Struggling to start a family can be challenging when you can’t conceive naturally. The IVF process, or in vitro fertilisation, has become a ray of hope for many aspiring parents, turning their dream of parenthood into reality. It involves the creation of an embryo outside the body in a controlled laboratory setting before transferring it into the uterus. This process signifies progress in reproductive medicine, providing couples with an alternative path to fulfilling their dreams of having a child.
In this blog, we will talk about the step-by-step process for IVF, from when you first see your doctor to when you get that long-awaited positive pregnancy test.
A] Process for IVF Treatment
Ovarian Stimulation
The first step of in vitro fertilisation is ovarian stimulation, which stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a controlled manner. This ovarian stimulation is known as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The treatment involves taking hormones like Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinising hormone (LH) to stimulate the ovaries. The more eggs you produce, the more chances you have for successful fertilisation later in the treatment. You will receive transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests regularly during this step in the IVF process to check on your ovaries and monitor your hormone levels.
Egg Retrieval
The next step of the IVF process is egg retrieval. This is done at the hospital approximately 36 hours after the final injection and before ovulation to mature the eggs quickly. Then, you will have a minor surgical procedure known as follicular aspiration to remove the eggs. During this procedure, the doctor will use an ultrasound to guide a thin needle into each ovary, and the needle has a device attached to it that suctions the eggs out one at a time.
Sperm Collection
If the process involves using your partner’s sperm, their semen is collected, treated and ready for fertilising the eggs. Sperms are taken out of the semen by sperm washing, where inactive cells and seminal liquid are removed. Doctors pick the fittest and healthiest sperm for fertilisation. Or you can also opt for a sperm donor; the process would be the same.
Fertilisation
Insemination is also known as fertilisation. It means combining sperm and egg to create an embryo. Doctors use two different procedures for fertilisation: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and conventional insemination. In ICSI, which is used when sperm aren’t motile, and one sperm is injected into the cytoplasm. Another one is conventional insemination, where the sperm are left in a petri dish with one egg.
The fertilised egg divides and becomes an embryo. Once the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, Our expert IVF doctor in Mumbai screen the embryo for chromosomal abnormalities.
Embryo Transfer Into The Uterus
The last step in the IVF process is the embryo transfer. This can be done using fertilised or frozen embryos, depending on your choice. Around 3-5 days after fertilisation, the embryo transfer begins using a thin tube or catheter. Before the transfer, you will be given an injection that helps prepare your uterus to receive the embryo and allow it to implant. Multiple embryos are often implanted at once to increase the chances of success.
B] Why Is IVF Performed?
Damaged Fallopian Tube
The damaged or blocked fallopian tube may hinder the egg’s passage from the ovaries to the uterus and, hence, can cause a problem in natural conception. IVF process bypasses the fallopian tubes completely and ensures that fertilisation is done in the laboratory setup. Therefore, it allows women with fallopian tube problems to conceive without natural dependence on their fallopian tubes.
Ovulation Disorders
IVF helps women who have ovulation disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or even irregular menstrual cycles. In such cases, fewer chances make it hard to conceive naturally. IVF will stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs and increase successful fertilisation and implantation.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue, similar to the lining inside the uterus, grows outside the uterus and causes pain and infertility. This tissue can potentially interfere with the function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus. IVF is a better option for women suffering from endometriosis by making the fertilisation and implantation process take place in a controlled manner.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids can be non-malignant growths in the uterus, and such uterine fibroids may cause fertility as the sides of the fallopian tubes are obstructed or the uterine cavity is distorted so that an embryo could not implant properly. Therefore, IVF helps these women by formulating fertilisation outside the body and transferring a healthy embryo into a prepared uterine environment.
Male Infertility
1 in 6 couples have infertility. In most cases, male infertility can be due to low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or even abnormal sperm shape. IVF helps with most of the male infertility problems. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is one in which a single sperm is injected into the egg. This would increase the chances of fertilisation and help couples succeed in pregnancy.
C] Risks of IVF
Multiple Births
The IVF procedure in itself does not lead to a higher risk of multiple pregnancies, but they have higher chances than women who conceive naturally. The main cause of multiple pregnancies is that more than one embryo is transferred at a time in an IVF cycle. Most fertility doctors transfer multiple embryos, hoping to achieve a better chance of success. If more than one embryo is successfully implanted, it will often result in multiple pregnancies.
Twins or triplets are often a cause for joy, especially if you have waited a long time for a baby. However, multiple pregnancies can cause increased risks for both mother and babies, and there are higher chances of developing pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta abruption and many more.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
In the IVF process, egg production is stimulated with extra hormones, and some women may develop complications like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. OHSS happens when the ovaries swell with fluid and eventually leak into the body, which can cause bloating, nausea and swelling of the abdomen. When OHSS is severe, blood clots, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, dehydration and vomiting are possible. If the symptoms are present, doctors perform a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound to measure ovary size and the amount of fluid collected. Then, your healthcare professional will create a treatment plan.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus. The most common place for an ectopic pregnancy is in one of the fallopian tubes. Still, it can also occur in the cervix or ovary and rarely in the abdominal cavity. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, there is a risk that the placenta will grow in your fallopian tube and damage it. The excessive blood supply to the fallopian tube can result in bleeding. It is important to seek medical treatment if you are worried about this happening during your pregnancy because if left untreated, it could lead to major complications.
Conclusion
The process of IVF has revolutionised fertility treatment offering hope and opportunities to couples facing infertility. Though the journey to IVF is long, patient, and highly charged with emotions, the result of holding your baby makes it totally worthwhile.
Ready to start your IVF journey? Contact our IVF clinic today and schedule a detailed consultation. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff will be there through it all, providing personal care and support according to your unique needs. Let us help turn your dream of becoming a parent into reality.
