In Vitro Fertilization is an infertility treatment for couples who are struggling to have a child in their life. The eggs from the ovaries and the sperm from the testicles are collected and tested in the laboratory.
After the analysis, the matured egg and the tested sperm will be joined to form an embryo under the control of the laboratory. Then slowly the embryo forms and is transformed into the uterus. However, in this process, there are three different types where the treatment changes according to the nature of the couples.
In this blog, you will see them in detail.
What are the three types of IVF?
The three types of In Vitro Fertilization are
- Natural Cycle IVF
- Mild Stimulation
- In Vitro Maturation
Natural Cycle IVF
In this type of IVF, the eggs are collected by tracking with the natural menstrual cycle. Here no other stimulation is given in the type of medication as the eggs get naturally stimulated. Every woman who is trying to conceive can do this process when their ovary is in good condition.
Process of Natural Cycle IVF
Monitoring:Your menstrual cycle will be monitored with the help of using ultrasound. It helps to track the development in the follicle as to how many eggs are produced.
Egg Retrieval: The eggs that are produced naturally will be collected for the next process of fertilization. The transvaginal ultrasound-guided procedure is followed to collect the eggs that are produced from the follicles which is known as follicular aspiration.
Fertilization: Once the eggs are collected from the follicles, then it is tested in the laboratory to check the matured eggs for fertilization.
Embryo Transfer: Both the matured egg and the sperm are inserted to form an embryo to transfer into the uterus.
Implantation: Once the embryo gets developed outside the laboratory then it is placed into the uterus where it reaches the lining of the uterus as it results in the pregnancy.
Advantages of Natural Cycle IVF
As there is no consumption of medications to stimulate the ovaries, there will not be any side effects for both the mother and the child.
It reduces the chances of multiple births as only one egg is collected for fertilization.
Studies suggest that the eggs that are produced naturally will have the quality of eggs for fertilization.
Risks of Natural Cycle IVF
It involves a lower chance of getting pregnant as only one egg is collected for the fertilization process.
As only one egg is collected, there is no chance of storage of eggs for future fertilization.
Women with irregular menstrual cycles may have a lower chance of getting pregnant.
Mild Stimulation
Mild stimulation also known as soft IVF is like the natural cycle IVF. But there is a slight change as there is a slight number of fertility injections given to stimulate the eggs for the process. A maximum of 8 – 10 eggs is taken for the process whereas smaller doses are consumed.
Process of Mild Stimulation
Initial Consultation: You must consult the best fertility hospital to know the status of your medical history and the reason for the infertility.
Stimulation: Low-dose Gonadotropin is used to stimulate the eggs from the ovaries.
Monitoring: After the injection, monitoring is done with the help of ultrasound to track the follicle development.
Egg Retrieval: Follicular aspiration is performed to collect the eggs that are matured with the process of stimulation.
Fertilization: 8 to 10 mature eggs are collected to perform the fertilization process.
Embryo Development: The collected eggs are kept under laboratory control as to develop the embryo.
Embryo Transfer: The developed embryo gets transferred into the uterus with the help of the catheter and then the pregnancy test is taken for confirmation.
Advantages of Mild Stimulation
Consuming a low level of medication reduces the risk of developing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.
This involves a lower cost as the consumption of medication is low.
Only a few eggs are collected to monitor the process, it is easy to note the growth of the embryo.
Risks of Mild Stimulation
Lower chance of getting pregnant as only a few eggs are collected for the process.
Women who are facing certain fertility issues or poor-quality eggs might have lower chances of getting pregnant.
May require multiple cycles to get a successful pregnancy.
In vitro maturation (IVM)
In Vitro Maturation is the process of collecting immature eggs from the ovaries to make them mature in the laboratory. By using the medium, the eggs in the ovaries also known as the oocytes are observed from 24 to 48 hours to turn into matured eggs.
Process of IVM
Ovulation Suppression: Medications like leuprolide or antagonists are given to delay the natural process of producing eggs which helps the fertility doctor to take eggs when it is needed for the process.
Egg Retrieval: The collected immature eggs are placed in the medium and are observed for up to 24 to 48 hours.
Fertilization: The matured eggs are collected from the medium to move for the next process of fertilization.
Embryo Development: Once the matured eggs and tested sperms are joined to develop, the embryo is formed.
Embryo Transfer: The developed embryo is transferred into the uterus with the help of the catheter for the next level and the pregnancy test is taken for confirmation.
Advantages of IVM
As there is no need for high levels of medications, it prevents Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome as it affects women practicing ART techniques.
Since the eggs are treated in the medium to mature, the process is shorter and gives the result quickly.
Women who are facing cancer may have the chance of breaking the eggs during the treatment. But, this IVM helps to make the eggs mature before the cancer treatment.
Risks of IVM
IVM is a new treatment where the availability will be less compared to all other types of ART techniques.
It is not suitable for everyone who may be affected by blocked fallopian tubes or with lower fertility levels.
As the process changes the immature eggs into matured eggs there is a slight chance of getting twins or triplets.
Sudden loss of pregnancy happens as the fertilization is treated with immature eggs.
Conclusion
Various ART techniques are involved in the process of fertilization. However, these three types of IVF help you to give more benefits when compared to others. The choice of IVF and its types differs according to the couples as it includes both the advantages and risks.
The final solution to the problem is to get pregnant. Focus on it and decide according to your body’s health, financial status, and recommendation of the doctor.
No, not every IVF gives successful results. The success rate depends upon various factors such as the age of the couple, body conditions, health conditions, the number of cycles they have undergone, and the fertility center they choose.
Embryo transfer is the most important stage in the process of IVF. In this procedure, the embryo gets developed under care in the laboratory. The developed embryo is transferred carefully in the uterus with the help of a catheter. Once the embryo is transferred properly, then it will initiate to grow in the mother’s womb.
The successful rate of the Natural Cycle of IVF is 7-10%. This is because there are no medications used for ovarian stimulation and only one egg is collected from the follicle tubes.
