IVF is a complex treatment process where mature eggs and sperm are retrieved manually. Then the collected sperm and eggs are combined in the lab for further fertilization. After fertilization of the egg, it will be placed inside the uterus for a successful embryo implantation.
IVF is a beneficial treatment procedure which is often recommended to couples having a high risk of genetic problems and infertility. Advanced maternal age is one of the main factors when you might consider choosing this treatment. Apart from that, there can also be certain health conditions when the doctor may perform IVF.
Explore the disorders when IVF may be an effective treatment option for a successful pregnancy:
Ovarian Stimulation
Before starting an IVF cycle, the doctor will give you some lab-made hormones to stimulate the ovaries. This enables the ovaries to produce multiple eggs during the ovulation. These hormones can also contribute to maturing the eggs while delaying ovulation. Additionally, supplements for progesterone hormones are provided as well to prepare the uterine lining.
Egg Retrieval
In this procedure, the doctor will find the follicles in the vagina through an ultrasound device. After this, a thin needle will be inserted to go through the vagina and collect the eggs from the follicles. Some of the side effects that you may experience after this procedure are feelings of fullness and cramping.
Sperm Retrieval
On the morning of the egg retrieval, a semen sample will also be collected. In most cases, the sample is collected through masturbation but if your partner suffers from ejaculation issues or low sperm count then the procedure of testicular aspiration can be utilized to collect the sperm from the testicles.
Fertilization
The next process of the IVF cycle is fertilization and in this process, either conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to fertilize the matured egg with a healthy sperm. In certain situations, other additional procedures can also be included in this stage such as preimplantation genetic testing and assisted hatching.
Embryo Transfer
After successful fertilization, the healthy embryo will be transferred into the uterus for implantation. A catheter is used in this process to place the embryo through the vagina. In most cases, the embryo will attach to the uterus lining within 6-10 days from the egg retrieval.
Before starting an IVF cycle, the doctor will perform certain screening tests to determine the health of the eggs and sperm.
Semen Analysis
Checks the shape, movement, and amount of the sperm.
Ovarian Reserve Testing
Determines the quantity of eggs available in the body. It can predict the response of your ovaries towards fertility medications.
Uterine Exam
The uterine lining is checked through detailed ultrasound images to determine the success rates of embryo implantation.
Infectious Disease Screening
Both you and your partner will be screened for infectious diseases such as genital herpes, HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.
Just like every other treatment procedure, IVF can also increase the risks of certain health conditions. Some of the health issues that you may develop during the IVF cycle are:
