In vitro fertilization or IVF refers to a fertilization technique used for assisting couples having problems with having kids of their own. One of the most important equipment used for in vitro fertilization is the in vitro microscope. Without this vital piece of equipment, embryos transferred back to a woman’s body may die all the same and result all the same to an unsuccessful pregnancy.

History of In Vitro Fertilization
It was in July 25, 1978 that the first “test tube” baby, Louise Brown, was born. She was successfully delivered in Oldham Hospital, located just a short distance away from Manchester, England. She was the product of a mastermind strategy formulated by two doctors, namely, Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe. They used a glass dish to successfully unite and fertilize sperms and eggs together and it was the first time that in vitro fertilization had taken place.

Since then, over half a million of babies had been given a chance to live and enrich their parents’ lives and unions. Together with ICSI, even problems of moderate to severe infertility could be successfully resolved.

When to Use In Vitro Microscopes

Stage 1 of In Vitro Fertilization – Ovarian Follicle Development
A woman can grow one egg every month. The chances of getting pregnant is improved with in vitro fertilization because she’s required to take a regimen of medications, generally FSH, to promote follicle development, something that’s quite necessary for in vitro fertilization.

During this stage, an in vitro microscope may not yet be used. Follicle development can only be monitored with either blood or ultrasound monitoring. Cycle data observed and recorded from the proceedings may also be used to help the physician formulate further interpretations.

Stage 2 of In Vitro Fertilization – Oocyte Retrieval or Egg Harvesting
In the old days, laparoscopy was used to harvest eggs or retrieve them from the woman’s body. This technique is performed with the use of an laparascope and requires smaller incisions made on the body. Laparoscopy comes however with a number of risks, such as possible trocar injuries and electric burns, incomplete elimination of carbon dioxide used during the procedure, and last but not the least, patients may have trouble walking afterwards for a short period of time.

Because of this, a new technique called transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte aspiration is now used. A tiny needle, guided by ultrasonic technology, is inserted through the woman’s vaginal wall. During this procedure, the woman will be under IV sedation and local anesthesia. The needle will be able to take out the oocytes simply, quickly, and painlessly. Hospitals and clinics rarely charge patients for this short procedure.

It is during this stage that in vitro microscopes will play its first role. In vitro microscopes are used to monitor and evaluate the condition of eggs. The eggs are initially placed in baby incubators. In many cases, high power in vitro microscopes are integrated with them to allow physicians to study the eggs while they’re being incubated. In vitro microscopes are used to determine and identify the first signs of fertilization or the production of two pronuclei.

Stage 3 of In Vitro Fertilization – Uterine Embryo Transfer
In vitro microscopes are once again set aside for this stage. Embryo transfer is an uncomplicated process and doesn’t even require administering local anesthesia to the patient. During this stage, a tiny catheter is once again used and inserted into the uterus. This is used for embryos to pass through and reach the woman’s uterus. When the embryos reach the uterus successfully, the woman will be asked to lie down for approximately sixty minutes to ensure that the embryos are successfully lodged in her uterus.

After the procedure, women are advised to completely refrain from taking on any physical activity for one to three days. A pregnancy test will be performed at least nine days after but until then, it will be safer for patients not to involve themselves with any arduous task.

Stage 4 of In Vitro Fertilization – Luteal Phase Monitoring and Support
This stage consists of taking several tests to determine pregnancy. In vitro microscopes may be used for some of these tests, but it will greatly depend on the physician’s test preferences and the patient’s condition.

Other treatments may be performed together with in vitro fertilization to complement and facilitate the process of reproduction. ICSI is used, for instance, to help males with infertility problems. Embryo cryopreservation on the other hand is used for preserving extra embryos that may be used later on to reduce medication expenses. Read the entire article