Where to Start with IVF

Where to Start with IVF – Overview

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is an excellent and effective way to conceive for infertile couples. World IVF Day is celebrated on July 25th each year to mark the birth of Louise Joy Brown on July 25, 1978, the world’s first baby conceived via IVF.

Today, IVF is one of the most common and successful ways to conceive for couples with fertility and potency problems worldwide.

What is IVF

IVF is a medical procedure designed to help with infertility issues and assist in the successful conception of a child. Initially, the woman has been prescribed fertility medications that stimulate the ovaries to cause several eggs to mature simultaneously.

Blood tests and ultrasound scans carefully monitor the patient throughout this stage.

Once the eggs reach maturity, they are carefully retrieved from the ovaries after administering light anesthesia to the woman using a fine needle with ultrasound assistance.

The retrieved eggs are then carefully fertilized with sperm that has already been cleaned and washed in a culture medium in a lab.

The fertilized eggs usually develop into embryos within 3 to 5 days. These embryos are then carefully transferred back into the woman’s uterus or womb for planting.

The success of conception and pregnancy depends on the embryo’s successful attachment to the endometrium or uterus lining. Doctors can also freeze and store mature eggs or embryos for future use.

The entire IVF cycle, from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, typically takes about three weeks. Still, depending on individual circumstances, the process from initial consultation to the outcome of a transfer can take longer.

How Successful is IVF?

The success rate of IVF procedures usually depends on factors such as age, duration and cause of infertility, eggs and sperm quality, and other health issues the patient may have.

A significant factor is age, as the success rate for women under 35 is higher. The success rate of IVF decreases with age, with a more notable decline after the age of 35, and significantly lower success rates observed in women over 40. The reason is that the quality and quantity of eggs during this age have become incredibly low.

Besides this, there are several other health problems, like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), diabetes, etc., that can affect conception.

Studies have shown that obesity decreases the chances of success and it is strongly recommended to follow a nutritional diet and exercise regularly to improve the chances of conception.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to infertility due to hormonal imbalances affecting ovulation. This condition can also be remedied with a healthy diet, regular exercise and certain medications.

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg; it is recommended for male factor infertility.

Laser-assisted hatching is a technique that may be used to facilitate embryo implantation by thinning or making a small hole in the zona pellucida (the embryo’s outer shell). Thus, numerous challenges have been overcome to ensure a higher success rate for IVF treatments worldwide.

The success rate of an IVF procedure will also depend on the clinic you choose. If the clinic has the proper equipment and expertise, the success rate of IVF treatment is higher. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can enhance the success rate of an IVF procedure even more.

Are there Any Side Effects of IVF?

IVF procedure is generally very safe, but there is potential for some side effects.

Side effects of IVF medications can include mood swings, hot flashes, breast tenderness, and bruising at the injection sites; however, hot flashes and depression are not directly caused by hormonal imbalance from IVF treatments but may be experienced due to the stress and emotional impact of infertility treatments. Slight cramps or abdominal pain may be experienced after egg retrieval.

OHSS is a potential complication of IVF that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, shortness of breath and rapid weight gain.

Conclusion

Today, thanks to improvements in treatment procedures, most patients experience no real pain throughout the IVF procedure. There may be instances of bloating initially, but this also subsides quickly.

Overall, the potential risk is easily overcome by the immense fruits of a successful IVF procedure. Make sure to choose a fertility clinic that can prove it has the best-equipped facilities and the most experienced fertility specialists on board.

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