Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This treatment includes a series of complex procedures that are beneficial for people with infertility. In this, eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and then inseminated with sperm.
IVF may also use sperm, eggs, or embryos from an anonymous donor through an egg donor program.
Why is IVF Performed?
There are several factors for which IVF can prove valuable, which include:
- Damaged or obstructed fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Low ovarian function
- Uterine fibroids
- Unknown reasons that are hindering pregnancy
- Low sperm count
What are the Preparatory Steps Before IVF?
Before initiating the process, you need to undergo thorough ovarian testing. Then, the doctor advises a blood test to check the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). From the blood test report, your doctor gets information about the quality and size of your eggs. Additionally, ultrasound helps to examine your uterus.
Men need to undergo sperm testing, where they give a semen sample. Lab technicians perform a detailed analysis to find the size, shape, and number of sperm. If the reports show that the sperm is damaged or weak, doctors suggest a procedure known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In this, the sperm is injected directly into the egg.
How is IVF performed?
There are five steps involved in IVF:
Stimulation:
During every menstrual cycle, a woman produces an egg. But, to augment the possibility of an embryo, IVF needs multiple eggs. In this stage, you receive fertility drugs to boost the number of eggs. Based on the blood test and ultrasound reports, your test tube baby doctor tells you when to plan the egg retrieval.
Egg retrieval:
Egg retrieval requires the use of anesthesia. Your doctor uses ultrasound guidance to insert a needle into your vagina via your ovary to reach the egg-containing follicle and takes out the egg. This process is also called follicular aspiration.
Insemination:
Now, your partner gives his semen sample, which a lab technician mixes with your eggs in a petri dish.
Embryo culture:
At this stage, the doctor supervises the fertilized eggs to check if they are multiplying and developing well. Also, the doctor tests the embryos for genetic issues.
Transfer:
Usually, after three to five days of fertilization, the embryos reach the advanced stage and are ready for transfer. It is the final step and quick as compared to the previous processes. Your doctor inserts a thin tube called a catheter into your vagina to reach your uterus and uses a syringe to deposit the embryo.
In the next 6-10 days, the embryo implants itself in your uterine wall. You need to undergo a blood test for confirmation of pregnancy.
Sometimes, there are cases where women are unable to conceive after IVF treatments. The reason behind this is that in IVF, usually, the embryo breaks out of the shell. However, this does not always happen. Then, doctors recommend assisted hatching. In this, the doctor makes a hole in the zona pellucida (the thick and transparent membrane surrounding the egg) and weakens it artificially.
It is possible in two ways. The first method is by applying an acid solution to make a hole in the shell, and the second is using a laser to crack the shell.
Are There Any Risks?
Like all other treatments, IVF can also trigger a few risks:
- Low birth weight
- Multiple births
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- Miscarriage
- Birth-related defects
- Ectopic pregnancy
You can collate information about this treatment from several resources such as a blog or through websites, patient testimonials, press releases, and more.
Conclusion
Deciding about IVF is undoubtedly a challenging choice as the process is physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. However, it has emerged as a highly promising and effective cure for couples facing infertility.
If you are searching for the best test tube baby doctor or treatment for low sperm count, visit the best fertility hospital in Coimbatore. It has high success rates, and the medical professionals handling IVF treatments have extensive experience in infertility management. Also, you can find the best IVF treatment packages there. So, receive the best IVF treatment in Coimbatore from them.
