In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproduction method wherein eggs and sperm are joined outside of the uterus in a lab dish. A woman's uterus is used to deliver one or more fertilized eggs (embryos), which mature and implant in the uterine lining. It is uncommon for IVF treatments and procedures to cause serious problems.
What is In Vitro Fertilization?
In vitro fertilization occurs outside of the body, in a lab, where eggs are fertilized by sperm. Afterward, one (or more) of those fertilized eggs is put into the uterus in the hope that it will implant and lead to a pregnancy, which will then result in a child nine months later. There have been an estimated 8 million IVF births globally since the first one in 1978.
Steps of IVF Treatment
Increasing the egg production
- It is a process known as stimulation, which starts after the use of fertility medicines.
- The greater the number of eggs generated, the greater the likelihood that subsequent fertilization will be successful.
- Throughout this phase of the IVF procedure, the ovaries are examined and hormone levels monitored by transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests.
Removing the eggs
- To remove the eggs, a quick operation known as follicular aspiration is done.
- The doctor uses ultrasound during the surgery to help them precisely place a small needle through the vagina into each ovary. One egg at a time is removed using a device that is hooked to the needle.
Collecting and uniting the sperm with the eggs
- A donor donates a sample of sperm while the eggs are extracted. One might decide to use donated sperm. Then, the sperm is placed through a fast wash and spin cycle to separate the healthiest ones.
- The best sperm and best eggs are combined next, which is the aspect of IVF with which everyone is most familiar.
- An egg must be fertilized by sperm for a few hours on average. The sperm may also be injected directly into the egg by the physician.
Transferring the embryo
- Another medicine is given to the IVF participant when her eggs are harvested. With this procedure, the lining of the uterus becomes prepared to receive the embryos to be placed back inside the woman.
- The embryos are inserted into the uterus using a catheter. It happens around four to five days after fertilization.
- To increase the likelihood that at least one of the several embryos implanted back into the woman will begin to grow, several embryos are transplanted back into her.
Side Effects of IVF
- Soreness
- Vomiting
- mood changes
- exhaustion
- nausea
- adverse responses
- increased vaginal discharge
- Pain in the breasts
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Why IVF is Performed?
People choose IVF for several reasons, including infertility issues or when one partner has a medical condition. If they've had unsuccessful fertility treatments in the past or if they're past the optimum stage for pregnancy, some people consider IVF. IVF is a reproduction option for same-sex partners or single people who wish to start a family.
How does IVF Work?
Your doctor may advise trying a variety of reproductive therapies before resorting to IVF. However, IVF may be the most effective method to conceive for women who have significant fallopian tube obstructions, ovulation problems, a reduced ovarian reserve, low egg quality, or endometriosis by enabling them to have eggs fertilised outside the uterus, thus circumventing these problems. Donated sperm and eggs can be used in IVF for conception.
Side-Effects of IVF
In vitro fertilization can provide the best news of all to couples who are unable to conceive: their dream child is now a reality. IVF is a safe and frequently effective process, which is additional good news. Having said that, there is little probability of adverse effects and some discomfort associated with in vitro fertilization.
IVF Treatment
- When a male partner's sperm quality is low or a woman has anomalies in her fallopian tubes, IVF is her first-line treatment. For issues with male and female infertility that are not resolved by other therapies, it is the second-line therapy.
- IVF offers the alternatives of using donated male sperm and donated female eggs because it is a laboratory-based procedure. These options can help couples and people who are having trouble achieving pregnancy, especially if they face problems with their sperm or eggs.
Conclusion
Since IVF is a costly operation, not all insurance plans may cover it. Many clinics have success rates that are below average, which may not be apparent from their advertising. The live birth rate, not the pregnancy rate, is the key indicator of success. This varies from about 40% for women under the age of 35 to only 18% for those beyond the age of 41. Nevertheless, IVF is an infertility treatment alternative that offers hope to couples otherwise unable to obtain a pregnancy.
The majority of the time, it happens without anesthetic, but in a certain set of patients, it is possible to offer anesthesia.
After the initial consultation, your doctor will explain the ideal time to begin the prescribed treatment plan. The second or third day of your menstruation may be the day your doctor begins your treatment.
If a couple can afford the expenses, they are free to try as many times as they like.
At least 2 months for fresh cycles and 1 month for frozen cycles are required.
After the transfer, 15-20 minutes of rest is generally enough.
