What steps must be done before IVF, GIFT, or ZIFT?

In the cycle preceding in vitro fertilization, patients are given a drug called Lupron (leuprolide acetate) to temporarily "turn off" the ovarian function so that a "baseline state" is reached. All women have a menstrual period when this baseline state is reached. The Lupron prevents a woman's own hormones from interfering with the progress of the cycle.

The woman begins taking injections of strong fertility drugs, known as Pergonal, Pergonal Repronex, Fertinex, Gonadal-S and Follistim. These drugs are given for several days and the development of her eggs is monitored by the physician, Finally, the eggs are harvested for use in IVF, GIFT, or ZIFT when they are fully developed and ready for fertilization. IVF is usually the treatment of choice for the majority of patients needing assisted reproduction.

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