IVF –the most common infertility treatment
IVF Treatment In Kolkata
Introduction:
In Vitro Fertilisation or IVF is a procedure, used to overcome a range of fertility issues. Through this method, childless couples can aspire to become parents using a process of planned parenthood. In IVF procedure, an egg and sperm are joined together outside the body, in a specialised laboratory. The fertilised egg (embryo) is allowed to grow in a protected environment for some days before being transferred into the woman’s uterus increasing the chance that a pregnancy will occur.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the most commonly used medical intervention for overcoming a range of fertility issues for both males and females. For many couples, it gives them the best chance of having a baby.
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- IVF- explained In vitro fertilization (IVF) refers to a technique of assisted reproduction where the egg and sperm are fertilized outside of the body to form an embryo. This embryo is then transferred to the uterus.
- What is ICSI? In the process of Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), sperm is directly insertedinto the egg. This is done under a microscope. If the egg is fertilized, the embryo is inserted into the uterus in the same way as for IVF.Both, IVF and ICSI are the most common Artificial Reproductive techniques with higher success rates than other techniques.
- When to use IVF and ICSI? ICSI is used in Male Factor Infertility where sperm quality, count and motility are the cause behind infertility. IVF is used in Female Factor Infertility, where problems like tubal blockage, endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids may cause infertility. In infertility of unknown causes, a combination of both are used in some cases.
The Stages of IVF
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- IVF is a step closer to becoming parents and you need to prepare yourself for around 2 months of medications, procedures and testing. Before starting the procedure, you will be prepared for it through counselling, where physical, emotional and financial aspects will be discussed with you.
IVF and ICSI will involve 6 stages:
- Stage 1: Ovarian Stimulation Medications are used in this stage to assist the growth and maturation of eggs. The more the number of eggs, the higher the chances of pregnancy with IVF technique. The medications are hormonal and given in form of injections. By having several mature eggs available for attempted fertilization and transfer, the chances of getting pregnant become higher.Monitoring ovulation
Your team will regularly monitor your ovulation to see the progressions and plan dosage and timing accordingly. This will happen through routine scans. - Stage 2: Ovum Pick-up Ovum pick-up is a process in which mature eggs are retrieved under mild sedation or local anesthesia. Doctor will retrieve as many eggs as possible, although all the eggs may not be used in the first IVF cycle itself and maybe stored for usage later.
- Stage 3: Fertilization Semen sample is collected from partner or donor after 2-3 days of abstinence from intercourse/ masturbation. The sperm is processed to select the strongest sperm and fertilization is performed either through incubation or ICSI.
- Stage 4: Embryo Development The embryo is developed in lab into a fertilized egg. The transfer is then done between 3- 5 days of development. If there are any more embryos, they may be stored through cryopreservation to be used in future if necessary.
- Stage 5: Embryo Transfer Embryo transfer, known as ET, is a small procedure which can be done without anesthesia, to implant the developed embryo into woman’s uterus. Generally, one or occasionally two, embryos will be transferred to the uterus. It is important to note that the risk of multiple pregnancy increases with the number of good quality embryos transferred.
- Stage 6: After ET Support After 15 days of ET, pregnancy test may be done. In order to keep adequate hormonal support, medicines are prescribed which one must take as instructed. You can resume normal activities as mentioned by doctor. It is suggested you stay with family and loved ones to ensure emotionally supportive environment. Generally, after 15 days, you will be called to the clinic for taking blood test to determine pregnancy results.