In Vitro Fertilization is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the womb.
Why use IVF?
IVF is used for patients who struggle to conceive naturally due to various reasons including:
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
Male infertility due to decreased sperm count or sperm motility
Women with ovulation disorders, uterine fibroids, premature ovarian failure,
Women with removed fallopian tubes
Genetic disorders
Unexplained infertility
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IVF Steps with Own Eggs
To increase your chances of getting pregnant, your doctor may suggest prescribing fertility medications that work in two phases. Firstly, they will stop your normal menstrual cycle, and then they will stimulate ovulation and egg production. It is important to produce multiple eggs because some may not develop or fertilize. During the treatment, your doctor will examine your ovaries using transvaginal ultrasound and take blood tests to monitor your hormone levels.
After, the eggs are retrieved via a minor surgical procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity to extract the eggs.
The male is asked to give a sample of sperm, or donor sperm is used, which is prepared for combining with the retrieved eggs.
The semen(from the intended father or donor), and eggs are combined together and stored in a laboratory dish to promote fertilization. Sometimes there is a lower probability of fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used. Meaning, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to cause fertilization. The eggs are watched closely to confirm that fertilization and cell division is happening. Once this is confirmed, the fertilized eggs are considered embryos.
The embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus in 3-5 days after egg retrieval and fertilization. To transfer the embryos into the uterus a catheter or small tube is inserted. Mostly, the procedure is not painful, although cramping can occur. Implantation typically occurs in 6-10 days after egg retrieval, in a successful case.
If the procedure is not successful, the cycle has to repeat. On average women go through 2-3 IVF cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy.
IVF with Donor eggs
In the case of using donor eggs, the steps differ.
Your fertility doctor has to discuss with you that using donor eggs is the best path and to tell you every aspect of it, physical, psychological, and financial. If you decide that you are ready for the process and you can afford it will begin the process of finding an egg donor. With this, your clinic/doctor should assist you and the process differs from clinic to clinic and countries.
When you have a settled donor, she will undergo the basic IVF steps, mentioned above, except embryo transfer.
You will have to take several hormonal medications to prepare your uterus for receiving an embryo and your body for the possible following pregnancy.
After insemination, the 1-2 embryo will be transferred to the womb and in about 2 weeks will be known if there is a successful pregnancy.
How Successful is IVF?
The success rate depends on a number of factors including reproductive history, maternal age, the cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors. It is also important to understand that pregnancy rates are not the same as live birth rates(IVF pregnancy that ended in a live birth), as some IVF pregnancy can end in miscarriage.
IVF success decreases significantly after age 40. Because of this, most women 40 and up use donor eggs due to the success rate not depending so much on women’s age.
The percentage of live births per cycle when using donor eggs is 53.5 % with fresh embryos, and 38.5 % using frozen embryos.
IVF Side Effects?
Although you may need to have a relaxed lifestyle after the procedure, most women can return to their normal activities the next day.
Some side effects after IVF can be:
Vaginal fluid (clear or blood-tinged)
Mild cramping
Mild bloating
Constipation
Breast tenderness
If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor urgently:
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Blood in the urine
Pelvic pain
High fever over 100.5 °F (38 °C)
Some side effects of fertility treatment medication:
