You will know what is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), how it is done, how to prepare, procedure and complications –

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What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology that helps in conceiving.
In this process, an attempt is made to fertilize eggs by taking eggs from the woman’s ovary and mixing them with sperm. (Learn how to conceive with twins)
A fertilized egg is called an embryo.
This embryo is stored or transferred to the woman’s uterus for storage.
According to the need, the fetus can also be placed in the surrogate womb by the doctor.

Depending on the situation, IVF can be used with the following –

The eggs and sperm of the female and male partner.
Female partner’s eggs and donor sperm.
Donor eggs and donor sperm
Donated embryo
Donor egg and male partner’s sperm

How is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Performed?

IVF helps people who are unable to conceive due to the problem of infertility.
This procedure is a bit expensive and invasive when needed, which is why couples try other fertility treatments first.
Also, these include taking fertility drugs or intrauterine insemination etc.
During the procedure, the doctor transfers the sperm directly into the woman’s uterus.
IVF is chosen by the parents if there is a risk of the parents passing on any genetic disorder to the next generation.

Infertility problems for which IVF is very important –

Fertility decreases when a woman is over 40.
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Male infertility
Decreased ovarian function

How to prepare for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

Before starting the IVF process, women have to undergo ovarian reserve testing.
The procedure includes blood samples and FSH level testing.
The result of these tests gives the doctor information about the quality and size of the egg.
The uterus will also be examined by the doctor, which includes doing an ultrasound.
Uterus image can be seen by doing ultrasound.
Apart from this, scope penetration can be done by the doctor in the vagina and uterus.
These tests, including the health of your uterus, will help the doctor know the best way to implant the embryo.
Men need sperm testing.
For this, the count, size, shape of sperm is checked in the lab by taking a sample of semen.
ICSI may be needed in cases of weak or damaged sperm.
During ICSI, the sperm is directly injected into the egg by the technique.

What is the procedure of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

Stimulation

Women develop an egg during each menstrual cycle.
However, IVF requires multiple eggs.
By doing this, the chances of developing a viable embryo become more.
Apart from this, you will be given fertility-enhancing drugs so that more eggs can be developed by the body.
During this time regular blood tests and ultrasounds are done by the doctor so that egg production etc. can be monitored.

Egg Retrieval

It is a surgical procedure that is done under anesthesia.
It helps the doctor to reach the location of the ovary and egg through the vagina through the needle using an ultrasound wand.
The needle will pull out the egg and remove the fluid from each follicle.

(Learn about the methods of treating ovarian cysts)

Insemination

The male partner will need to give a semen sample.
After which the sperm will be mixed with the egg in the lab by the technician.
The doctor can do ICSI if the embryo does not develop from this process.

Embryo Culture

After monitoring the fertilized eggs by the doctor, information will be taken that they are dividing and developing.
Along with this, the genetic condition will be detected by examining the embryo.

Transfer

This procedure is done when the embryo is large enough to be implanted.
This happens within 3 to 5 days of fertilization.
During implantation, a thin tube catheter is inserted through the vagina, into the cervix and uterus.
After which the embryo is released into the uterus by the doctor.
When the embryo implants itself on the uterine wall, it becomes pregnant.
This process may take 6 to 10 days.
Blood test is done to find out whether you are pregnant or not.

(What is uterine prolapsed! Know more about it)

What are the complications associated with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

Giving birth to twins – but there is a risk of low birth weight babies.
Ectopic pregnancy in which the egg implants outside the uterus.
Abortion
Bleeding
Infection
Damage to the bowl
Bladder damage in rare cases
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in rare cases

FAQs – In vitro fertilization (IVF)

How much does IVF cost?

90 thousand to 1 lakh 25 thousand in Delhi.
In Chennai – from 1 lakh 45 thousand to 1 lakh 60 thousand.
Nagpur – 75 thousand to 90 thousand.

What are the types of IVF?

Natural IVF
Minimal stimulation IVF
Conventional IVF

What is the process of IVF treatment?

To understand in simple words, it is a type of test tube baby technique.
In which the embryo is prepared in the lab and is installed in the uterus through surgery.

How is IVF done?

The embryo is prepared by mixing the egg from the woman’s ovary and the man’s sperm in the lab.
Through the process, it is released near the woman’s uterus where it sticks to the wall and makes the woman pregnant.

Lastly

Going for IVF and being unsuccessful in the first place can create quite a complicated situation. Doing the physical, emotional, and financial path of this process can be a bit daunting.

(Learn how to have sex for pregnancy)

Talk to the doctor and get information about the best option etc. for you.

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