IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is a technology used for assisted reproduction. It is a series of procedures ranging from fertilisation that involves extracting eggs, collecting a sample of sperm, and physically combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory. After fertilization, the embryo(s) is implanted into woman’s uterus.
IVF may be used to treat infertility in the following patients:
There are six basic steps in the IVF. Below is the step-by-step explanation of IVF procedures:
Fertility drugs are first recommended to stimulate egg production, because some eggs won't develop or fertilise after retrieval, many eggs are preferred. The ovaries are examined using a transvaginal ultrasound, and blood samples are collected to determine the hormone levels. Patients with insufficient healthy egg production have the option of using donor eggs.
To collect the eggs, a small surgical procedure is carried out using an ultrasound image to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity. In order to avoid any potential discomfort, medication is given.
At this stage, the male partner is asked to produce a sample of sperm. Sperm is often given on the day of egg retrieval. However, sperm can occasionally be obtained beforehand and preserved for use after egg retrieval. Although sperm is often supplied through ejaculation by masturbation, sperm retrieval techniques like microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) are utilised in situations where the male partner is unable to donate enough healthy sperm through ejaculation. For the finest quality sperm, it is advised to postpone sexual activity for two days before sperm donation, but no longer than six days. Donor sperm can be used also. After collection, sperm are separated from the semen fluid in the lab and prepared for combining with the eggs.
This step called insemination, in which the process for the fertilization of the egg is done. The most active sperm is combined with the egg in a specific chamber after a sample of sperm is obtained, either from your spouse or a donor. On occasion, the sperm is injected straight into the egg (ICSI Procedure). The eggs and sperm are then placed in an incubator, where the development of each healthy embryo is monitored carefully.
Eggs go through a number of developmental stages, including the Zyogote, Cleavage, and Blastocyst phases. Only cells that reach the Blastocyst stage are taken into consideration for transfer to the uterus because not all embryos will develop in vitro. In order to increase the likelihood of success in IVF, more than one embryo is typically considered for transfer. However, this also raises the possibility of having twins or triplets with IVF. The number of embryos to transfer will be discussed with you by your IVF specialist, and the decision is typically made jointly after weighing the advantages and disadvantages.
The embryo transfer is the last stage of the IVF procedure. To choose the healthiest embryos for transfer, the embryos are first inspected. The embryo(s) are transferred using a speculum inserted into your vagina and a tiny plastic tube passed through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. It is frequently recommended to stay in bed for about 24 hours after the IVF procedure is finished.
The IVF process typically begins on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle. The administration of initial stimulation doses is followed by egg retrieval and a subsequent transfer. A cycle of the entire process will last 3–4 weeks. The surgery is a day operation; thus, hospital admission is not necessary.
In a reputable facility, the success rate for IVF is often between 30 and 55%. The age of the pair, especially the female, the quantity and quality of sperm and ova, the general reproductive health of the female partner, and a number of other factors all affect how successful IVF is.
