Describe IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a type of fertility treatment in which an egg is combined with sperm outside the body in a laboratory. This is a strategy utilized by individuals who need assistance accomplishing pregnancy. IVF includes a few complex advances and is a viable type of helped reproductive technology.
Learn more about how the IVF process works.
What is IVF?In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which sperm and eggs are fertilized outside the human body. IVF is a complex process in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and manually combined with sperm in a laboratory for fertilization. A few days after fertilization, the fertilized egg (now called an embryo) is inserted into the uterus. Pregnancy occurs when this embryo implants in the uterine wall.
Why is IVF performed?
People choose IVF for a variety of reasons, including infertility or if one of the couple has an existing health problem. Some people will attempt IVF after other fertility methods have failed or when they are of advanced maternal age. IVF is also a fertility option for gay couples or people who want a child without a partner.
IVF is an option if you or your partner have the following problems:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
- Endometriosis.Low sperm count or other sperm losses.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other ovarian diseases.
- uterine fibroids.
- problems related to your uterus.
- Risk of spreading a disease or genetic disorder.Unexplained infertility.
- You use an egg donor or a surrogate mother.
How long does the IVF process take from begin to finish?
IVF is a synthesis process with many steps. On average, you can expect this process to take four to six weeks.This includes the time before egg retrieval, taking fertility medications and even a pregnancy test.
How common is IVF?
Approximately 5% of couples suffering from infertility attempt IVF. Since 1978, more than 8 million babies have been born through IVF. This is one of the most effective assisted reproduction techniques (ART) available.What is the difference between IVF and IUI (intrauterine insemination)?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is different from in vitro fertilization (IVF) because in the IUI process, fertilization takes place inside a person's body. The sperm sample is collected and washed so that only high-quality sperm remains. This sample is inserted into the uterus using a catheter (thin tube) during ovulation. This method helps sperm reach the egg more easily in the hope that fertilization will occur.In IVF, sperm and eggs are fertilized outside the uterus (in the laboratory) and then implanted into the uterus as embryos.
IUI is cheaper and less invasive than IVF. IUI has a low success rate per cycle.
Process description -
What are the steps of an IVF treatment?
IVF can be divided into the following phases-
Birth control pills or estrogen :
Before starting IVF treatment, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills or estrogen. It is used to prevent the development of ovarian cysts and to regulate the timing of the menstrual cycle. This allows your doctor to monitor your treatment and maximize the number of mature eggs during egg retrieval. Some people are prescribed combination birth control pills (estrogen and progesterone), while others take estrogen alone.
Ovarian Stimulation :
During each natural cycle of a healthy person of childbearing age, a batch of eggs begins to mature each month.Normally only one egg is mature enough to ovulate. The remaining immature eggs in this group decay.
During your IVF cycle, you will take injectable hormonal medications to stimulate the simultaneous and complete maturation of the entire batch of eggs for that cycle. This means that instead of having a single egg (as in the natural cycle), you can have multiple eggs. The type, dosage and frequency of medications prescribed are individually tailored to each person based on their medical history, age, AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels and response to ovarian stimulation during previous IVF cycles.Other steps in the ovarian stimulation process include:
Monitoring: The ovaries' response to medications is monitored using ultrasound and blood hormone levels. Monitoring can occur daily or every few days or two weeks. Most exacerbations last between eight and 14 days. During follow-up appointments, doctors use ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries. The eggs are so small that they cannot be seen on ultrasound.However, your doctor will measure the size and number of growing ovarian follicles. The follicles in the ovaries are small sacs and each contains an egg. The size of each follicle indicates the maturity of the egg within it. Most follicles larger than 14 millimeters (mm) contain a mature egg. Eggs in follicles smaller than 14 mm are more likely to be immature and unfertilized.Trigger Shot: When your eggs are ready for final maturation (determined by your ultrasound and your hormone levels), a “trigger shot” will be administered to complete the maturation of your eggs in preparation for egg retrieval. You will be instructed to give the injection exactly 36 hours before your scheduled egg retrieval.
Egg Retrieval :
Your doctor uses ultrasound to insert a thin needle through your vagina into each of your ovaries. The needle is connected to a suction device that is used to remove the eggs from each follicle.
Your eggs are placed in a container with a special solution.The plate is then placed in an incubator (controlled environment).
To relieve discomfort during this procedure, medication and light anesthesia are used.
The egg retrieval takes place 36 hours after the last hormone injection, the “trigger shot”.
Fertilization :
The afternoon after egg retrieval, the embryologist will attempt to fertilize all mature eggs using intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI. This means that sperm is injected into each mature egg. ICSI cannot be performed on immature eggs. The immature eggs are placed in a dish with sperm and nutrients. Unripe eggs rarely complete their maturation process on the plate.When an immature egg matures, the sperm in the shell may attempt to fertilize the egg.
On average, 70% of mature eggs are fertilized. For example, if 10 mature eggs are retrieved, approximately seven will be fertilized. If successful, an embryo develops from the fertilized egg.
If there are a large number of eggs or you do not want all of the eggs to be fertilized, some of the eggs can be frozen before fertilization for later use.Fetal Development
Over the next five to six days, your fetus's development will be carefully monitored.
Your embryo must overcome important obstacles to become an embryo suitable for transfer to your uterus. On average, 50% of fertilized embryos reach the blastocyst stage. This is the most suitable stage for transfer to your uterus. For example, if seven eggs are fertilized, three or four of them may develop into the blastocyst stage.The remaining 50% generally fail to progress and are discarded.
All embryos suitable for transfer will be frozen on the fifth or sixth day after fertilization for use in future embryo transfers.
Embryo transfer :
There are two kinds of embryo transfer: fresh and frozen embryo transfer. Your healthcare provider can discuss the use of fresh or frozen embryos with you and decide what is best based on your specific situation. Both frozen and fresh embryo transfers follow the same transfer procedure.The main difference can be seen in the name itself.
A fresh embryo transfer means that your embryo is placed in your uterus three to seven days after egg retrieval. This embryo has not been frozen and is “fresh”.
Frozen embryo transfer involves thawing frozen embryos (from a previous IVF cycle or from donated eggs) and placing them into the uterus. This is a more common practice for logistical reasons and because this method is more likely to result in a live birth.Frozen embryo transfer can occur years after egg retrieval and fertilization.
The first step of a frozen embryo transfer involves taking oral, injectable, vaginal or transdermal hormones to prepare your uterus to receive the embryos. Typically, it involves 14 to 21 days of oral medications, followed by six days of injections. During this time, you will typically have two to three appointments to check the readiness of your uterus via ultrasound and to measure your hormone levels using blood tests. When your uterus is ready, you will be scheduled for the embryo transfer.
If you are using fresh embryos, the process is similar, except that the embryo transfer occurs three to five days after collection.
Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that does not require anesthesia. It feels similar to a pelvic exam or Pap test. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and a thin catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. A syringe connected to the other end of the catheter contains one or more embryos.The embryos are injected into the uterus via a catheter. This interaction generally takes under 10 minutes.
Pregnancy :
Pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants in the uterine lining. About nine to 14 days after the embryo transfer, your doctor will do a blood test to determine whether you are pregnant.
If donor eggs are used, the same steps apply.The egg donor performs ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. After fertilization, the embryos are transferred to the person who wants to become pregnant (either with or without various fertility medications).
Many factors must be taken into account before starting IVF treatment. It is important to consult your doctor to better understand the IVF process and what to expect.
What do you prepare for IVF treatment?A thorough medical examination and fertility test are required before starting IVF treatment. Your partner will also be examined and tested. Preparations you need to make include:
IVF consultation (meeting with healthcare providers to discuss the details of the IVF process).
A uterine exam, the latest Pap test and a mammogram (if you are over 40).
A semen analysis.Detection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other infectious diseases.
ovarian reserve tests and blood and urine tests.
Guidance on administering fertility medications.
Screening for genetic carriers. Sign
consent forms.Assessment of the uterine cavity (hysteroscopy or saline ultrasound (SIS)).
Your doctor will start taking folic acid supplements at least three months before the embryo transfer.
What can you expect after IVF treatment?
Some mild symptoms may occur after embryo transfer:
- Mild bloating and cramping.
- Breast tenderness due to high estrogen levels.open.
- Constipation.
Many people return to normal activities shortly after egg retrieval. However, you should not drive a car for 24 hours after anesthesia. Approximately nine to 14 days after the embryo transfer, you will return to the clinic for a pregnancy test using a blood sample.
How do IVF injections work?
During your IVF cycle, you will take injectable hormonal medications to stimulate the entire group of eggs to unite and fully mature in that cycle. Your doctor will determine the type, frequency and dosage of medication required for your treatment. It is based on your age, medical history, hormone levels and, if applicable, your response to previous IVF cycles. You can expect to inject the reproductive medication for about eight to 14 days.
What medications are used in IVF?
Many medications can be used during an IVF cycle. Some are taken orally, others are injected, absorbed through the skin, or inserted into the vagina. Your doctor will create an accurate dosage and schedule based on your treatment plan.
During the ovarian stimulation phase, you can expect to be given injected hormones:
Stroke-stimulating hormones (FSH): These hormones are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.During treatment you may receive a combination of one or both. This happens for about 14 days.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG): Usually given as a final injection to mature eggs and accelerate ovulation.
Luoprolide Acetate: A type of agonist (response) of the immune hormone gonadotropin (GNRH) administered by injection. This can help control the stimulation process or serve as a trigger.You may be given birth control pills or injections before starting IVF. This provides level control over your cycle and allows all eggs to start at the same time. Most people receive estrogen supplements before and after the fetal transfer. This hormone contributes to the thickening of the uterine lining. Progesterone is also added to improve fetal implants and increase the possibility of a successful pregnancy.Most continue it throughout their first trimester. These medications are oral, injectable, transderl, or vaginal.
What is supported by IVF?
Helped Bring forth is a strategy utilized in IVF treatment. This involves drilling a hole in the outer shell of your fetus before transferring the fetus to the uterus.This hole helps the fetus “hatch” more easily than its outer shell. In order to become pregnant, your fetus must come out and attach to the uterine lining. Consider having supported eggs, such as when your fetus is born, and increase the chances of your eggs being transplanted into your uterus. Assisted hatching is mainly used for patients who have failed many IVF cycles.
How much does IVF cost?
The typical expense of an IVF cycle in the US is $15,000. This does not include the cost of the medication, which can cost around $5,000 per cycle. It is difficult to give an exact amount because the cost depends on your medical history and treatment plan, insurance coverage (some government-run treatments), and treatment centers.
Risk-Reward -
What are the risks of IVF?
There are many risks associated with IVF treatment:
Multiple births: When many babies are born, there is an increased risk of premature birth.
Premature birth: The risk of your child being born prematurely or with a low birth weight may be slightly higher.
Abortion: The abortion rate is similar to that of pregnancy after natural conception.
Ectopic pregnancy: This is a condition in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.Egg retrieval complications: Bleeding, infection, and damage to the bladder, intestines, or reproductive organs during egg retrieval.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): a rare condition that causes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid weight gain, bloating, difficulty breathing, and inability to urinate.
What are the most common side effects of IVF?
Some people experience side effects from reproductive medications used during the ovulation stimulation phase of IVF. These include: , Nausea and vomiting.Hot flashes.
- headache.
- Enlargement of her ovaries.
- stomach pain.
IVF injection injury.After your fetus is transferred, you should be able to resume your normal activities. Your ovaries will grow and you may experience some discomfort. There are common side effects following a fetal transfer: , Constipation.
- swelling.
- contraction.Breast softness (due to high estrogen levels).
IVF can be laborious both physically and emotionally. Many people who undergo IVF treatment struggle with depression and anxiety. People may feel disappointed or overwhelmed by infertility and IVF issues.Talk to your doctor about how you're feeling so they can support you through the process.
Is an IVF pregnancy high risk?
An IVF pregnancy is not automatically considered a high-risk pregnancy. A pregnancy through IVF is considered a high-risk pregnancy if there is a medical condition that puts the birth parents at high risk. For example, older maternal age, diverse expectations or high blood pressure.Recovery and Outlook
How effective is IVF for getting pregnant?
Your age is one of the most important factors for IVF success. If you are under 35 years old, the chances of getting pregnant through IVF are very high and if you are over 40 years old, they are less. The standard of living also varies and is firmly linked to age. For example, if the parents born are under 35 years old and use their own eggs, the survival rate is about 46%, while a 38-year-old man uses his own eggs.But life expectancy is around 22%.
How long does it take to know you're pregnant after IVF?
It takes nine to 14 days to perform a pregnancy test after fetal transfer. The exact time may vary depending on the consultation or reproductive clinic. Your doctor may do blood tests to detect pregnancy. Blood tests measure HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy.How soon can you try again after the failed IVF process?
Most treatment centers recommend a full menstrual cycle between IVF cycles. The length of the menstrual cycle varies, but you can wait four to six weeks after a negative test to start a second cycle. A short break between cycles is usually recommended for health, economic and emotional reasons.
When should I call the doctor?
If you are currently undergoing IVF treatment, you should contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Your temperature is above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (or 38.05 degrees Celsius).
- Blood comes out in the urine.
- Your vagina is bleeding heavily.You have severe pain in the pelvic area.
- What questions should I ask at the fertility clinic?
- Choosing a fertility clinic and carrying out IVF is an important decision.