What Is IVF And When Should We Consider It?
- Written by The Times
Starting a family is a big dream for many people, but for some, it can be difficult. When natural pregnancy is not possible, medical treatments can help. One such treatment that you can use is IVF Or In Vitro Fertilization. It’s a complex process that combines eggs and sperm to create embryos. It's a great option for couples facing infertility, helping them achieve their goal of becoming parents.
In this blog post, we will explain what IVF is, why you might need it, how long the process takes, and the chances of success. This will further give you a better understanding of how In Vitro Fertilization works along with its effectiveness.
What Is Meant By In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
It's a medical procedure that helps women get pregnant. This procedure is useful when a couple cannot become parents after trying for a year as well. IVF can also save the baby from genetic problems. During the IVF process, the doctor joins eggs and sperm outside the body using a tube. Then doctors place the embryo in the woman’s womb to develop into a pregnancy.
How Long Does the IVF Procedure To Complete?
IVF is a treatment for couples who have trouble getting pregnant. This process involves several steps, and it’s helpful to know how long each step takes.
- Fertility drugs help the ovaries produce more eggs. This is because not all eggs will grow or fertilize. Doctors use ultrasound to check the ovaries and take blood tests to measure hormone levels.
- Doctors collect eggs through a small surgery by guiding a needle using ultrasound. They also prescribe certain medications to reduce any pain or discomfort during the process.
- After that, the male partner provides a sperm sample and it is prepared to mix with the eggs.
- The eggs and sperm merge in a lab dish to encourage fertilization. If necessary, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may used, where doctors inject a single sperm into the egg. Fertilized eggs are now embryos.
- Subsequently, Embryos are transferred in the uterus after 3 to 5 days of egg retrieval. It is a painless process, though some women may feel mild cramping. Implantation will take after 6 to 10 days of transferring the embryos.
This process can take a few weeks, but each step brings couples closer to their goals. Though it requires patience, many couples find joy and success with IVF treatment.
Why Do We Need To Perform IVF Procedure?
In Vitro Fertilization helps couples who cannot have children through natural processes. As per the top IVF Specialist in Sydney, here are some core reasons behind why people perform IVF procedure.
Unidentified Infertility Causes
Doctors may not be able to find a clear reason for infertility. IVF helps by fertilizing eggs outside the body and then placing the embryo in the uterus, increasing the chance of a successful pregnancy.
Ovulatory Dysfunction
Conditions like PCOS or thyroid problems can stop regular ovulation. IVF helps by using medication to help the ovaries release eggs, which are then fertilized outside the body before being placed into the uterus.
Uterine Tumors
Growths like fibroids in the uterus can make it harder for an embryo to attach. IVF works by placing the fertilized embryo into the uterus, bypassing any problems caused by these tumors. Besides this, it also helps to improve the chance of pregnancy.
Obstructed Fallopian Tubes
Blocked fallopian tubes further do not allow the sperm to reach the egg as well. IVF solves this by retrieving eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them in test tubes. Then the embryo is placed in the uterus for implication.
Premature Ovarian
When the ovaries stop working early, it can cause infertility. IVF helps by using donor eggs, which are fertilized outside the body. Thereafter, they are placed into the uterus for successful pregnancy.
Trying To Become Parents In Later Life
Many women delay having children until their 30s or even 40s to focus on other goals. Fertility experts recommend freezing eggs in your 20s so that when you are ready to have a baby, you will have healthy eggs available. This can further increase the chances of a successful pregnancy later.
Sterilisation Operation
A sterilization operation, like tubal ligation, stops pregnancy by blocking the fallopian tubes. If a woman has had this procedure but wants to have a baby, IVF can help. It works by removing eggs, fertilizing them in labs, and then placing the embryos into the uterus for pregnancy.
IVF is a helpful medical option for couples struggling with infertility. It provides a chance to have a baby and start a family, offering new possibilities for those in need.
Endometriosis
It’s a condition where tissues like the lining of the uterus grow outside it, often on other organs. This can further cause pain and sometimes lead to infertility, making it harder for a woman to get pregnant.
Success Rate Of “In Vitro Fertilization” Process
There are several factors that are involved in the success of this complex procedure. So, here is an idea of the success rate of an average IVF treatment.
According To Age Group
|
Age Group |
Average Success Rate |
|
Under 35 |
41% And 43% |
|
35 To 37 |
33% And 36% |
|
38 To 40 |
23% And 27% |
|
Over 40 |
13% And 18% |
The Sperm Quality And Quantity
Sperm quality and quantity are important for IVF success. More sperm and better movement help fertilize the egg, leading to better chances of pregnancy. Poor sperm quality may lower success rates, and doctors might use techniques like ICSI (Injecting Sperm Directly Into The Egg) to improve results during IVF.
Endometrial Receptivity For Implantation
Endometrial receptivity is crucial for a successful IVF procedure. A healthy and well-prepared lining of the uterus helps the embryo stick and grow. Hormone levels, blood flow to the uterus, and endometrial thickness all affect how well the embryo implants, making these factors key for improving IVF success rates.
By Number Of Embryos
It’s better to transfer a single embryo during IVF because it reduces risks. Transferring multiple embryos can increase the chances of twins, but also raises health risks. Studies show the success rates for single (45%) and double (42%) embryo transfers are similar, making single transfer safer.
By going through this simple problem, you will understand the category you come under along with the possible fertility chances.
The Bottom Line
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a treatment that helps people to become pregnants. It combines sperm and eggs in a test tube to create an embryo. IVF is helpful for issues like blocked fallopian tubes or ovulation problems. If you are considering taking this complex process, consulting an IVF Specialist will help you with support and guide you through the complete process.
