the team will explain how to prepare, what you may feel afterward, and what care you will need during recovery.
- 05
Laboratory
In the lab, the eggs are fertilized and the development of the embryos is monitored. The team will explain the results and options for moving forward. If a genetic study is proposed, you will learn its purpose, limitations, and the decisions it may guide.
- 06
Transfer and pregnancy test
The embryo is transferred to the uterus according to the agreed plan. Afterwards, the team will indicate when to take the pregnancy test and how to continue treatment during the wait.
If the result does not confirm a pregnancy, you can discuss what happened and the available options, with time to decide how to proceed.
When it may be an option
To know if in vitro fertilization is an option for you, we first want to understand your story and review your studies. The medical team will explain what alternatives you have and why they might help, allowing time to discuss and address your questions.
-
Blocked or absent tubes
When the tubes hinder or prevent the meeting of the egg and sperm, the team may consider IVF.
-
Semen abnormalities
Some results from the semen analysis may lead to considering IVF and, when indicated, the ICSI technique.
-
Previous treatments without pregnancy
If you have undergone treatments without achieving a pregnancy, we will review the results and the factors that may influence the next step with you. This information will help assess whether IVF is an option for you.
-
An indication for genetic testing
When there is a medical reason to study the embryos before transfer, the team can explain which test is appropriate and what information it provides.
These situations are indicative. The recommendation and possibilities for pregnancy depend on your history and medical evaluation. You can ask about the benefits, risks, and alternatives of each option.
What is included in the quote
It is included
- Fees for the medical team and laboratory
- Stimulation medications
- Follicle aspiration with sedation
- Cultivation and monitoring of embryos
- Embryo transfer
- Access to our mobile app throughout the process
Quoted separately
- Your travel and accommodation
- Genetic testing of the embryo, when indicated in your case
- Freezing of embryos that are not transferred
- Additional treatments arising from your case
We will review with you what the budget includes and which services are quoted separately, along with their estimated values. You can ask about embryo preservation, future transfers, and any conditions you need to clarify before signing.
Frequently asked questions
-
The medical team will explain how many embryos they propose to transfer and why, considering the treatment circumstances. Transferring more than one can increase the risk of multiple pregnancies. You can discuss the possibilities of pregnancy and the care needed for you and the baby.
-
This is done with sedation. Before the procedure, you can talk to the team about your concerns and how pain is managed. Afterwards, you may experience discomfort; you will receive recovery instructions and when to consult. You will also be able to confirm what support you need to return home.
-
The embryos that can be preserved can be frozen for later use. The team will explain the options, consents, and storage conditions. You can review the timelines, costs, and what alternatives exist if your family plans change.
-
The stay depends on the treatment plan and the check-ups you need. Some conversations and follow-ups can be done via video call or through the app. Before organizing your trips, check with the team when your presence will be necessary and which dates might change.
Do you want to discuss your situation? Ask marIAna at any time, or schedule the call to share your questions with the team.
