A common dream for many couples is to experience the joy of parenthood. However, it becomes tough for many because they are facing challenges with their fertility.
IVF has been done for decades, as you may know the basic reasons. However, this blog has detailed information to add up more for you.
What is IVF?
IVF is an infertility treatment associated with ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). It is the process of collecting mature eggs from a body and mixing them with sperm in a laboratory to help fertilize the egg.
The fertilized eggs are monitored in the laboratory for the development of an embryo. Once the sperm and egg develop into an embryo, they are allowed to grow in the artificial medium in the laboratory to increase the potential for a successful pregnancy.This process is known as embryo culture. Then the embryo is injected into the uterus through a catheter ( a flexible tube).
Who can benefit from IVF?
IVF treatment involves using a couple’s egg and sperm or opting for either unknown donor sperm or unknown donor egg, or both. Couples who experience infertility issues such as
- Blocked fallopian tubes (connecting the ovaries to the uterus)
- Ovulation disorder
- Individuals facing genetic disorders
- Decreased sperm count
- Unexplained infertility.
How long is the IVF process from beginning to end?
Generally, the process of IVF takes 6-8 weeks, from the initial consultation and preparation to the pregnancy test. As it is a long process, it includes different phases such as
| PHASES | NAME OF THE PHASE | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
|
I |
Initial Consultation |
1-2 weeks |
|
II |
Ovarian Stimulation |
2-3 weeks |
|
III |
Egg Retrieval |
1 day |
|
IV |
Fertilization |
1 week |
|
V |
Development of embryos |
1-2 weeks |
|
VI |
Embryo Transfer |
2 weeks |
What are the stages of IVF treatment?
Here are the 5 stages of IVF treatment:
Ovarian stimulation
Here, various stimulations are given to increase the performance of the ovaries so as to increase the number of eggs produced. This is a crucial process for producing healthy eggs.
Egg retrieval
When the ovaries produce multiple mature eggs, you will be given light sedation by doctors, which allows them to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries.
Fertilization
The most common process in the journey of IVF pregnancy is where high-quality eggs collected from the female and the sperm collected from the male are combined in the laboratory setting for the development of embryos.
Embryo development
After fertilization, the resulting embryos are placed in an incubated medium, which allows them to grow and develop, dividing into multiple cells.
Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is the final step in IVF treatment. Under the guidance of a doctor, a healthier and stronger embryo is carefully inserted directly into the female uterus using a catheter. The catheter is a thin, flexible tube made of silicone or plastic material, used to gently transfer the embryo into the uterus.
How to prepare for IVF treatment?
Before getting into the IVF treatment, here are some tips that you should follow to get positive results, such as
- Drink plenty of water and keep your body hydrated, as it helps dissolve various IVF medications.
- Limit your caffeine and alcohol, which damages your pregnancy hormone and also increases the chance of getting a miscarriage.
- Follow a regular diet plan by adding your favorite fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and protein-rich foods which induce you to eat more.
- Do easy exercises such as slow walking and breathing exercises like breathing in and out for 3 to 6 minutes regularly, as they make your body flexible and increase blood flow.
- Have enough sleep for 7 to 8 hours daily and do not stress much about the situation. Always have open communication with your partner, friends, and family about your emotional feelings, which will help you feel relaxed.
What can you expect after IVF treatment?
After the IVF treatment, you can experience various physical and emotional pains, such as
- A mild cramping in your pelvic area where it is located in the lower abdomen. It is because the embryo transfers through the catheter and gets into the uterus through the fallopian tube.
- A few hormonal changes happen in your body because you consume various hormonal medications for the IVF treatment, which results in breast tenderness and slight pain when you touch.
- Light bleeding or spotting may happen for at least 2 days because the fertilized egg gets attached to the uterine lining. Do not confuse it with menstrual bleeding.
- You may feel nausea, fatigue, and vomiting because of the various chemicals present in the medications. You will also be affected by morning sickness.
- It is hard to concentrate on one thing as your mood swings change for no reason. You may feel disturbed and depressed because of various hormonal changes.
Choosing the best fertility hospital significantly improves symptom management and ensures you receive the best care during your IVF journey.
How do IVF injections work?
Medications such as FSH ( Follicle Stimulating Hormone ) and LH ( Luteinizing Hormone) are used to stimulate the ovaries and induce the production of the eggs. These are injected into the lower abdomen or in front of the thigh.
Once it is injected, the ovaries are stimulated to produce more eggs for the fertilization purpose. These will be monitored by the ovary tracker to note the activities of ovulation.
What are the most common side effects of IVF?
Here are the various factors that affect the IVF success rate such as
- Bloating – This happens due to various medications given to stimulate the ovaries at the time of treatment.
- Premature birth – The IVF-treated babies will have a chance of getting delivery before completing 37 weeks.
- Mood swings – were caused by emotional impact, and the hormonal injections were taken at the time of IVF treatment.
- Stress – due to physical and mental illness.
- Obesity – intake of IVF medications causes an increase in weight.
- Chance of getting cancer – Gonadotropins, and hCG are the various medications given to stimulate the hormone, which may increase the risk of cancer.
- Reactions to fertility drugs – Headache, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, and vaginal dryness happen because of fertility drugs injected at the time of IVF treatment.
How much does IVF cost?
The cost of IVF treatment varies according to the hospital and the health condition of the patient.
| Level | Minimum cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Low |
1,30,000 |
1,70,000 |
|
Average |
1,70,000 |
2,20,000 |
|
High |
2,20,000 |
2,60,000 |
Factors Affecting IVF Success
Sperm Quality
At least 10 to 15 million sperm are required for the IVF success rate in the fertilization process. Various factors such as the quality, motility, and shape of the sperm, are required for the treatment of IVF. If any of the factors are low, then it is difficult to secure a positive result in IVF.
Egg Quality
The quality of the egg is crucial because fertilization occurs only with good-quality eggs. While IVF focuses on both quality and quantity, improving egg quality is essential. Having multiple high-quality eggs can offset any challenges, increasing the chances of success.
Health Condition
The body’s health is very essential for successful IVF. If you are facing any health issues, such as asthma, heart disease, or back pain, You will be undergoing various medications to control all those diseases that create a negative impact on successful IVF.
Stress
The most important factor that everyone will undergo after the treatment of IVF. The IVF-treated women will be in a confused state of what will be the result in the future.
Worrying about the future is a waste of time. Do various activities such as doodling, sketching, and gardening which make you feel better.
Lifestyle habits
To meet up with a positive result in IVF, you should follow some healthy habits that are a bit tough for you to follow. Plan for a healthy diet. Add your favorite fruits and vegetables to your diet, which helps you consume more.
Do meditations, yoga, and mind-relaxing activities to keep yourself calm. Having a good lifestyle habit not only makes you get pregnant but also helps your life to live better.
Conclusion
From this, you get to know that IVF is a simple procedure that adds to your family’s happiness. During the treatment, you may undergo various medications that affect your health. However, many women get the chance of getting pregnant from this treatment.
6 to 8 weeks are the most common days that IVF takes to the next stage of embryo development.
Based on ultrasound and blood tests of the IVF-treated women, it depends on the growth in the ovaries. The fertility specialist should monitor and control the status of the treatment to give the injection.
No. Not all IVF babies are normal because the babies have the chance of getting low-weight birth and premature birth.
It depends on the quality and not the quantity. Even one egg is enough for the proper fertilization. In some cases, 10 – 15 eggs are required for the successful rate of IVF.
