In Vitro Fertilization is a reproductive technology that has been helping numerous couples and individuals to get their desired gift of a child. It mimics the natural way of conception as the technology fertilizes the egg and sperm in a lab dish. The process involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer, followed by a pregnancy test to confirm implantation. As you read this, you will understand the step-by-step process of IVF.
Consultation and diagnostic tests
The journey begins with a scheduling consultation with fertility specialists. Different tests, such as hormonal blood tests, semen analysis, and ultrasound scans, are used to assess the reproductive health of the couple or individual. The tests help the couple and the fertility specialists to understand how best they can proceed and explain the incapacity.
Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval
During this process, the woman receives injections for 10-12 days to stimulate the ovaries and produce multiple eggs. When they get mature, basically from 10-12 days, the woman undergoes a minor surgery which involves retrieving the egg by using a fine needle attached to an ultrasound probe guided to the aries through the vaginal walls. The short surgery is done under sedation, and afterwards the patient is requested to rest due to cramping and some bloating and avoid heavy duties.
Sperm collection and embryo fertilisation
This involves the male partner giving off semen in cases where there is a problem in retrieving the sperm in a normal way. The male partner undergoes a surgical retrieval method, which is either TESA (retrieval of sperm using a needle directly from the testicle) or PESA (retrieval of sperm using a needle directly from the epididymis).
Embryo development and selection
After the sperm and egg have been retrieved, the specialist now places both the egg and the sperm in the same culture dish where the sperm freely swim to the eggs and fertilize them, or the other process involves the specialist selecting the best sperm using a fine needle and microscope and injecting it into the eggs for fertilization. The fertilized egg will be kept for 3-5 days for embryo development, and then afterwards an embryo will be selected for implantation.
Transfer of embryos
After 3-5 days of embryo development, it is now implanted in the uterus. It’s a simple process that requires the specialists to use a catheter guided by an ultrasound to implant the embryos into the uterus via the cervix. Then, after 10 to 14 days, a pregnancy test is taken to confirm the pregnancy.
Conclusion
The success rate of IVF depends upon different factors such as medical condition, patient’s age, ovarian reserve, endometrial receptivity, etc, as well as the clinic’s expertise, which is why you need to ensure that you allow a specialist like Dr. Shuchita Batra who have committed themselves to provide top notch service that does not underestimate our patient’s needs and desire to have their gift of a child. Ensure to schedule a consultation with us at Ameritus Hospital, and we will get started. We guide you every step of the way, offering the care and service that you need.
FAQ’s
- Is IVF Painful?
The medications may cause some discomfort and also the patient experiences some cramps and bloating after a sedated minor surgery for egg retrieval The patient may feel minimal discomfort but it does not cause any pain.
- How much does it cost to have an IVF?
The cost of IVF varies depending on different factors such as high-end medical clinics with advanced labs and doctors will probably cost more. It may also cost more depending on the type and dosage or medications and also if opting for multiple cycles it will probably cost more.
- What are the success rates of an IVF?
The success rate can be affected by some factors like age, ovarian reserve and endometrial receptivity.
