IVF

It has given millions of couples the option to conceive whenever they are ready instead of rushing because they are getting older. IVF is not a solution for older couples only but those suffering from health-related factors.

But at the same time, we should keep in mind that IVF is not a name of a single treatment. It is a combination of multiple stages, and it does not work the same for everybody; some people are done in one round, while some need multiple rounds. It depends on the type of infertility you have and other factors.

In Vitro Fertilization or IVF is a combination that includes medications and surgical procedures to help sperm fertilize an egg. In this procedure, the sperms and eggs are taken out of the male and female bodies, after which they are put together in a container until it is fertilized. Then the fertilized egg is injected directly into the mother’s womb.

Most people think that IVF treatment is only for older women. Though it is used as a primary treatment for infertility in women who are 40+, there are other conditions in which IVF can be a suitable treatment.

• Fallopian tube damage or blockage : - If the fallopian tube is blocked or damaged, it makes the egg unable to be fertilized or an embryo to travel to the uterus.
• Ovulation Disorders : - If there is an absence or infrequency of ovulation, fewer eggs are available for fertilization.
• Endometriosis : - Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissues which make the inner lining of the uterus start growing outside the uterus, which leads to the dysfunction of the ovaries, the uterus, and fallopian tube.
• Uterine Fibroids : - The benign tumors in the uterus are called fibroids. They are common in women who are in their 30s and 40s. It disturbs the implantation of the fertilized egg.
• Previous tubal sterilization or removal : - Tubal ligation is a procedure in which the fallopian tubes are permanently blocked or removed to prevent pregnancy. If a woman wants to conceive after tubal ligation, then IVF might be a good alternative for tubal ligation invasive surgery.
• Impaired sperm production or function : - Abnormalities in sperm shape, size, or mobility are a common cause of infertility. Through IVF procedure, these abnormalities can be identified.
• Unexpected fertility : - Sometimes, the cause of infertility is unknown, and IVF can be a savior in this case.
• Genetic disorder : - If you and your partner are thinking about passing genetic diseases to your child, IVF might be a good option. The procedure of IVF includes Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), through which fertilized eggs are examined before being transferred to the uterus.
• Fertility Preservation : - For those women who want to freeze their eggs for later use, IVF is a great option.

• Ovulation Induction : - The first step is Ovulation Induction; in this step, medications are given to help your body produce mature eggs that can be used for fertilization.
• Egg Retrieval : - In this step, the mature eggs are taken out of the female body. Medicines are given to help you relax, after which your doctor would use ultrasound to examine the body. Then a thin and hollow tube with a needle on top, attached to a suction device, is inserted into the ovary & follicles to pull out eggs.
• Insemination : - In this procedure, the eggs and the sperm cells are put together in a container to be fertilized. (embryos)
• Embryo Transfer : - In this step, the embryos are injected into the uterus. The pregnancy takes place when the embryos get attached to the uterus lining.

• Conceive whenever you are ready : - IVF has given thousands of women to feel the bliss of being a parent when they are ready. Older women can conceive through this process, and those women who want to be a mother later are also taking the shelter of IVF and freezing their eggs for later use.
• Increased chances of a healthy baby : - The process of IVF includes PGT, which detects the abnormalities in the sperm or the embryos to be eliminated.
• Decreased chances of miscarriage : - PGT, a part of IVF, helps detect the problems that might lead to a miscarriage.

• Multiple Pregnancies : - In IVF procedure, multiple embryos are placed into the uterus, which produces a 20-30% chance of multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancies come with certain health risks such as premature labor, need for a c- section, etc. Consult with your doctor and take proper follow-up of your treatment, and you are good to go.
• Emotional and Psychological Toll : - IVF is not only about your body but also the mind. IVF treatment can be emotionally draining for the patient. It is very important to provide them with the mental support and care they need throughout the process.