The sixth and final step in the IVF procedure is a series of pregnancy tests in order to determine if the procedure was a success or failure. About two weeks after the implantation of the embryo you will be given a pregnancy test to assess whether or not human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is present.
Try and try again
If the first test is positive you will be given another test again a few days after the initial pregnancy test. A positive result of this second test will determine whether or not a third pregnancy test is required. If the second test is not positive then there will be no third test and the procedure will be deemed a failure. However if the second test is positive then a third and final pregnancy test will be given.
Three times a charm
If the results are that all three pregnancy tests are positive you will then be scheduled to undergo an ultrasound. The ultrasound will be given about six weeks after the third and final pregnancy test. If the embryo has developed into a fetus it is at this time that it will be determined that the procedure was successful. It is still possible that at this point the procedure has failed and no fetus has developed from the embryo.
If the procedure fails you have the option of repeating the process. You will likely still have embryos frozen from this procedure to use in another procedure. Because of this the first couple of steps can be skipped and the doctor can prepare you for the implantation process again and start from there.
Please join us in our series A beginners introduction to IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). This was Step 6 and the rest are to follow as we explore an IVF Cycle and In Vitro Fertilization. Step 1 can be found here: Initial IVF Consultation & Preparing the Ovaries for Stimulation