IVF Advanced

Unable to conceive can be a traumatic experience for couples. Either the man is impotent or the female is infertile, but, there are clinical methods to conceive these days and Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a popular method of having a child. It is commonly adopted method to hope for having a family of one’s own. These are popularly referred to as “test-tube babies”

What is the difference between artificial insemination and IVF?

In the case of the former, the sperm is placed into the woman’s uterus and conception takes place in the normal process. In the case of IVF the eggs and sperms are combined outside one’s body in laboratory. Once an embryos or embryos are formed they are placed in the uterus. IVF is a complex and also an expensive procedure. Not many couples opt for this procedure. Yet, many have gone into this procedure in order to have a baby.

When is IVF recommended?

• Endometriosis
• Problems with Ovulation.
• Low Sperm count
• Problems with one’s uterus or the fallopian tubes
• The inability of sperm for penetration or survival in the cervical mucus
• Antibody problems that cause harm to the sperm or eggs
• An unexplained  issue of fertility problem

IVF is usually not initial step as preferred treatment unless there is complete blockage of the tubes. Couples prefer other modes of treatment such as fertility drugs, artificial insemination, surgery, and fertility drugs. Unless these drugs do not work or artificial insemination also does not work out then couples go in for IVF treatment option.

When should one opt for IVF?

It is important to clarify certain issues with your doctor before opting for IVF:

What is one’s pregnancy rate for the couples in one’s age group and with one’s type of fertility problem.

Assessing one’s pregnancy  ratio as per the embryo transfer.

• How many of such deliveries are twins or other forms of multiple births?
• What is the live birth rate for all couples who undergo this procedure each year at your facility?
• Cost of the procedure cost, including hormone treatments costs?
• Cost of storing embryos and how long they can be stored?
• Does one have to participate in an egg donation program?

IVF can be useful for the following fertility conditions:

• Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
• Decrease in sperm count.
• Ovulation disorders, premature failure of the ovaries, fibroids in the uterus
• Removal of fallopian tubes.
• Infertility that has not been explained.
• Genetic disorder.

What procedure is involved in IVF?

Initially, fertility medication is given in order to stimulate the production of eggs. Innumerable number of eggs are expected to be produced as many may not fertilize after they are retrieved. An ultrasound of the vagina is conducted and blood samples taken.
Eggs are then retrieved through minor surgical procedure with usage of ultrasound imaging in order to guide the hollow needle through the pelvic cavity in order to remove the eggs. Medication is given to reduce any discomfort that might occur.

Then follows insemination whereby the sperm and eggs are mixed and then stored in laboratory dish to be fertilized. In some cases, if there is lower fertilization then an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is made use of. Via this method a single sperm is actually injected directly into one’s egg in order to attain fertilization. The monitoring of the eggs is undertaken to confirm fertilization and the process of cell division takes place. After this process, the next step undertaken is the fertilization of the eggs into embryos.

Then the embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus three to about five days. Once the retrieval of the egg takes place and its fertilization,a small tube is inserted into the uterus to shift the embryos. This could be painful although some face cramping symptoms.

One has to take it easy for some time and then can begin normal activities.

Side effects of IVF:

• Passing of fluid after the procedure.
• Mild form of cramping.
• Constipation
• Mild bloating.
• Breast tenderness.
• When should one should consult a doctor?
• If one experiences pelvic pain.
• Heavy bleeding from the vagina.
• Urine in one’s blood.
• Fever about 100.5F degree or above.(38degree)

IVF is not all that preferred treatment but when all options are closed couples do opt for it.