Overview
Starting a family is a profound decision for any couple, filled with dreams, expectations, confusion, and sometimes unexpected challenges. Yes, challenges that can make the journey to parenthood an overwhelming one. To tackle such situations, a modern fertility treatment, IVF, is used.
So, what is IVF treatment exactly? Simply put, it is a process of fertilising an egg with sperm under different circumstances than a womb, resulting in an embryo that can be transferred to the uterus. But the process is not as simple as it seems, so let’s understand every single detail of this modern fertility revolution in this article.
What is IVF?
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation, which is among the most commonly used Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs) which help couples to conceive when other natural methods fail. Medically, the process involves fertilisation of a female egg and male sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. This fertilisation, just like a natural conception, results in an embryo, transferable into the womb, where it can implant and grow into a fetus. To simplify the meaning of IVF even further, here is a breakdown:
- In Vitro stands for ‘in glass’, which signifies the egg and sperm being taken in the glass tube of a laboratory.
- And ‘fertilisation’ is simply the fusion of this egg and sperm to form a zygote, then an embryo.
What is the IVF Treatment Process?
IVF is a complicated and delicate procedure which needs to be monitored with care at its various steps. This is how an IVF treatment cycle works:
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Ovarian Stimulation:
Ovarian stimulation is the first step of IVF that is prescribed for developing multiple mature eggs from the ovaries instead of a single one. It is done to boost the chances of a successful IVF.
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Egg Retrieval:
Once matured and ready, these eggs are retrieved from the ovaries with a minimally invasive procedure of follicular aspiration, which is performed under highly precise ultrasound guidance.
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Sperm Collection & Fertilisation:
Next, the semen sample of the male is obtained. These sperm are then processed to choose the healthiest and motile ones. The fertilisation is then done subsequently, either by placing the gametes in a petri dish or through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.
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Embryo Culture & Selection:
The fertilised eggs, now an embryo, are observed in the laboratory for a few days under careful consideration. The growth is closely monitored, and the best-fit and healthy embryos are selected in those few days.
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Embryo Transfer:
The best quality embryos that are selected are transferred to the uterus (specifically the fallopian tube) at this stage, by using a simple and non-surgical thin catheter. From here, the body does its work: it implants the embryo, provides nutrition to the growing embryo, etc.
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Pregnancy Test:
After almost two weeks of all these sensitive and complex procedures of IVF, a blood test is done to check for the IVF result and confirm if the pregnancy has begun.
Who Needs IVF Treatment?
IVF treatment is one of the most effective options for people struggling with infertility, but not everyone actually needs it. In fact, this infertility treatment is recommended only when natural or other minimal methods fail to work. The failure can be a result of anything from unexplained fertility challenges to underlying health conditions in both males and females. Here are some common reasons why one may require an IVF treatment:
- Damaged and/or blocked fallopian tubes in the female partner.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) leads to irregular periods and hormonal imbalance.
- Endometriosis is a health condition in females that can significantly affect their reproductive health.
- Low sperm count & poor sperm motility are the main reasons for male infertility.
- Any other uterine disorder, like fibroids, that causes irregular cycles.
- When no effective cause can be detected despite repeated tests, such infertility is known as unexplained infertility.
- A family history of congenital disorders that need embryo screening before transfer.
Benefits of IVF Treatment:
Apart from being a classic solution for severe infertility, the benefits of IVF treatment extend beyond just a successful pregnancy. Some of them are:
- It allows couples to go for genetic testing and screening to detect and avoid any hereditary diseases.
- It also allows couples to freeze embryos for future use and eventually preserve their fertility.
- Provide increased success rates compared to any other fertility solution.
- Bypass poor egg quality and sperm count by allowing couples to use donor egg and sperm.
- IVF provides control over pregnancy timing to help women focus more on career goals.
- For women over 30 struggling with infertility issues, IVF has become the most successful infertility treatment.
- Helps single parents achieve pregnancy with the help of a donor program.
Risks & Considerations in IVF:
Although In Vitro Fertilisation is generally considered safe, some IVF risks need to be considered, such as:
- The strong medications and drugs used for ovarian stimulation may lead to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
- Repeated cycles can put up emotional stress and anxiety during the process.
- IVF can also increase the risks of multiple pregnancies, twins or triplets, as generally more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus.
The above-mentioned risks are common, yet you can take certain IVF treatment precautions to bypass these risks. This may include choosing an experienced clinic, avoiding alcohol and smoking, managing stress, etc.
How to Prepare Your Body for IVF?
For IVF, preparation is the key to a successful outcome, as a healthy lifestyle and positive mindset will give the right environment for your baby to grow inside you. This is the reason why doctors suggest taking the following tips and cautions before coming for IVF:
- Take a balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins.
- Do exercises, not much, but enough to maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid harmful lifestyle habits, like smoking, alcohol, and extra caffeine.
- If stressed, do yoga, meditation, or join counselling sessions for IVF.
- Take all the prescribed medicines and supplements with care and as advised.
Conclusion
In summary, IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation, which is a modern fertility treatment which creates life in a lab and gives it the chance to develop naturally in the womb. Although it comes with certain risks, it provides various benefits at the same time, benefits that can alter your life. Now, with advanced facilities, IVF treatment in India has become more accessible and reliable than ever. So consult an IVF expert today to unlock your happiness and make your dream of becoming a parent come true.