#KhushkhabriWithIVF: Embracing parenthood is a dream that many couples see but not all of them get to enjoy this feeling naturally. Pregnancy is a natural process but there are various factors that shatter the possibility of natural pregnancy for many aspiring parents, infertility being the top reason. With lifestyle changes and personal choices, cases of infertility have increased drastically. This hampers the natural process but with medical advancements like IVF, the hope of couples can be restored. With the aim to increase awareness regarding IVF, Onlymyhealth is coming up with a series ‘Khush khabri With IVF’ wherein we will gather and share facts, figures and all possible information related to IVF to motivate them not to lose hope. This series aims to cater to the growing sector of IVF and how this can be the turning point of lives of couples who lost hope of becoming parents.
What Is IVF?
In vitro fertilization or IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology that helps couples achieve pregnancy, explains Dr Anu Sadashiv, Reproductive Medicine Specialist at Milann Fertility and Birthing Hospital KumaraPark Bangalore. This method is of great help for couples who are unable to conceive naturally and wish to embrace parenthood. This fertility treatment is done in a lab where sperm of the father and eggs of the mother are combined and fertilized. This is a complex and tedious process. The couple, especially the mother, has to undergo several painful steps to implant the fertilized egg in her uterus. However, not all implantations result in pregnancy as despite all the efforts, some embryos fail to grow.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Multiple Pregnancies With IVF
Why choose IVF?
Over the years, IVF has gained popularity in India. This could be either due to extensive promotion or setting up of IVF centers in almost all cities across the country. Couples dealing with infertility or pregnancy-related issues are seeking support from IVF specialists to start a family. While a majority of couples undergo IVF due to fertility issues, here are some other reasons why IVF can be considered:
- Late pregnancy or advanced maternal age
- Failures of other fertility methods and treatments
- Same-sex couples who wish to have a child
- Poor ovarian reserve
- Women with endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids and other ovarian conditions
- Low sperm count in male partner
- Unexplained infertility
- Parent(s) having a genetic condition that may pass on to the baby through natural pregnancy
Reasons Why IVF Is A Great Option
IVF has been considered a boon for infertile couples for several reasons. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Overcoming infertility: IVF offers a chance for couples who have been unsuccessful in conceiving naturally to have a child.
- Treating various fertility issues: IVF can address a range of fertility issues, including fallopian tube damage, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, male factor infertility, and unexplained infertility.
- Genetic testing: IVF allows for preimplantation genetic testing, which can help identify genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities in embryos before implantation, reducing the risk of passing them on to the child.
- Increased pregnancy rates: IVF has higher success rates compared to other fertility treatments, increasing the chances of achieving pregnancy and having a healthy baby.
Steps of IVF
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This is a complex treatment with multiple steps. The steps involved in IVF may vary slightly depending on the specific protocol followed by the fertility clinic, but here are the general steps:
Step 1- Ovarian stimulation: Medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Step 2- Egg retrieval: The eggs are collected from the ovaries using a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration.
Step 3- Sperm collection: A semen sample is obtained from the male partner or a donor.
Step 4- Fertilization: The retrieved eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish for fertilization through conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected into each egg.
Step 5- Embryo culture: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in a laboratory for a few days to allow for development.
Step 6- Embryo transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus using a catheter.
Step 7- Pregnancy test: About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine if the IVF procedure was successful.
Also Read: 5 Questions To Avoid Asking A Couple Undergoing IVF
What to expect after IVF?
While IVF can be an effective fertility treatment, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. Some common risks and side effects include:
- Multiple pregnancies: IVF increases the chances of having multiple pregnancies, which may carry a higher risk of complications.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): In some cases, the medications used for ovarian stimulation can lead to OHSS, causing abdominal pain, bloating, and fluid accumulation.
- Egg retrieval risks: The egg retrieval procedure carries a small risk of bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding structures.
- Emotional and psychological impact: The IVF process can be emotionally and psychologically challenging, as it involves a rollercoaster of hope, anticipation, and potential disappointment.
How successful is IVF
The success rate of IVF depends on various factors like maternal age, quality of eggs and sperm, cause of infertility and obviously, expertise of the fertility clinic. Generally, the success rates range from around 30% to 50% per cycle, with higher success rates for younger women. It is advisable to consult with a fertility specialist who can provide personalized information based on individual circumstances.
