IVF – In Vitro fertilization

What is IVF?
 

In IVF, eggs from a woman's ovaries and sperm from a man are brought together in a lab dish. This is where the magic happens – the sperm fertilizes the egg. After that, the fertilized egg grows into an embryo. Then, the embryo is carefully placed into the woman's uterus. If all goes well, this can lead to a successful pregnancy. IVF is a modern miracle that brings hope to couples wanting to become parents.

IVF is typically used when other fertility treatments have not been successful, or when there are specific factors that make it difficult to conceive naturally, such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, low sperm count or motility, or certain genetic disorders.

Who are treated with this method?
 

For people or couples who are unable to conceive naturally due to infertility or certain medical issues, IVF may be a viable therapy option. It is often advised for people who have not been successful in getting pregnant through natural methods or other fertility treatments.

IVF can be used to address a variety of infertility issues, including:

Defective or blocked fallopian tubes
Low sperm activity or count
Endometriosis
Ovulation problems
Unaccounted-for infertility
Genetic conditions

What are the steps of treatment?

 

1. Ovarian Stimulation:
   In this initial stage, medications are given to the woman to encourage her ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of just one. This increases the chances of success.

2. Egg Retrieval:
   When the eggs are mature, a minor surgical procedure is performed to retrieve them from the ovaries. This is done using a thin needle, usually guided by ultrasound.

3. Sperm Collection:
   A sperm sample is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor. The sperm is then prepared and concentrated in the lab.

4. Fertilization:
   The retrieved eggs and prepared sperm are combined in a controlled environment in the lab. The aim is for the sperm to naturally fertilize the eggs.

5. Embryo Development:
   After fertilization, the embryos are carefully monitored as they develop over a few days. The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer.

6. Embryo Transfer:
   One or more selected embryos are gently placed into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter. This step is usually painless and doesn't require anesthesia.

7. Waiting Period:
   Following the embryo transfer, a waiting period of about 10-14 days begins. A pregnancy test is done to determine if the treatment was successful.

8. Pregnancy:
   If the pregnancy test is positive, congratulations! The woman's body continues to support the growing embryo, leading to a successful pregnancy.

Precautions to be taken after an IVF treatment
 

All vigorous activity, heavy lifting, and any other activities that induce jarring movements (such cycling, jogging, skiing, tennis, etc.) are to be avoided. Regular everyday activities are allowed. To improve your chances of getting pregnant again, it's crucial to take your medications exactly as prescribed.

What Are the Success Rates for IVF?
 

The success rate of IVF in India is usually 50 to 60 percent and depends on several factors. It can be up to 65% if the woman is under 35 and her infertility is mild. The data can be compared with rich countries, showing that India has an average IVF rate of 55%. Thanks to qualified IVF specialists, experienced doctors and well-trained staff, the success rate can reach 80%.