In Vitro Fertilization

What is IVF?

IVF is a technique that helps the embryo fertilize, grow, and eventually implant in the mother’s uterus, so you can get pregnant. IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. It is one of the most well-known types of assisted reproductive technology (ART). IVF uses a combination of medications and surgical procedures to help sperm fertilize an egg after ovulation and help the fertilized egg implant in the uterus.

 

Steps to IVF

1. Ovulation Stimulation: First, the woman is given medications that stimulate ovulation. The first step in IVF is to use fertility drugs for a specific period of time to help the ovaries produce several mature eggs that are ready for fertilization. This is also called ovulation induction. During this time, regular ultrasounds or blood tests are done to measure hormone levels.
2. Ovulation: When the ovaries have produced enough mature eggs, the physician removes them from the body (this is called ovulation or puncture). Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed by a fertility clinic. This surgery is performed under anesthesia or sedation so that the patient does not feel any pain during the surgery. Using ultrasound, the physician inserts a thin, hollow tube through the vagina into the ovaries and the follicles that hold the eggs. This tool is equipped with a needle that gently draws the eggs from each follicle using suction.
3. Fertilization: After these eggs mature, they are ready for fertilization. The eggs are then removed from the uterus and placed next to each other in a laboratory with sperm (your partner) so that the sperm can fertilize the eggs. This process is called fertilization. The eggs and sperm are collected in a special container and fertilization occurs. For sperm that are less mobile, the sperm may need to be injected directly into the eggs to enhance fertilization. As the cells in the fertilized eggs divide and develop into embryos, people working in the lab monitor the progress.
4. Embryo Transfer: About 3-5 days after ovulation, the embryos are placed in the uterus (this is called embryo transfer). The physician inserts a thin tube through the cervix into the uterus and transfers the embryos directly through the tube. They place one or more embryos directly into the uterus. Pregnancy occurs if any of the embryos implant in the lining of your uterus.

 

Sometimes pregnancy occurs on the first IVF cycle, but some people need more than one IVF cycle to get pregnant.

 

Is IVF painful?

If any of the embryos implant in your uterine lining, pregnancy will occur. Embryo transfer is done at a fertility clinic and is not painful.

 

Post-IVF Infertility Treatment Care

Plan to rest the day after your embryo transfer. You can then return to your normal activities. You may also take special pills or take a daily hormone called progesterone for the first two weeks after the embryo transfer. These hormones help the embryo survive in the uterus.

 

What are the side effects of IVF?

Like all medications and medical procedures, IVF has potential risks and side effects, including:

• Bloating
• Muscle cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings and psychological problems
• Headache
• Bruising
• Allergic reactions to medications
• Bleeding
• Infection

 

*There have been many systematic reviews of the psychological aspects of IVF, studying IVF as an important psychological issue that affects the functioning of individuals, couples, and their families.

 

You can discuss any questions or concerns you have about IVF risks and side effects with your physician.

How much does IVF cost?

The cost of the IVF process includes the cost of ovulation induction drugs, anesthesia, ultrasounds, blood tests, embryo transfer, and embryo storage. Click here to learn more about the services of Amin Infertility Treatment Center.

 

Risk of Multiples in IVF

The risk of multiples in IVF (in vitro fertilization) is significantly higher than in natural pregnancy. This is due to the method used in IVF. In IVF, multiple eggs are fertilized and several embryos at different stages of development are transferred to the uterus to increase the chances of implantation and pregnancy. Multiple Embryo Transfer (MET) is the main factor that increases the risk of multiples in IVF. The more embryos transferred, the higher the chance of a multiple pregnancy.