In IVF the eggs are collected from ovaries in the women's body and are fertilized with the sperm separately in a laboratory. These fertilized eggs (embryos) are placed back in the woman's body in the uterus, with the hope that the egg attaches itself to the uterine wall to begin the pregnancy phase. It is a type of assisted reproductive technique and has the highest success rate.
The IVF process involves below mentioned steps -
- In this first step, the doctor prescribes medicine to women to enhance egg production. Through the effect of the medicine, the ovaries produce more eggs than usual. This process of egg production enhancement is known as superovulation.
- In this step, the egg is collected from both ovaries through a small surgical process known as follicular aspiration.
- In this step, the egg is mixed with sperm in the lab. This mixing activity is called insemination. The sperm takes a few hours to enter the egg.
- In this step, the egg starts dividing and forming an embryo. This culture begins within five days of insemination. Those who have a genetic disorder does not want to pass it to the child, can conduct a pre-implantation diagnosis at this stage.
- In this last step, the fertilized egg is placed into the woman's womb for it to attach itself to the uterine wall for the start of pregnancy.
The whole process takes between four and six weeks to complete, from taking medication to pregnancy.
Who qualifies for In Vitro Fertilization?
Couples who are incapable of conceiving through the natural process are the ones who qualify for this fertility treatment technique.
Why is it conducted?
The prime reason couples opt for this process is to get pregnant or to have offspring. Other factors mentioned below are collectively part of the prime reason -
- When your partner suffers from –
- Blockage of the tube which connects ovaries with the uterus through which the egg travels to the uterus.
- The discrepancy in egg quantity and quality for fertilization.
- Growth of non-cancerous tumours in the uterine that hampers implantation.
- Problem with sperm’s functioning or development
- When any of the partners or both have some genetic problem
- If any of you intend to go for cancer treatment or other life-threatening diseases and want to preserve his/her fertility.
- When any or both partners are infertile due to undetected reasons.
What are the benefits associated with IVF?
The main benefit of this treatment is the birth of a child or offspring for people who are unable to conceive through normal processes.
Risks and Complication associated with IVF
Below are some risks and complications pointed out about this assisted method of reproduction –
- Birth of more than one child
- Birth of child before the calculated due date
- The chances of miscarriage are higher in this treatment
- Risk of egg implantation outside of the uterus
- The emergence of infection post-egg collection process from ovaries for fertilization
- The emergence of ovarian syndrome
Request an appointment at Apollo Fertility in Brookefield, Bangalore
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Conclusion
IVF has opened the door to the possibility of having a child for couples, individuals who were not capable of doing so in normal circumstances. This process is easily accessible and has a high success rate in comparison to other assisted reproduction methods.
The IVF process takes between four and six weeks to complete.
Yes, there are a few like headaches, pain in the abdomen, vomiting etc.
The main difference is that in IVF eggs are fertilized outside the body, whereas in a lab and IUI, eggs are fertilized inside the body.
It is required when couples are unable to conceive through a natural process.
If the treatment is done when the woman is below the age of 35 years, then the success rate is high.
