In Vitro Fertilization also known as IVF is one of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) used to help infertile individuals and couples achieve pregnancy or conceive a baby. Infertile individuals are those who are not able to get pregnant through a natural process. The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, which is done through medication. In this step, medication is given to increase the production of eggs, which can increase the IVF success rates. These eggs are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm on a petri dish in the laboratory setting. Once the embryos are fertilized and reach a suitable stage of development, they are transferred back to the uterus of the female for pregnancy. IVF is considered a ray of hope for those facing fertility challenges, including unexplained infertility. Endometriosis and male infertility issues. By undergoing this treatment couples can experience parenthood where natural conception may not be possible.
What does the IVF Procedure Includes?
Each step of the IVF process requires the proper attention and expertise of healthcare professionals. The beginning of the process starts with normal consultation with the doctors, which then moves forward by taking some tests that help the doctors determine the perfect way to treat your infertility. Doctors from the best IVF centers design a personalized treatment plan for the patient so that no complexities and risks make the IVF procedure unsuccessful. The duration of the whole IVF process is around four to six weeks anything can be carried out to finish the IVF cycle. Below are the steps involved in the IVF procedure:
1. Ovarian Stimulation:
In the initial step of the IVF procedure, the female receives injections or medication to stimulate egg production during her ovulation period. The goal is to increase the number and quality of eggs, which can improve the chances of a successful IVF procedure. Quality eggs help in building a healthy embryo that then turns out to be a healthy baby, with zero or minimum complexities. The body does not produce so many eggs at a time, but with these medications, it produces more eggs during ovulation. Keep updated about your health to the doctors, so that the egg retrieval process can be done at the right time.
2. Ultrasound Examination:
It is essential to stay in touch with your doctor because, in some women, the body doesn’t react positively to the ovarian stimulation medication, leading to delays in the IVF process. The ultrasound is performed to check the status of the egg production and to determine whether the medications are performing positively. To check this vaginal ultrasound is conducted at regular intervals so that further plans can be made. If the results are not in favor then doctors may stop the IVF process and consult you with some other option, and if the body reacts to the medications positively then they will move forward with the next step.
3. Egg Retrieval:
The egg retrieval procedure is carried out 36 hours following your hormone IVF injections given for stimulation. With the help of transvaginal sonography and ultrasound, the current state of the eggs is evaluated and retrieved from the ovaries while the patient is unconscious because of general anesthesia. During the retrievals, it becomes clear whether the body reacted to the medication positively or not. The egg retrieval process takes 15 to 30 minutes. The whole test takes 3 to 4 hours following the treatment, you can leave home. The egg retrieval process is minimally invasive and in today’s time, various technologies have made things easy, less painful, and quick. It s possible that you may feel a little stomach pain and vaginal spotting, but they do not last long.
4. Sperm Collection:
The next step after the egg retrieval process is sperm collection, where sperm is collected from the male partner for fertilization. Usually, the fresh semen sample is collected on the same day. In many cases, where the sperm are not available, the previous frozen sperm sample is used. As soon as the sperm are collected they are combined with egg in a Petri dish also known as fertilization. If the sperm are not that active and fertilization takes time, the doctors usually perform ICSI, which is another assisted reproductive technology.
5. Fertilizing the Eggs:
After the successful binding of egg and sperm, they are left in the laboratory for culturing. The embryologists keep close surveillance during embryo culturing. They will check the eggs the following day to see whether they have been fertilized and then later to see if any embryos have developed further. These fertilized embryos are also frozen for future use, or to keep as a backup if the present IVF cycle becomes unsuccessful.
6. Embryo Plantation
Embryo plantation is a process of planting the embryo in the uterus of the woman to achieve pregnancy. This procedure is done two, three, or five days following egg harvest. To decide if a day 3 or day 5 transfer is necessary keep an eye on the development and viability of the embryos. The embryo plantation is done with a tool known as a catheter, the embryo is positioned in your uterus using a tiny catheter that is implanted. It may take between six and ten days for the implantation to take place if the operation is successful. When the embryo is transferred successfully some medications are given to the patient.
7. Pregnancy Test
Two weeks after the successful embryo plantation, a pregnancy test is carried out to see if the plantation was successful and if the embryo has accepted the bodily environment. In the vent that test is positive, the patient is thought to be four weeks pregnant.
What are the potential complications associated with IVF?
No process is free from complications, IVF also includes some complications, but it can be reduced with the expertise of expert professionals. Below are some of the challenges:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
- Multiple Pregnancies
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Birth Defects
- Bleeding or Infection
- Ovarian Torsion
- Long-Term Risks