What is IVF?
In-vitro fertilization is the process where the male sperm joins the female egg in a laboratory dish. “In vitro” refers to outside the body, while fertilization connotes attachment and penetration of the sperm into the egg.
Why is IVF performed?
A lot of influencing factors, such as problems of infertility or the pre-existing medical condition of a partner, may make people decide to go through IVF. Some will try in vitro fertilization when all other means of reproduction have failed or if they are older mothers. For same-sex couples, in vitro fertilization provides an added reproductive option for those wanting to create a family, as well as for single persons.
You may consider IVF if you or your partner has:
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes.
- Endometriosis.
- Impotent sperm or low sperm count.
- Various ovarian disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Fibroids in utero.
- Problems with the uterus.
- A known risk of passing on a genetic disease or disorder.
- Unexplained infertility.
- Employ gestational surrogates or egg donors.
How Do I Prepare for In Vitro Fertilization?
Before beginning IVF, several tests will be conducted on the women to identify the ovarian reserve. This test will involve extracting blood from the woman and measuring the level of follicle stimulating hormone, FSH. The outcome of this test will give your physician an idea about the size and the quality of your oocytes.
Your physician will also want to assess your uterus. You may need to undergo an ultrasound, a procedure whereby an image of your uterus is created by using high-frequency sound waves. Your doctor may also wish to insert a scope into your uterus via your vagina. With these tests, your physician can determine the condition of your uterus and decide the best means of implanting the embryos.
Diagnosis about the quality and quantity of the sperm can be determined after giving a sample of semen to analyze in a lab. This will also include examining the size, form, and amount of sperm. If the sperm is weak or damaged, then an intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure can be used. In this ICSI process, the egg is injected directly with sperm by a technician. The ICSI process may be used in the IVF process.
Making the decision to try IVF is a very personal decision, indeed. There are so many different factors to consider.
What will you do with the extra embryos?
- How many embryos would you want to transfer? The chance of having more than one pregnancy increases with the number of embryos transferred. Most doctors will not transfer more than two embryos.
- How do you feel about the possibility of becoming pregnant with twins, triplets, or a higher-order multiple?
- What are the emotional and legal consequences of using a surrogate or donated sperm, eggs, or embryos?
- What types of emotional, physical, and financial issues are associated with in vitro fertilization?
How is in vitro fertilization performed?
In IVF, there are the following steps to follow:
- Birth Control Pills or Estrogen: Your healthcare provider may prescribe birth control pills or estrogen for some time before starting the IVF treatment to prevent the formation of ovarian cysts and for the right timing of the menstrual cycle. A combination of pills might be prescribed (estrogen and progesterone), or estrogen in its pure form.
- Stimulation: In a natural cycle, one egg matures every month and disintegrates. Whereas in IVF, injectable hormone medications encourage the whole group of eggs to mature all at once. Of course, different types, dosages, and frequencies are always different, depending on medical history, age, AMH level, and previous responses to IVF stimulation.
- Egg extraction: Health care professionals use ultrasound to guide a needle into ovaries and pull out eggs from each follicle. Eggs are put into a solution-containing dish in an incubator. Medication is given along with mild sedation. Retrieval is done 36 hours after the hormone injection.
- Implantation: The mature eggs, after retrieval, are allowed to get fertilized by the embryologists using ICSI. Immature eggs are kept in a dish that contains sperm and nutrients. On average, 70% of mature eggs get fertilized, and if successful, the fertilized egg forms an embryo. Eggs can be frozen for future use.
- Development of embryos: The embryo development will be closely followed in the next five to six days. Averages of 50 % of the fertilized embryos reach a stage known as a blastocyst, which is most suitable for uterine transfer. All suitable embryos for transfer are frozen for future use.
- Transfer of embryos: Embryo transfers may either be fresh or frozen. In fresh embryo transfer, it gets inserted into the uterus three to seven days after egg retrieval. Frozen transfers involve embryos that were frozen from previous IVF cycles or donor eggs. For frozen embryo transfers, oral, injectable, vaginal, or transdermal hormones are needed to prepare the uterus to take in the transferred embryo. It follows the process of fresh embryo transfers, but it takes less than 10 minutes. It involves placing a speculum in the vagina, inserting a catheter into the uterus, and injecting the embryos through that catheter.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy occurs when, upon embryo implantation, it fastens to the lining of the uterus. This is usually confirmed through a blood test nine to 14 days from the date of transfer. In cases where donor eggs are used, ovarian stimulation and retrieval occur. With these factors considered, details about your IVF treatment are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
What are the complications associated with in vitro fertilization?
IVF carries the same risks as any other medical procedure. These consist of:
- Multiple births, which raise the possibility of preterm birth and low birth weight
- Miscarriage
- An ectopic pregnancy where the implantation of the eggs occurs outside the uterus
- A rare OHSS, marked by an accumulation of fluid in the chest and abdominal cavity
- Bleeding, infection, or damage to the bladder or intestine.
What are the success rates for IVF by age?
Instead of data per cycle, data are measured per egg retrieval in the United States. The average proportion of live births per egg retrieval in 2019 was as follows:
- Under 35 years of age: 46.7%
- 35–37 years of age: 34.2%
- 38–40 years of age: 21.6%
- 41–42 years of age: 10.6%
- 43 and over: 3.2%
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
If you are undergoing IVF and you are experiencing any of the following, call your doctor:
- You have a fever over 100.5 °F (38.05 °C).
- There is blood in your urine.
- You are bleeding bright red vaginal blood heavily.
- Your abdominal cramping is severe.
What is the long-term outlook?
In vitro fertilization, besides being a complex decision, is emotionally, physically, and financially burdensome. Consult your doctor for advice and a support group or counselor for the best options available to you and your partner.
Why Tender Palm IVF & Fertility Center for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm IVF & Fertility Center offers the best In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Lucknow, India. Our experienced team of IVF specialists, embryologists, and fertility counselors provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your medical condition and fertility goals. We use state-of-the-art IVF labs, advanced stimulation protocols, and high-precision embryo transfer techniques to maximize success rates. From ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval to fertilization, embryo culture, and transfer, every step is managed with utmost care and precision. We ensure transparent communication, compassionate support, and ethical care throughout your IVF journey.