IVF or in vitro fertilization is a complex cycle of procedures that helps with fertility or aids in treating genetic problems while trying to conceive. IVF is the most active and efficient form of generative technology. The IVF treatments can be done in two ways, first, it uses a couple’s sperm and eggs; second, IVF can be performed with eggs, sperm, or embryos from a known or unidentified donor. In certain instances, a gestational carrier — someone who already has an embryo planted in the uterus — could be utilized.
During IVF treatments, matured eggs are recovered from ovaries and inseminated by sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized egg/eggs are moved to a uterus. The complete cycle of IVF treatments lasts for about three weeks. Now and then the stages are divided into different sections and the procedure can extend for a longer duration. If more than one egg is transported to the uterus, IVF can cause multiple pregnancies. A few other IVF side effects include mood swings, bleeding, infection, allergic reactions to medications, cramping, etc.
WHAT IS IVF TREATMENT?
In vitro fertilization or IVF treatment is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. In case IVF is performed to treat infertility, a couple could give a shot to less-obtrusive treatment before making an effort for IVF, including fertility medications to boost the formation of eggs or intrauterine fertilization — a practice where sperms are put directly in the uterus close to the hour of ovulation.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM IVF?
Now and again, IVF is recommended as a basic treatment for infertility in females who are 40-45 years old. IVF treatments can also be performed if you or your partner have specific health conditions. Read further to understand and know about IVF and who can benefit from IVF procedures in detail.
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
Blockage or damage in the fallopian tube makes it complicated for an egg to be inseminated or for an embryo to reach the uterus.
- Ovulation disorders
If ovulation is irregular or missing, fewer eggs are accessible for insemination.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis results when tissue, like the coating of the uterus, embeds and spreads outside of the uterus — frequently influencing the working capacity of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
- Unexplained infertility
Unexplained infertility means no cause of sterility has been found regardless of assessment for common reasons.
- A genetic disorder
If a couple is at threat of giving the hereditary disorder to their offspring, there might be a possibility for preimplantation hereditary testing — a technique that includes IVF treatment. After the eggs are collected and inseminated, they’re assessed for specific hereditary issues, though not all hereditary issues can be observed. Developing embryos that don’t contain recognized problems can be moved to the uterus.
Females for whom pregnancy causes a genuine wellbeing danger or who don’t have a functional uterus may pick IVF treatment employing someone else as a gestational transporter. In this situation, the eggs are impregnated with the sperm, but the developing embryos are moved to the uterus of the person carrying out the pregnancy.
ALL ABOUT IVF AND THE STEPS INVOLVED
If you are planning IVF, you must have often asked yourself ‘what is IVF treatment’. To make your search easier, read further to know about ‘what is IVF treatment’; what are the steps involved; and so on.
IVF treatment has many steps, and the procedure takes several months to complete. At times it’s successful on the first try, but for many people, it takes more than one round of IVF treatment to get pregnant, although there’s no assurance for certified results as everybody’s body is unique. Read further to know about IVF and the steps involved.
- The first stage includes taking fecundity pills for a certain period to improve the production of eggs to mature and prepare them for insemination. This stage is referred to as ovulation induction. It is essential to get routine ultrasounds and blood tests to evaluate the hormone levels and to track egg production.
- Once enough mature eggs are produced, the doctor retrieves the eggs from the body through a minor surgical procedure. During this stage, the doctor inserts a narrow, empty tube through your vagina into the fallopian tube that holds the eggs. The needle is attached to a suction tool that smoothly removes the eggs out of each tube.
- The eggs are then taken to a lab where they are combined with sperm cells. This process is referred to as insemination. The eggs and sperm are collected in a separate container where fertilization takes place. For sperm that have decreased movement, they are infused straight into the eggs to accelerate fertilization. The eggs then fertilize and become embryos where the process is continuously monitored.
- 4–5 days after the egg is retrieved, embryos (1 or more) are transferred into the uterus. The doctor puts a narrow tube into the uterus where the embryo is directly planted with the help of the tube.
- After the embryo transfer is finished, you can rest or go back to your normal activities. If the embryos get attached to the inside layer of your uterus, the pregnancy is confirmed. The patient is recommended to take pills or shots of progesterone hormone after 8-10 weeks of the embryo shift. The hormone increases the survival rate of the embryo in the uterus.
The chances of conceiving a healthy baby using IVF treatments are centred on many circumstances, such as age, the reason for infertility, etc. In addition to these factors, IVF can be laborious and long, costly, and intrusive. When planning to choose IVF treatment, do extensive research and consult your doctor to avoid any risk or concern. Choose only the most trustworthy chemist to get your treatments and medications done.
