What is an IVF Pregnancy? Process, Success Rate, and Benefits

Introduction

Over the years, the use of IVF has increased significantly. Couples with infertility issues or difficulty in conceiving are preferring Assisted Reproductive Techniques like IVF for achieving parenthood. IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is a widely used fertility treatment with over 5 lakh babies being born every year through IVF. If you are planning to get an IVF procedure done, then you are at the right place.

What Is an IVF Pregnancy?

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation. It is an Assisted Reproductive Technique that is used to achieve pregnancy for couples facing difficulty in conceiving naturally. It involves combining or fertilising the egg and sperm outside the body and transferring the fertilised embryo into the uterus for implantation. An IVF pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants successfully after the procedure. It differs from natural conception, where fertilisation and implantation both happen inside the body.

IVF Process Step-by-Step

IVF follows a multi-step approach, with each step having its own importance. Here is the complete breakdown of the step-by-step process.

1. Ovarian Stimulation

The very first step involved in the IVF process is ovarian stimulation. Fertility medications are administered to stimulate multiple egg development. This is done so that a healthy egg can be chosen for the fertilisation procedure. During this step, the hormone levels and follicle growth are monitored by ultrasound.

2. Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up)

Once the egg production is stimulated, mature eggs are collected from the ovaries via a minor procedure. Once the follicles are ready, a trigger injection is given to the patient. The eggs are then collected with a minor surgical procedure.

3. Sperm Collection and Preparation

On the same day, partner’s sperm samples are collected. The most healthy and motile ones are then chosen for the procedure.

4. Fertilisation

Eggs and sperm are then fertilised in a laboratory setting. A controlled environment has to be provided for the gametes to fertilise and form embryos successfully. For the next few days, the fertilised embryos are monitored for growth.

5. Embryo Transfer

A healthy embryo is then selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus. This procedure is to be performed with care, and a thin catheter is used. Embryo transfer is generally performed after 3 to 5 days of fertilisation.

6. Pregnancy Test

If the implantation was successful, it will result in a pregnancy. 10 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, the blood tests will be conducted to check for the pregnancy hormone. A positive test confirms pregnancy, while a negative one might indicate that a new cycle would be required.

IVF Success Rate

There is no fixed IVF success rate. It depends on a variety of factors like the age of the patients, egg quality, sperm health, fertility profile and clinic expertise. Generally, women under 35 have a higher success rate than their older counterparts. With advancements in age, the success rates tend to fall.

Benefits of IVF

IVF has transformed fertility treatment in multiple ways. Some of the key benefits of IVF include:

• Couples with infertility issues can fulfil their dream of becoming parents.
• IVF allows genetic screening (PGT) to detect any inherited disorders for fertility problems.

Risks and Considerations

While IVF in itself is a very helpful procedure for achieving pregnancy, it also has a set of risks and considerations which should be kept in mind. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Multiple pregnancies (twins or more) : Transferring more than one embryo increases the risks of multiple pregnancies.
• Emotional and financial stress : IVF is an expensive procedure and can be mentally and emotionally exhausting at times.
• Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) : In some cases, overstimulation of the ovaries can cause physical symptoms like nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
• Not guaranteed success : There is no guarantee of a successful IVF cycle; some couples might need multiple cycles to achieve pregnancy.

Conclusion

In Vitro Fertilisation, or IVF, is a breakthrough fertility treatment offering hope for couples unable to conceive naturally. Understanding the process and deeply analysing your case is the key to having a successful treatment. Consult a fertility expert for accurate guidance and a personalised treatment schedule.