In Vitro Fertilization or IVF is one of the revolutionary medical treatments that has allowed couples who were previously deemed infertile to have healthy children. Studies done over the course of time show that the procedure doesn’t increase risk of abnormalities or birth defects in children born through IVF.
Services
Our healthcare experts provide complete support through every step of the IVF process;
Follicular development: We administer injectable hormones for stimulating the production of healthy and mature eggs by the follicles in the ovaries for a period of 8-10 days. To ensure appropriate response, we perform ultrasound in the follow-up every 2-3 days. Development of eggs takes place in the follicles and once they reach the appropriate size, you will receive a different hormone for completing egg maturation.
Retrieval of Egg: We can perform egg retrieval on an outpatient basis and you will be lightly sedated during the process. The follicle is aspirated under the guidance of ultrasound to check for mature eggs. The fluid is looked at under a microscope to determine if there are sufficient eggs to proceed with the procedure.
Preparation of Sperm and fertilization of the egg: Fertilization can be done once the eggs are collected and a semen sample is collected from the male partner or donor. The sperm is processed before it can fertilize the egg. If the semen is normal and healthy, fertilization is carried out. It is done by injecting the sperm inside the egg in a plastic dish with the help of a special culture medium ( known as ICSI)
Embryo transfer: Transfer of embryo can be done once the eggs have successfully fertilized and the embryo has developed. A fine catheter is passed through the cervix for depositing embryos into the uterus. We usually use ultrasound for monitoring the procedure. Transfer of embryo usually takes place after 3-5days of ICSI. Factors like the quality of the embryo and age of the patient come into play to determine the number of embryos that has to be transferred.
Testing for pregnancy: Around two weeks after the embryo is transferred, we perform pregnancy tests through urine or blood testing. Our doctors will keep monitoring in the early stages of pregnancy until the fetus shows signs of a heartbeat.
FAQs
What is IVF?
IVF or in vitro fertilization is the most common type of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). The process bypasses some infertility causes like male sperm abnormality and irregularity of ovulation or fallopian tube in females to create an embryo. The IVF process basically involves the woman’s egg being retrieved surgically and being mixed with the donor or male partner’s sperm in a laboratory for the fertilization to take place. The embryo or the fertilized egg is allowed to grow for 2-5 days before it is transferred back to the womb of the woman.
When should I consult a doctor regarding fertility issues?
Generally, if you have been trying to get pregnant for a year or more but have been unsuccessful in doing so, we recommend you to consult with our fertility specialists. In any given month, there is a 10% chance that a fertile couple will be able to conceive a child. As a result, around 85% of couples within a year of trying to get pregnant.
For the remaining 15% of couples, we advise you to consult our fertility experts. In cases of women over the age of 35, fertility treatment evaluation is recommended after failure of conceiving after 6 months of attempt. For women over 40, you should meet our fertility doctor as soon as you decide to try having a child.
Who are the candidates for IVF?
To determine whether IVF is a suitable treatment for a patient or not, a number of factors come into play. Following are the factors that might make you an appropriate candidate for the treatment:
Low sperm counts
Problems with the fallopian tubes or uterus
Endometriosis
Sperm unable to survive in the cervical mucus or penetrate
Ovulation disorders
Other health issues or unexplained infertility
What is the success rate of IVF?
We have an incredible success rate with IVF treatment. When the woman is using her own eggs, the IVF success rate starts dropping around the age of 30 and continues to dip as she grows older because of the reduced quality and quantity of eggs. Apart from age, the IVF success rate also varies based on factors like weight, height, sperm count, and infertility diagnosis. Previous reproductive history like the number of previous pregnancies, births and miscarriages also determine its success.
How long does the procedure take?
The IVF process takes around 2weeks before the egg is retrieved. Then, the embryos are implanted after 2-5 days. Patients may not achieve pregnancy in the first IVF cycle itself. IN fact, a lot of patients require multiple IVF cycles before they get pregnant.
What do I need to avoid while undergoing IVF?
There are a few restrictions that apply when a patient is undergoing IVF. Our doctors will detail you regarding these restrictions beforehand.
Smoking: It is advisable for both partners to stop smoking at least 3 months before an IVF cycle begins, and before ovulation induction takes place. Tobacco is known to have harmful and toxic effects on the eggs and sperms
Drinking: You need to avoid alcohol from the very beginning of the IVF treatment. If the pregnancy test shows you are pregnant, you should avoid alcohol until you give birth.
Medication: You should inform your doctor regarding any over-the-counter or prescription medication you might be taking. Certain medications may interfere with fertility medication or may not be safe for surgery and embryo transfer.
Vigorous work out: During ovarian stimulation, until the pregnancy results are known, intense physical activities like weightlifting should be avoided.