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In Vitro Fertilization(IVF)
What is IVF?
IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is one of the most common treatments to help people with fertility problems conceive a baby. It is recommended for individuals and couples whose infertility persists despite conventional first-line treatments. It is the most effective fertility treatment available today and has 5 times higher pregnancy rates than IUI.
It typically involves collecting eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing it with the sperms in a laboratory or ina culture dish. Once the fusion occurs, the embryo is placed into the woman’s uterus to help it attach to its lining. After regular monitoring and ultrasounds confirm the attachment, the woman is considered to be pregnant and the pregnancy is continued as normal.
What are the stages in an IVF process?
- Ovulation stimulation where eggs are matured through hormone therapy
- Retrieval of eggs from woman’s ovaries or female donor
- Collection of sperms from partner or male donor
- Fertilization of egg and sperm in a protected environment
- Awaiting Blastocyst stage that usually happens on the 5th day of fertilization
- Post successful fertilization, the fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are transferred into the woman’s uterus using a small and thin catheter or tube.
- In within 6-10 days, the implantation (attachment to uterus lining) should occur which confirms pregnancy
In cases where more than 2 embryos are formed, couples may choose to freeze them with cryopreservation. This helps them avoid another IVF cycle if they want to expand their family in the future.
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What are the risks associated with IVF?
Though most women do not face any major difficulty with IVF, certain possibilities have to be considered before opting for the treatment. These include:
Minor side effects
- Bloating
- Bruise wounds from injections
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Hot flushes
Rare side effects:
- Damage to the bladder or infection
- Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome
- Decreased urinary frequency
- Vaginal bleeding
- Sudden and rapid weight gain (within 3-5 days post treatment)
- Ectopic pregnancy (embryo getting attached to fallopian tubes instead of the womb)
- Multiple births (twins, triplets or more)
Which individuals is IVF recommended for?
- Women who have been unsuccessful with simpler treatments like IUI
- Couples wiith age-related infertility
- Couples who aren’t able to conceive after atleast a year of traditional methods
- Couples or individuals who have a family history of genetic defects
- Women who are unable to ovulate
- Men with poor sperm quality, quantity and mobility
- Couples with unexplained infertility
- LGBTQI+ couples or individuals
Women with
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Low ovarian reserve
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Endometriosis
What are the steps for an IVF treatment?
Frequently Asked Questions
Every woman’s body is different, so are its suitable treatments. Hence, once you get in contact with us, we will run you through some tests to ensure IVF is potential treatment for you.
Yes, a woman’s age sharply affects her pregnancy chances through IVF. Research and studies have shown the success rate for each age group of women looking to conceive through In Vitro Fertilization. They are:
32% for women under 35
25% for women aged 35 to 37
19% for women aged 38 to 39
11% for women aged 40 to 42
5% for women aged 43 to 44
4% for women aged over 44
Every IVF cycle generally takes anywhere between 2-4 weeks. After looking at ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, the woman is declared 4 weeks pregnant post implantation on the uterus lining.
Though it is possible for couples to conceive in the first IVF cycle itself, most require multiple cycles.
No waiting period is required. You are good to go after the embryo is introduced into the uterus. You may also continue all routine day to day activities.
- Any sort of vigorous exercise, heavy lifting and other activities that involve jarring movements (like skiing, tennis, cycling, jogging and more) are usually discouraged.
- Patients are advised to avoid any sort of smoking (including passive smoking), consumption of alcohol, and exposure to X-rays.
- Self-medication is strictly a no. Continue taking the medicines prescribed by your doctor until she asks you not to (Usually during the 12th week of pregnancy when the body starts producing enough hormones). If you want to take any other drugs, pleae consult your doctor first.
Yes, as ovulation becomes irregular for women with PCOS, natural conception is difficult. With IVF, there is a 49% chance of getting pregnant and a 40% chance of having a successful live birth.
Want to know more about IVF, its treatment costs and stages? Fill the form below, head over to our clinic or give us a call today.
