IVF FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About IVF

What is IVF

IVF or in vitro fertilisation is a procedure in assisted reproductive technology. Eggs and sperms are fertilised in a laboratory and the developed embryo is implanted in the uterus for a pregnancy.

Is IVF painful?

For most patients, IVF is not painful. However, due to consumption of medication and administration of hormonal injections, some patients may experience slight side effects. This may include cramps and bloating. Interventional processes such as ovum pick up and embryo transfer are performed with the help of anaesthesia so that there is no pain.

What tests need to be performed?

Blood tests to check for a number of parameters are performed in both partners. These include:

Female

Haemoglobin
Blood glucose
Thyroid (T3, T4, TSH)

Male

Blood glucose
Thyroid (T3, T4, TSH)

Additionally, ultrasonography is performed on the female partner to check the ovaries and the egg reserve. The male partner’s semen is assessed to check for sperm genetics, morphology and mobility.

Can IVF be performed multiple times?

A few parameters need to be factored in to determine this including age of female partner, existing health conditions, outcome in previous IVF cycles, and even the financial implications that this may have. It is suggested that IVF be performed 3-4 times, given aforementioned circumstances are in check.

What is the suggested gap between two unsuccessful cycles?

If a patient has to undergo a new round of ovarian stimulation, a gap of a minimum of two months is suggested. In case the patient utilises frozen eggs/embryos preserved from a previous cycle, a gap of one month is fine.

How long does the treatment take?

The duration from the first consultation to the administration of drugs can take a duration of a week to 10 days. Thereafter, the medication continues for two weeks till ovum pickup is performed. Embryos are allowed to develop till the blastocyst stage. It is then implanted in the uterus.

Does IVF lead to genetically defective babies?

While there is no statistically significant evidence for the same, associated procedures such as preimplantation genetic testing ensure that only the genetically robust embryos are used for implantation.

Does IVF treatment lead to twin or more pregnancies?

In some IVF cycles, more than one embryo may be transferred inside the uterus to increase the chances of a pregnancy. If multiple embryos get implanted and develop, this leads to a multifetal pregnancy. However, research has found that when three embryos are transferred, a single child is born 75% of the time whereas incidences of twin and triplet births is 20% and 5% respectively.