Overview about IVF
IVF or In-vitro Fertilization is an ART solution which is routinely used to help couples facing fertility issues. It is more commonly known as the Test-tube baby procedure. It is the procedure by which the prepared sperm and ovum are made to fertilise under laboratory conditions; the embryo is then transferred back to the uterus of the female partner for further development.
Who should go for IVF ?
IVF is the most commonly known ART technique which is used to help couples who are primarily affected with male infertility, or structural blockages in the reproductive tracts. It is further recommended for:
Fallopian tube blockage
IVF should be considered in the cases where the fallopian tubes are badly damaged and tubal surgery may have decreased chances of success than IVF or in most cases where tubal surgery has already been unsuccessful. IVF can be considered if both fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged. It's a tubal factor infertility that prevents natural conception. During IVF, the ovaries are stimulated to produce several eggs, which are then retrieved. The eggs are then fertilized in the laboratory, and fertilized embryos are placed into the uterus where they can implant and grow, so In vitro fertilization (IVF) can bypass the fallopian tubes altogether.
Ovulation Disorders
Certain women face problems with ovulation, but produce eggs when stimulated with fertility drugs without conceiving. In such cases, specialists opt to stimulate the ovary to produce many ova and then select the best for fertilization and transfer.Ovulation disorder generally happens for women over 40 when hormone levels might be irregular because there are few eggs left to ovulate. For women under 40, premature ovarian failure is when ovaries stop working normally. In such cases, IVF may be suggested by the doctors.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disorder wherein tissue similar to the tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity.Such women with endometriosis may also benefit from the IVF procedure.You may need some special monitoring and careful management of fertility medications because they can temporarily trigger symptoms of endometriosis, but your chances of success are good. So if you have endometriosis and you wish to start a family, IVF is a good solution.
Impaired Sperm Production or Function
IVF is a good option for partners with low sperm count who have been trying to conceive naturally for at least 2 years.When the sperm of the male partner has low motility, count or certain structural abnormality but may still have the potential to fertilize an ovum, in such cases carefull preparation by embryologists and an IVF procedure may help such couples to conceive.
Female partners with ‘hostile’ cervical mucous
Certain women have thickened cervical mucus which may present as an inhospitable environment for sperms to pass through. In such cases IVF is recommended as it bypasses the cervical region.
For couples facing several fertility issues together or Unexplained Infertility
In cases such as poor male fertility and tubal disease in the couple, IVF may help to overcome the fertility issues and proceed for conception.Also, when infertile couples or individuals have undergone all appropriate tests and no cause for their infertility is found, they are diagnosed with unexplained infertility. In such cases, IVF might help them to conceive, overcoming any unknown infertility factor.
Genetic Disorder
IVF along with other genomic procedures may be recommended to couples who have or had previous children with genetic disorders.and for people who already know, they are at risk for passing on a genetic disease. However, for most of the babies born with genetic disorders, there is not much-known family history. Through IVF and technical advancement, it has become quite feasible to detect genetic disorders, and accordingly, healthy embryos can be curated by eliminating any problematic genes causing genetic birth defects.
Fertility Preservation in case of Cancer or any other health conditions
In case either of the partners is suffering from cancer and would like to opt for gamete preservation prior to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, IVF is recommended at a later date with such cryopreserved gametes.Freezing embryos or embryo cryopreservation is to help preserve fertility for certain females with cancer. Mature eggs are removed from the female and put in a sterile lab dish with sperm following the IVF or (IVF-ICSI) procedure.
IVF Process
Couples recommended for IVF are required to go through a number of investigations and procedures.
Step 01
Treatment and Counseling
IVF treatment may be cumbersome physically and emotionally for the couple. Counselling with Crysta Counselors help couples understand their treatment regime and voice their concerns which is important prior to the start of the procedure.
Step 02
Stimulation and Monitoring
Ovarian stimulation leads to maturing of follicles. The growth of these follicles is monitored over 10-12 days. The ovarian response is measured through blood investigations and ultrasound at regular intervals. This process helps to control the size, quality and quantity of the maturing follicles.
Step 03
Ovum Retrieval
Medication and final stimulation leads to the release of the mature ovum. The ovum is collected in the clinic and is done by ultrasound guidance under sedition. The collected ovum is then sent to the embryologist for processing in the ART laboratory.
Step 04
Sperm Collection
The male partner is asked to provide a fresh semen sample on the same day. If required, sperm may be extracted from the testes or epididymis by a surgical procedure.
Step 05
Embryo Transfer
The prepared sperm and ovum are fertilized under laboratory conditions to form the embryo. Several such embryos are prepared by the embryologist and based upon the quality is transferred to the uterus of the female partner on the day 3 or day 5 stage of the embryo.
Step 06
Post Transfer Care
Post transfer of the embryo, the ART specialist may prescribe medication and other routine care to enhance the chances of implantation. After a particular period of time, pregnancy tests may be recommended to confirm pregnancy.
Cost of an IVF Procedure
The cost of an IVF procedure is approximately 1.5 Lakhs, but is dependent upon the medical condition of the couple. There may be additional medication and treatments suggested for the couple which may further vary the cost.
Success and IVF
The success of an IVF procedure is around 30-35%, however in women younger than the age of 35 years the success rate is around 40%. The success of an IVF procedure depends upon a number of factors such as:
Myths around IVF
- A. Infertility only affects female partners.
- B. IVF procedures assure 100% success.
- C. Chances of congenital anomalies increase in children born through IVF.
- D. IVF involves the use of donor gametes only.
- E. IVF procedures lead to twin pregnancies.