In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an advanced reproductive technique that aids infertility, genetic issues, and childbirth.
In IVF, mature eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized in the lab. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then transferred to a uterus. IVF takes roughly three weeks to complete. These processes may be divided into portions, making the procedure lengthier.
IVF is the most successful type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). It can be done using a couple’s eggs and sperm is possible or using known or unknown donors’ eggs, sperm, or embryos.
IVF success rates depend on numerous variables, including age and the reason for infertility. Your doctor can explain how IVF works, the dangers, and if this treatment is good for you.
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Everything you need to know about IVF
What is IVF?
You must have heard of IVF or test tube babies. IVF is a method of fertilization in which we collect eggs and sperm and combine them physically in a laboratory dish. Soon, we monitor the growth for five days and transfer the embryo to the uterus.
Once the embryo implants in the woman’s uterus, the pregnancy may begin naturally. Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) are two further types of ART.
The Success Rate of IVF
The success rate varies on variables including reproductive history, age, infertility, etiology, and lifestyle. Also, pregnancy rates are not the same as live birth rates. No matter what you do, the average success rate of an IVF procedure remains 30-40%
Who needs IVF?
One may need IVF in the following conditions:
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage: Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes make it difficult to fertilize eggs or transfer embryos to the uterus.
- Ovulation disorders: Fewer eggs are accessible for fertilization if ovulation is irregular or missing.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when uterine lining tissue implants and develops outside the uterus, affecting the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
- Uterine fibroids: Uterine Fibroids are uterine benign tumors that are common in women who are in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids may obstruct the implantation of the sperm.
- Previous tubal sterilization or removal: Tubal ligation is a method of sterilization that permanently blocks the fallopian tubes. If you want to become pregnant after tubal ligation, IVF is an option.
- Impaired sperm production or function: Poor sperm concentration, motility, or size and shape might make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. A visit to an infertility expert may be required if abnormalities in the sperm are discovered.
- Unexplained infertility: Unexplained infertility implies no reason has been discovered despite typical factors being evaluated.
- A genetic disorder: You or your spouse may be eligible for preimplantation genetic testing, which entails IVF. After fertilization, the eggs are checked for genetic defects, albeit not all defects are identified. Embryos with no known issues may be transplanted to the uterus.
Process of IVF
The IVF and embryo transfer procedure involves five distinct parts. These are:
- Step 1: Doctors prescribe fertility drugs to encourage egg production. After retrieval, some eggs will not mature or fertilize, therefore having a large number of eggs is good. The ovaries are examined with a transvaginal ultrasound, and blood is drawn to measure hormone levels.
- Step 2: A hollow needle is inserted into the pelvic cavity to extract the eggs during a small surgical operation guided by ultrasound imaging. Medication is given to alleviate any pain that may arise.
- Step 3: A sample of sperm from the man is requested, and this sperm is prepared for mixing with the egg.
- Step 4: Sperm and eggs are combined in a laboratory dish during insemination to promote conception. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be utilized in situations when fertilization is less likely than usual. A single sperm is inserted directly into the egg during this technique to fertilize it. Fertilization and cell division are confirmed by monitoring the eggs. Embryos are defined as the developing cells within fertilized eggs.
- Step 5: Following the egg harvesting and fertilization, the embryos are normally transferred to the woman’s uterus three to five days later. Transplantation of embryos is performed by inserting a catheter or tiny tube into the uterus. While some women may have moderate cramping after the surgery, it’s usually harmless for most. After egg retrieval, implantation usually takes six to ten days if everything goes well.
Conclusion
If you are facing difficulties in conceiving naturally, IVF can be a rescue. Many couples have become parents after choosing IVF treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any questions regarding your chances of becoming pregnant. You can book an appointment and talk to our experts.