IVF Process: Couples who struggle to conceive now have solace in the form of IVF. It is a medical procedure that aids people facing difficulties in getting pregnant. Let’s break down every IVF procedure step, including everything from consulting a physician to getting an embryo transfer. You deserve to understand everything that is happening step by step.
IVF is explained in simple words.
In simple words, in vitro fertilization refers to mixing egg and sperm in a laboratory to create an embryo and transferring that embryo to a woman’s uterus. It is advised that couples trying to conceive who are not able to do so after trying medication and intrauterine insemination (IUI) get this treatment.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Testing
The journey of IVF begins with consulting a fertility specialist. Due to this being such a sensitive medical topic, both the male and female partners need to undergo a series of tests, which include blood tests, ultrasounds, and a deeper look into each partner’s medical history. Once this is done, the fertility expert will have a clearer image of what the problem is and how to solve it.
We use ovarian reserve testing, hormone level testing, and ultrasound of the ovaries and uterus in females. For males, scrutinizing sperm production and analysis is of paramount importance.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation -In this, the woman is administered fertility drugs that initiate the ovaries to increase their conventional output of one egg per cycle. The fertility drugs enable the collection of several eggs, which increases the chance of successful impregnation.
The doctors control the fenestrations that lead to implantation using ultrasound and blood analysis. This allows them to tailor the drugs to fit each individual’s development cycle. This part of the process lasts 10 to 14 days.
Step 3: Egg Retrieval (Aspiration)
Once the eggs are mature, the next step in the IVF process is egg retrieval, also known as aspiration. This minor surgical procedure is performed under sedation. The doctor uses a needle, which is guided by ultrasound, to remove the eggs from the ovaries. The procedure typically takes around 20-30 minutes and is relatively painless.
After the eggs are retrieved, they are immediately taken to the laboratory for fertilization.
Step 4: Fertilization
Now, it’s time to fertilize the eggs. In the lab, the eggs are combined with sperm from the male partner or a sperm donor. There are two methods for fertilization:
- Conventional IVF: The sperm and eggs are placed together in a petri dish and left to fertilize naturally.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): If there are concerns about sperm quality, ICSI may be used. In this method, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
The fertilized egg is then carefully observed for growth because fertilization generally takes 24 hours.
Step 5: Embryo Culture and Monitoring
In this stage, the fertilized egg, better known as the embryo, is cultured for up to five days. During this time, an embryologist carefully assesses the growth and possible development stages during which the embryo may not grow or develop. It is essential to have many embryos present.
The best-quality embryos are selected and recommended for transfer by the specialist. Generally, the aim is to reach the blastocyst stage, at which point the embryo can be put in the uterine cavity.
Step 6: Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is the next step of the IVF process. It is a minimally invasive technique where the chosen embryo is placed in the uterus of the woman. To transfer the embryo into the womb, the physician will insert a thin, flexible tube, referred to as a catheter, through the woman’s cervix.
This procedure has been noted to be short-lived and does not require patients to be under anesthesia. While moderate discomfort may be experienced by some women, most are okay and do not have any issues with it.
Step 7: Pregnancy Test and Follow-up
After their embryos are implanted, women are recommended to wait 10-14 days before taking a pregnancy test. However, a blood test is always suggested, as this will ensure how much hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone) is present in the body and whether pregnancy has indeed been achieved.
For women who test positive, hCG blood tests and ultrasounds are carried out to check if a woman is pregnant and whether or not the embryo is developing inside. In case a woman gets a negative report, she can have a talk with the doctor regarding further plans, such as her chances of conceiving during another IVF cycle next time.
Step 8: Post-IVF Care
Women who have undergone IVF are prescribed hormone medication to help them remain pregnant in the early first trimester. The medication includes progesterone, which facilitates the formation of a strong uterine lining and the infiltration of the embryo.
Аll through the beginning of the pregnancy, the female patient will undergo ultrasounds alongside the pregnancy because it is crucial for the doctors to keep a close eye on all developments and ensure proper functioning. This will help keep track of the cardiac activity of the fetus as well as its growth.
The Efficiency of IVF and the Various Factors Influencing It
There are a range of variables that affect the chance of IVF success, such as the age of the woman, her infertility issues, and the better quality of the sperm and eggs. In general, younger women have a higher success rate in conceiving through IVF. The success rate is also dependent on how many embryos are transferred. Nowadays, it is recommended to do a single embryo transfer to prevent the risk of multiple children during one pregnancy.
All the aspects discussed above have proven that the success of IVF is greatly influenced by the parents’ lifestyle choices, any existing or latent diseases, and the equipment present in the clinic.
Conclusion
The IVF process can be emotionally and physically demanding, but it offers hope for those struggling with infertility. By understanding the steps involved and what to expect, you can approach the treatment with a clear perspective. If you are considering IVF, it’s important to consult with a fertility specialist who can guide you through the journey and help optimize your chances of success. With advancements in fertility technology, IVF remains one of the most effective ways to achieve pregnancy for many couples worldwide.